Sussex. Extraordinary by nature.
Are you ready to discover a destination with a difference? Where rolling hills and chocolate-box villages are a pebble’s throw from traditional seaside towns and miles of coastline. The home to castles, cathedrals and country manors, with tales of Norman invaders and smugglers’ coves. A haven for walks and watersports, for bike rides and wellbeing breaks. Welcome to sparkling Sussex.
Culture vulture? Explore our galleries, museums, music venues and theatres. Total foodie? Savour stunning local produce at your soon-to-be favourite restaurant. Or how about hitting our independent boutiques, visiting our vineyards or booking tickets to an iconic event? It’s all here and so much more – and all right on London’s doorstep.
Easy to reach. Hard to leave.
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or call the county home, you’re sure to find activities that’ll leave you feeling reinvigorated. Maybe it’ll be the sense of freedom you experience when surrounded by non-stop natural beauty. Or perhaps you’ll get your pulse racing and adrenaline pumping with an action-packed day by the water. And whoever you are, wherever you’re travelling from, you’ll always be greeted with open arms. In Sussex, we pride ourselves on welcoming everyone and anyone. Individuality is celebrated. Eccentricity is embraced.
On cloud wine
If you’re partial to a fine vintage, you can’t visit Sussex without stopping by our award-winning vineyards. And you really are spoiled for choice, in fact Sussex is home to 25% of Britain's Vineyards! From wine-tastings to tours, overnight stays to on-site dining, our vineyards offer curated experiences in incredible locations.
So, what will be first on your list? Start exploring everything Sussex has to offer, whether you’re looking for things to do, wondering what’s on, planning where to stay or researching the best food and drink spots. See you soon!
Seen it on TV?
Find the locations and people featured in Episode 5 of the Channel 5 series, Sussex: Jewel of the South Coast
Sussex takes centre stage in new TV series
Sussex: Jewel of the South Coast
Tune in to Channel 5, starting Saturday 25 July at 8pm to see Sussex on screen!
Awaken your inner explorer
Come and discover your new favourite destination. What can you expect? Here's a taster...
What's on this week in Sussex
Discover what’s happening this week and plan your perfect day out in Sussex.
Wrex
Brighton duo WREX merge sounds of pop and electro with punk and nu-metal to create a uniquely…
The Deep Blue Sea by Terence Rattigan
- Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
To see yourself as the world sees you may be very brave, but it can also be very foolish. As we…
The History of Rock
The History of Rock is back and bigger than ever! Join us as we celebrate a rock line up like no…
Sneak Peek Tours at Nymans
- Aug 29, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Take a behind the scenes look inside the house on a sneak peek tour. Tours last approximately 30…
Miguel Rothschild
- Hastings Contemporary
- Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Miguel Rothschild brings a dramatic new seascape installation to Hastings Contemporary, exploring…
440 Theatre Presents: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Fairies, lovers, and one very silly donkey — This is Shakespeare as you’ve never laughed at it…
Family Summer Holiday Activities
- Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Discover a summer of art, creativity and outdoor adventure. Enjoy free creative activities designed…
Rogate Pumpkin Patch Ticket Release
- Aug 29, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
The Rogate Pumpkin Patch is now in its 12th year. We'll close with our much-loved Pumpkin SMASH!…
Dragonfly Foot Safari
- Arundel Wetland Centre
- Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
Pick up a spotter sheet and discover dazzling dragonflies on this self-led quest all around WWT…
Bleak Expectations By Mark Evans
Follow half-orphan Pip's extraordinary exploits with sisters Pippa and Poppy and best friend…
Let There Be Love
- Sep 2, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026
The Royal Hippodromes much loved Summer Season makes its welcome return this year with a celebration…
Festival of History
- Arundel Castle
- Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
From the Stone Age to the 20th century, this three-day event on the lower lawns of Arundel Castle…
Into The Wild
- Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
Food vendors, stall holders, wildcraft, sauna and children’s area.
Captain Of The Lost Waves in Glenn's Garden
Captain Of The Lost Waves plays his unique blend of music. Trying to describe the Captain of the…
Lewes Ghost Walk
- Sep 4, 2026 - Nov 27, 2026
A 90 minute Guided Walk through Lewes introducing you to some of the darker stories from the Towns…
Knepp Rewilded Walled Garden Tour
- Aug 29, 2026 - Oct 8, 2026
A tour of the Rewilded Walled Garden with one of our specialist guides introduces you to the ethos…
Yarnbombers for St Michael's Hospice Seaside Trail
- Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 5, 2026
A vibrant, seaside-themed trail of 18 intricate yarnbombing installations is set to launch across…
Dahlia Days
- Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
As summer turns to autumn the gardens at Pashley, on the border of Sussex and Kent, are ablaze with…
Isthmian League: Eastbourne Town vs Steyning Town Community
Eastbourne Town take on Steyning Town Community in this South East Division fixture.
Go Your Own Way - A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Go Your Own Way is the spellbinding show featuring music from the legendary multiple Grammy Award…
Junior & Youth Cycle Club
- Sep 4, 2026 - Oct 2, 2026
Local cycling group for young people, held on Fridays at Eastbourne Sports Park.
Abba Under The Stars
Following their 2025 sell-out concert, ABBA Gold Europe returns to Borde Hill! Get ready to dance…
Grim Glory: Lee Miller's Britain at War
- Farleys House & Gallery
- Aug 29, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
A major exhibition from the Lee Miller Archives will be on display for the second half of the 2026…
Guided Tree Tours at Nymans
- Aug 29, 2026 - Nov 18, 2026
Join one of our expert volunteer Tree Guides for a 90-minute tour showcasing the magnificence of the…
Taylor Swift Tribute Night
Get ready for a sparkling evening packed with Taylor Swift’s biggest hits! Miss America, performed…
Wrex
Brighton duo WREX merge sounds of pop and electro with punk and nu-metal to create a uniquely…
Sussex Guild Craft Show
- Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
August Bank Holiday weekend will once again see the return of the Sussex Guild Craft Show to Pashley…
South Farm Maize Maze
- Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
2 mazes, 2 games, hours of fun! South Farm Rodmell has grown a 7 acre maze for you to come and enjoy…
Poor Visibility By Stuart Smithers
This play is being revisited after first being performed in 2012! A comedy based around a bag lady…
Take That Tribute
Take That tribute show with The Take That Experience.
Isthmian League: Littlehampton Town vs Winchester City
Littlehampton Town take on Winchester City in this South Central Division fixture.
Pondemonium Silent Disco
Immerse yourself in the magic of the music through headphones and celebrate the grace and power of…
Summer of Adventure
- Weald and Downland Living Museum
- Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 4, 2026
A summer of play, discovery and unforgettable family adventures! Where will your adventure take you…
Goldstone Rum's - Rum School
- Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026
Join Goldstone Rum for an evening of fun and learning where you’ll create your own bespoke rum. Kick…
Isthmian League: Lewes vs Eastbourne Borough
Lewes take on Eastbourne Borough in this Premier Division fixture.
Chichester Family Art Trail
- Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 1, 2026
Discover Chichester's vibrant arts and cultural scene with this free Family Art Trail, designed…
Heritage Makes at Standen
- Sep 2, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026
Heritage crafts and core making skills with Sussex Contemporary exhibitors; including demonstrations…
East Sussex Living History Festival
- Michelham Priory House & Gardens
- Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
Join us for the East Sussex Living History Festival, a vibrant three-day celebration of the past set…
Horsebath
Horsebath are a Western rock band hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Montreal, Quebec. The…
Summer Holiday Adventures
- Go Ape Crawley
- Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 1, 2026
Stop scrolling Go Ape! Searching for things to do in West Sussex this summer holiday? Head to Go Ape…
Babes in Arms Guided Tours
- Pallant House Gallery
- Sep 3, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026
In this introduction to Pallant House Gallery, you will get the chance to learn more about our…
RIFT Open Air
RIFT returns with a brand-new open-air concept. Expect a carefully curated lineup, premium sound…
Summer Sunday Music at Standen
Join us on Sunday afternoons for live music on the house terrace. Bring picnic rugs and chairs and…
Race Meeting
- Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026
Afternoon Flat Racing. Check venue for exact opening and race times.
Briggzfest 2026
- Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026
Step into a brand new setting as we transform our venue into a fully immersive safari arena for a…
Isthmian League: Hastings United vs Crowborough Athletic
Hastings United take on Crowborough Athletic in this South East Division fixture.
Summer Kids Trail: The Enchanted Garden
- Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
This summer, let your children’s imaginations run wild as they follow a magical daily trail through…
Annual Surrealist Picnic
A yearly spectacular is coming up at the historical home of photographer Lee Miller and artist…
The Sussex coastline is Calling
Set your own pace along Sussex’s shore, with carefully crafted routes & itineraries that reveal sweeping views, charming seaside stops and hidden coastal treasures.
Feeling inspired? Book your stay in Sussex now
Find accommodation to suit every style, and start planning your Sussex getaway.
Top reasons to visit Sussex
De La Warr Pavilion
- Marina
A pioneering centre for the arts located in Bexhill, established in 1935. A place where everyone can experience contemporary exhibitions…
Hastings Contemporary
Hastings Contemporary is a bold, independent arts charity in the heart of Hastings Old Town. Situated on the town’s historic fishing beach, we…
Towner Gallery
Collecting and exhibiting contemporary art for 100 years, Towner Eastbourne sits where the coast and the South Downs meet. Towner presents exhibitions…
Tours & Experiences
From historic landmarks and charming villages to scenic coastlines and award-winning vineyards, explore the best of Sussex with local expert guides…
Watersports
With a 100-mile coastline and calm inland waterways, there’s nowhere better than Sussex for diving into watersports. A calm paddleboard along…
Top 4 Coastal Walks in Sussex
Explore stunning walks along the beautiful Sussex coastline, following the King Charles III England Coast Path.
A foodies guide to Sussex
Sussex has a vibrant and varied food scene. From farm-to-fork restaurants and vineyard dining to award-winning pubs and Michelin-starred cuisine you…
Sussex shines in the Michelin Guide
The 2026 Michelin Guide has officially been released, and Sussex has once again earned it's place as a must-visit culinary destination. With six…
Food and drink
Sussex has exceptional local produce and world class vineyard estates on its doorstep.
All about the Sussex Coast
The Sussex coastline stretches 140 miles along the English Channel, bookended by Camber Sands in the east and Chichester Harbour and West Wittering in the west. This stunning coastline is filled with diverse beaches, nature reserves, seaside towns, and opportunities for adventure and relaxation! The area stretching from Worthing to Newhaven and Seaford to the South Downs National Park, is designated as a UNESCO Living Coast Biosphere, covering 700Km2 of rare and unique landscapes.
Discover Sussex stories
Three Newhaven heritage walks that uncover the stories behind the harbour town
- 9 min read
Newhaven is a town that rewards a closer look. Its working harbour, railway, ferry terminal and…
Best Saunas in Sussex: Coastal, Outdoor & Wild Sauna Experiences
- 13 min read
Looking for a sauna in Sussex? From wood-fired beach saunas overlooking the English Channel to…
Take Time to Discover Midhurst: A Historic Gem in the Heart of Sussex
- 3 min read
In the heart of the South Downs National Park, Midhurst is one of Sussex’s most captivating…
Luxury holiday homes in Sussex
- 4 min read
Sometimes the greatest luxury is having the space to slow down. A private hot tub beneath star…
Discover Winnie‑the‑Pooh Inspired Spots Across Sussex
- 5 min read
Winnie-the-Pooh-inspired outings in Sussex In 2026, Winnie-the-Pooh, the warm-hearted and wise…
Explore Sussex Through Channel 5's Jewel of the South Coast
- 4 min read
Explore Sussex Through Channel 5's New Series A new five-part Channel 5 TV series, Sussex…
5 places to keep cool in Sussex this summer
- 5 min read
Your guide to a refreshing ‘cool‑cation’ in Sussex When the temperature rises…
Crossing from Sussex to France: The Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry Guide
- 12 min read
Everything You Need to Know About the Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry The Newhaven to Dieppe ferry crossing…
Cycling the Avenue Verte: Newhaven, Sussex & Beyond
- 15 min read
Newhaven: A Gateway Between Coast & Countryside Arriving into Newhaven from Dieppe in the…
Top 5 Arts festivals in Sussex
- 3 min read
Discover some incredible events in Sussex celebrating the Arts; from world-class Opera at…
How to Celebrate Winnie-the-Pooh’s 100th Birthday in Sussex
- 4 min read
Celebrate Winnie-the-Pooh’s 100th Birthday in Sussex A magical summer in the real Hundred…
Off the Beaten Track: 5 Hidden Food & Drink Spots in West Sussex
- 3 min read
There's something satisfying about finding a place that feels like a reward for getting off the…
Unmissable walks across Sussex
- 3 min read
Sussex is a county of incredible geographic contrast, offering everything from ancient woodland…
English Wine Week 2026 in Sussex
- 8 min read
Sip, sip, hooray! Celebrate English Wine Week in Sussex between Saturday 20 June and Sunday 28 June…
Coastal Hotels in Sussex with Sea Views: Where to Stay by the Sea
- 4 min read
Few things rival waking up to the sound of waves and uninterrupted sea views. Along the Sussex…
48 hours in Eastbourne: how to spend the weekend in England’s sunniest seaside town
- 5 min read
Oh we do like to be beside the seaside, and Eastbourne is the epitome of English coastal nostalgia…
Step into Sussex: Things to Do Near London Gatwick Airport
- 8 min read
Flying into, or out of, London Gatwick Airport? The UK’s second-largest airport is located in…
A Summer to Savour: Seasonal Vineyard Events Across Sussex
- 4 min read
Slow down and savour summer among Sussex’s vineyards If summer is your cue to slow down…
20 things you can only see and do in Sussex
- 9 min read
20 Unforgettable Things You’ll Only Find in Sussex Sussex is a wonderfully distinctive county…
Father’s Day ideas in Sussex: five ideas to treat Dad
- 3 min read
Father’s Day is about spending time together and enjoying experiences that feel thoughtful…
Sussex Guide: Artists Open Studios, Art Trails and Craft events
- 9 min read
Sussex offers one of the most rewarding ways to experience art in the UK, far beyond the walls of…
How to Experience the Seven Sisters: Routes, viewpoints and coastal magic
- 5 min read
Few landscapes in England feel as instantly recognisable as the Seven Sisters. These striking chalk…
Our Guide to the most unique places to stay in Sussex
- 5 min read
Unusual places to stay in Sussex to turn your break into an experience! Looking for somewhere to…
Gardens as laboratories: what Sheffield Park is teaching us about our future landscapes
- 3 min read
Joe Perkins is the designer of the A Garden for the Future at the National Trust’s Sheffield…
Helpful information for planning your Sussex trip
From travel, weather and accessibility information and more, find everything you need to help plan your stay in Sussex
Visitor Information