Sussex often sparks questions which range from where is Sussex to what to eat and do in Sussex, which towns are worth a stop and what’s it like. So I’m going answer the most commonly asked Sussex questions, and throw in a few local Sussex secrets and hidden Sussex gems along the way.
Where is Sussex?
Sussex is an English county between London and the south coast. It is between Kent, Hampshire and Surrey and less than a hour from London. As a county, at the moment, it is divided into East Sussex and West Sussex. It has two cities, the City of Brighton and Hove and Chichester.
Historically, Sussex was once a kingdom (the ‘Kingdom of Sussex’ formed after the Romans left) and thereafter it became one county although for administrative purposes it was divided into different areas. The two separate county councils of East and West Sussex we are formed in 1889. At the moment, there are three separate administrative bodies that govern the county, the third being the City of Brighton & Hove. However, changes are currently afoot with government plans for devolution of administrative powers.
The Sussex landscape also broadly divides into three, with the coast, the stunning South Downs and the woody Weald. However, there are also fascinating natural harbours and salt marshes, rivers and lakes, and more. Why is the location of Sussex so great? Because you have history, wild landscape, great walks, culture and great food and drink, all within a short distance of London and Gatwick Airport.
How do you get to Sussex?
Getting to Sussex is easy.
International travel
You can travel to Sussex from Gatwick, or by ferry to Newhaven, Dover or Portsmouth. Eurotunnel also provides quick and easy access.
By train
Main line trains run from London and Gatwick to most of the larger towns and cities such as Brighton, Chichester, Arundel, Lewes, Eastbourne and Hastings. There are also lot of interconnecting trains within the county, for example, along the coast.
By car
If you’re driving, the main roads are the A23 (London to Brighton), A21 (London to Hastings), A24 and A29 (London to Horsham and Worthing), A22 (London to Eastbourne) and A27 (Eastbourne to Portsmouth).
By bus
There is a network of bus services across the county and national bus services run from London and Heathrow to Gatwick and Brighton.
By bike
Sussex has a number of National Cycle Routes including Route 2 and Avenue Verte, as well as lots of off road opportunities including the South Downs Way, the Downs Link and Worth Way.
What are the must see places in Sussex?
The headline places to visit include Seven Sisters County Park (and cliffs), the South Downs, the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, Arundel Castle, Rye, Chichester and Lewes. That said, Seven Sisters can get very busy.
Offbeat gems well worth a deviation include Petworth, Steyning, Bosham, Battle and Ditchling. To really get under the hood of “Secret Sussex”, visit the smaller villages and quieter corners. Chidham, Thorney Island and Pagham Harbour offer up incredible coastal walks and lots of history. The follies of East Sussex make for quirky walks, and a walk from Warninglid to Lower Beeding might involve bumping into wild wallabies!
What’s the history of Sussex?
The history of Sussex is long and fascinating. There are Iron and Bronze Age Forts a plenty, particularly at strategic positions along the Downs. The Romans were in Sussex at key locations like Pevensey, Bignor and Fishbourne near Chichester. Vikings visited, Saxons settled here and then the Normans conquered and left an indelible mark. Notable Norman sites include Battle Abbey and Battlefield, Hastings Castle, Lewes Castle and Priory and Arundel to name but a few.
In the centuries since the Norman conquest, Sussex developed a name for its iron industry, smugglers and even the odd pirate. Up until relatively recently, it was an inaccessible county due to its geology but the arrival of the Prince Regent in 18th century in Brighton and the railways in the 19th century opened it up to more visitors.
The county has its own unofficial motto “We Wunt Be Druv” (which refers to the steadfast and perhaps stubborn personality), its own flag and its own dialect. All of this means it has a large and diverse cultural heritage that stretches across the ages and continues to evolve.
What about Sussex food and drink?
Sussex is a fantastic producer of food and drink. Local seafood landed in Hastings, Newhaven or Selsey has long been a staple and Sussex lamb is very much stuff the legends with tales of Sussex shepherds.
At the moment, Sussex is the centre of the English wine scene, with award winning vineyards, producing world class sparkling wine. There are also a growing number of high quality distillers producing everything from gin to brandy, rum and vermouth.
The county is also great for both cheese and chocolate and a has a number of interesting food experiences such as bakery workshops, food trails, brewery tours, bee keeper days, foraging, wild cooking, truffle festivals and more.
Start with a visit to a good Sussex farm shop or a meal at one of the many outstanding restaurants that major on local produce to get an idea of the flavours of Sussex.
When’s the best time to visit Sussex?
That really depends on what you’re after, because each season has something different to offer.
Spring
Spring is a time for wild bluebells in ancient woodland, tulip festivals, castle visits and spring walks.
Summer
Summer is festival season with everything from music and food to Medieval festivals. It’s also a time for boat trips and bike rides.
Autumn
Sussex comes alive in autumn with golden colours at some of its many majestic gardens and the county buzzes with activity from the wine harvest.
Winter
For winter, think spectacular festive light displays, cosy pubs, Christmas markets and crisp coastal walks.
Can you walk around Sussex?
Yes, you can walk across Sussex via the South Downs Way, you walk along the Sussex coast on the King Charles III Coast Path, you can walk around the county on the Sussex Border Path or choose one of the hundreds of epic trails and paths (short and long) that create a green network across the county.
There are historic trails, sculpture paths, wildlife trails and circular pub walks, just take your pick.
What wildlife might you see in Sussex?
Sussex has lots of wildlife. There are deer parks (think Parham House, Petworth Park and Knepp) and wild deer, at Leonardslee they have wallabies. Out in the country, you may see foxes, hedgehogs, horses, cattle, rabbits, hares, badgers and even the odd beaver.
There is a significant amount of bird life with a number of bird reserves and you might spot birds of prey, storks, swans, geese, woodpeckers and eagles. It’s not all about the big boys and Sussex is also home to butterflies and unusual insects.
What events and festivals are on in Sussex?
Sussex has some great festivals:
- Motorsport: Goodwood is know for the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival.
- Music: There are jazz festivals at Glynde and in Midhurst, classic at music at Alfriston and beach vibes in Eastbourne.
- Pride: Brighton is a major event in the Sussex calendar with other Pride festivals evolving across the county.
- Literary: There are a number of literary, cultural and book festivals that include Charleston Festival, Petworth, Chichester Film Festival, Hastings Bookfest and more.
- Food and drink: Look no further as Sussex has beer and cider festivals, food festivals, wine festivals and even gin festivals.
- Quirky events. Think Medieval and jousting festivals, bonfire festivals and Jack on the Green events. And if it’s a health and wellness event that you’re after, you won’t be disappointed.
Is Sussex good for families, couples or solo travellers?
Yes, there is something for everyone in Sussex. For families, you have sandy beaches at West Wittering and Camber Sands, and plenty of Blue Flag beaches. You have Butlins, Bodiam Castle, Tulleys Farm, Drusillas Zoo, Knockhatch Adventure Park and plenty of museums.
For couples, it’s the perfect place for romance and adventure. Whether you want luxury hotels, spas and fine dining, wine tours or a bit of high octane adventure like paragliding or wing foiling, you’re in the right place.
For Sussex solo travellers, fear not. There are lots of safe trails and walking groups, and a heap of culture like world class art galleries and exhibitions. Stay in a central location like Chichester, Brighton, Lewes or Hastings and explore from there.
What towns make the best base from which to explore Sussex?
- Brighton is very central with great access east or west and direct access to the coast.
- Chichester is perfect if you want to combine history, culture and some wonderful coastal walking.
- Lewes is another central location with good transport south and east. Great for history and culture.
- Rye and Hastings both just ooze personality and atmosphere. Here you can explore history, the coast, culture and great food and drink.
- Arundel offers great access to the surrounding area including the South Downs, the coast and some stunning nature reserves.
What makes Sussex, Sussex?
There is a lot that goes into the mix of making Sussex so unique. It’s part history, part place and a large part feisty spirit and creativity. “We Wunt Be Druv” definitely represents the essence of Sussex people but it’s the sort of place that the deeper you diver, the harder you fall for it. But don’t take our word for it, come and discover Sussex for yourself.
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