Based on many of our Sussex experiences of last year, we have chosen our top Sussex recommendations for 2026, with something to pop in your diary for each month of the year:
January
In 2026, Sussex Exclusive has an overarching theme of History, Heritage and Folklore, so with this in mind, start the year with a spot of wassailing. Wassailing is not an exclusively Sussex tradition, but it is definitely making a comeback, and it’s a unique way to spend an evening. If you have not come across it before, it is an ancient winter tradition whereby communities gather to sing, make music and raise a joyful noise in orchards to bless the apple trees for the year ahead. Traditionally held on Twelfth Night in early January, it blends pagan fertility rituals with later Christian blessings, all rooted in the hope of good health and a plentiful harvest. Revellers share a warm spiced cider known as wassail or “lambswool,” hang pieces of toast in the branches as offerings, and sing to “wake” the trees and ward off ill fortune. You will find wassailing events across the county at Michelham Priory in East Sussex on 26 January, at the Weald and Downland Living Museum in West Sussex on 17 January, and at Tarring in West Sussex on 5 January.
February
February is all about dark skies! The South Downs National Park (SDNP) is an International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR) and each year there is a Dark Skies Festival. This year is also the 10th year since the South Downs were awarded Dark Sky status, and the festival will be held between 12 and 22 February. The South Downs National Park have promised a programme of celebrations (not published at the time of writing), but whether you want to join an organised group or just find a quiet spot for some stargazing, make a note in your diary to do so in February. Favourite places for Sussex Exclusive to enjoy a dark sky are Harting Down, Devil’s Dyke and Ashdown Forest, but wherever you choose, please make sure you are safe.
March
Cast off your winter woollies, it is time to get active. There are a number of major running events held in Sussex in March. The month kicks off with the Brighton Half Marathon on the first of the month. Then on 7 March, Endurance Life hold 10k, Half Marathon, full Marathon and Ultra races along the Seven Sisters (based from Helen Gardens in Eastbourne). If you’re not up for taking part, you can always volunteer or just support the runners. But if you’re looking for slightly more sedate activities, why not go in search of early bluebells instead?
April
Sussex now hosts three Tulip Festivals, namely at Arundel Castle, Pashley Manor and Tulley’s Farm. We’ve visited all three, but last year was the first time we visited Pashley Manor Gardens. And we loved it! The tulips get better and better as you walk around, the wisteria on the back of the house is amazing, and joy of joys, there are some wonderful sculptures hidden in amongst the gardens! This is definitely on our list of places to revisit.
May
In keeping with our overarching theme and because we haven’t yet been to this one, May is going to be the year we go to Jack in the Green in Hastings. Held from 1 to 4 May, this is a veritable heritage, tradition and folklore extravaganza! The largest event of its kind in the country, there is traditional dancing, concerts from some of the best folk acts, fantastic ceilidhs and music sessions. The main event is giant ‘Jack’ who bursts onto the streets of Hastings and leads the procession through the town. After a day of fun and merry-making he is stripped of his leaves to release the spirit of summer.
June
Chichester Festival of Flowers is a four-day spectacular in the setting of Chichester’s 950-year-old Cathedral, taking place from 3 to 6 June. It only takes place every other year, and we were lucky enough to go in 2024. It is quite incredible, with the entire cathedral filled with glorious blooms and the sweet smell of flowers. There is so much talent on display with the stunning creations that the florists exhibit, and there is something truly uplifting about the flower-filled cathedral!
July
July is a really wonderful time for walking in Sussex and last year, we were lucky enough to walk a couple of corkers! The Cuckmere Pilgrim Path was definitely one of my favourites, as were a couple of walks we did as part of our Bloomsbury Set Sussex Trail. 2025, also saw the reopening of the Thorney Island footpath and, not too far from there, a new Pilgrim Trail was launched from Selsey to Chichester. You can find a round-up of all our walks from last year here: Great Sussex Walks
August
Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day is back for a second year on 8 August. Few things are more Sussex than our smugglers, and all along the coast, you’ll find little pockets of smuggling history. And never more so than in Rye, which is on a smugglers’ trail and was famously one of the hangouts for the Hawkhurst Gang. And we cannot ignore that East Sussex had its own share of pirates as well. So this year, we’ll be heading to Rye for this event, which promises a pirate walk, historical talks, children’s treasure hunt, sea shanty bands, stalls and more, all weaving their way through Rye’s evocative and cobbled streets.
September
September is a great time to visit some of our many Sussex historic buildings as part of the Heritage Open Days event. The dates for 2026 are 11 to 20 September, but the full lineup of venues opening their doors for free is yet to be revealed. This is one to keep an eye on as it’s often an opportunity to visit places that may not normally be open to the public.
October
2026 represents the 960th year since the Battle of Hastings, and we will be celebrating all things Norman and Saxon this year (starting in January). The Battle of Hastings took place at Battle in October, and every year, Battle Abbey hosts fabulous reenactments. This year promises to be extra special, and as a pivotal moment in our Sussex history, this is definitely not one to be missed. Last year, Sussex Exclusive dug a little deeper and ate our way through both Norman and Saxon cake! Why? Because we love to go the extra mile for you and would never ask you to try something we hadn’t sampled already!
The Battle of Hastings 1066: the Battle that Changed Sussex & History
November
2025 saw the inaugural Midhurst Jazz Food and Blues Festival, and it was a runaway success! With world-class performers and a huge number of events throughout the weekend, this really helped put Midhurst back on the map. Having been privileged enough to be at the after-party, we can report that there was a high level of excitement and enthusiasm for the coming year’s event, which already promises to be even bigger and better!
December
December brings so many treats for Sussex, and we are blessed to have a number of winter light shows and National Trust festive displays. Having been to all of these in 2025, it’s hard to pick one as a favourite, but two we definitely hope to be visiting again in 2026 are Petworth House for their fabulous festive display and Glow Wild for their mesmerising and mystical wonderland.
Of course, every month we’ll also be sharing our What’s On features for more great ideas, but I hope your calendar is already filling up with great events and ideas for 2026.
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