Why visit Sussex? Because whether you’re looking for action and adventure, culture and arts, foodie experiences or slow meaders, you’ll find it in Sussex.
Visit Sussex for active holidays, action and adventure
With over 225 km of coast, the hilly ridge of the South Downs and more nature reservoirs and parks than you can shake a stick at, Sussex is perfect for those that love being active.
Sussex for walkers and cyclists
Sussex has thousands of miles of footpaths, bridlepaths, and other routes for those that want to get active. There are two National Trails in Sussex, namely the South Downs Way and the King Charles III Coast Path. There are also dozens of long-distance trails including the Sussex Border Path, the West Sussex Literary Trail, Monarch’s Way, the Serpent Trail, the High Weald Landscape Trail and many more. For cyclists, there’s great diversity with some challenging routes for the more experienced, and easier rides for families and beginners. Bike hire is available across the county.
Sussex for thrillseekers
If you want to go more high octane, there is paragliding and hang gliding above the stunning South Downs at various locations including Devils Dike and near Lewes. You can also try your hand at flying a plane at Shoreham and Goodwood. Or head to Brighton for bungee jumping experiences at the Marina.
Sussex for water babies
There is plenty of opportunity for watersports lovers in Sussex. There are watersport lakes, reservoirs and facilities across Sussex including at Chichester, Ardingly Reservoir, Hove Lagoon, Bewl Water and Rye, that cater for wakeboarding, paddleboarding, waterskiing, monoskiing, wakeskating, wakesurfing and knee boarding. There are also sailing and boat tours all along the coast from Chichester to Rye as well as kiteboarding and plenty of open water swimming, whether you prefer one of the Sussex lidos or river, lake and sea swimming.
Visit Sussex for culture and art
Sussex is a great base for culture vultures. Start your visit at Charleston Farmhouse near Lewes, home and gathering point for a number of the famous Bloomsbury Set (including artist Vanessa Bell, and Duncan Grant). Decorated and furnished throughout as it was when they lived at the farm, it can’t fail to inspire the creative juices. There is also a large exhibition space in the barn and Charleston now has exhibition premises in Southover Road in Lewes. With a year-round programme of events and exhibitions, it’s always a good time to visit.
While you’re in the area, Firle House is a privately owned Georgian manor house that does open to the public in the summer months and hosts occasional exhibitions. And of course, just up the road is Glynde Place, built in 1569 and also open to the public. It’s here that they host the Glynde Place Concert Series. Glyndebourne is also just up the road and is one of the most celebrated opera houses in the world. From May to August, they stage the Glyndebourne Festival and in autumn they host a further six weeks of opera, concerts, masterclasses and recitals.
Before you leave this little corner of Sussex, walk in the footsteps of artist Eric Ravilious who was raised in Eastbourne and painted a number of local areas including the Long Man at Wilmington, Cuckmere Haven, Newhaven Harbour, Mount Caburn and the South Downs.
Back on the road, head to Eastbourne and The Towner, the award winning art gallery. It has a dynamic programme of exhibitions and is known for its modern British art, including the largest and most significant body of work by Ravilious. From here, make your way east along the coast, stopping at the De La Warr Pavilion – Bexhill’s centre for the arts and stunning Modernist building. Finally, Hastings Contemporary is another world-class modern and contemporary art gallery with a really interesting programme throughout the year.
Visit Sussex for foodie experiences
The diverse landscape, proximity to the sea and mild climate make Sussex a great area for artisan producers. As a result, Sussex is leading the way when it comes to the English wine scene and any “foodie visit” really has to include vineyard tours or wine tasting. With well over 130 vineyards, you’re genuinely spoilt for choice and can combine tours, tasting, fine dining and an overnight stay at vineyards like Rathfinny or Tinwood. Alternatively, build visits to smaller vineyards in to your overall itinerary or try one of these Sussex vineyard tours:
West Sussex Wine Tour
Central Sussex Wine Tour
East Sussex Wine Tour
But Sussex isn’t just about wine and there are plenty of other food and drink experiences to try. Sussex has an impressive number of craft gin makers, as well as other spirit makers including rum, Vermouth, grape spirit and brandy. Many of these offer tours, tastings and even classes such as the Godstone Rum Rum School and the Ashling Park Gin School.
Sussex is also home to truffles and in celebration of this now hosts an annual truffle festival at Plumpton in East Sussex. You can also go on truffle foraging experiences. Or head to one of the artisan cheese makers in the county such as High Weald Dairy where you can do a cheese tasting and tour. Next, make your way to Steyning to the Artisan Bakehouse to learn a range of traditional breadmaking skills. Or if chocolate is your thing, join a chocolate-making masterclass run by Noble and Stace or do a tour of the county’s artisan chocolatiers.
If you’d rather sit down to eat than make your own food, there are a number of interesting Supper Clubs that pop up in different locations across the county. Imagine fine dining amongst the exotic plants and foliage of the Architectural Plants greenhouses or in the rustic barn at Knepp Castle. Or just head to one of the county’s many Michelin restaurants such as Etch in Hove.
Visit Sussex for road trips and gentle meaders
From east to west, you’ll find Sussex dotted with picture postcard villages and towns that come with hundreds of years of history. These offer a chance to slow down and enjoy the old ways. If you’re starting in West Sussex, begin in the village of Bosham (pronounced Bozzum) in Chichester Harbour and stroll around the village harbour. Home to Romans, Saxons and Normans, the village church features in the Bayeux Tapestry and was where King Canute’s daughter drowned. From Bosham, it’s easy to make your way to Chichester and walk the Roman wall that surrounds the city.
Petworth is a must-visit too, especially for art lovers who can explore the extensive parklands, before losing themselves in the incredible collection of art at Petworth House and spending a few hours discovering the little boutiques of the cobbled streets that runs from the church to the main square.
In the east of the county, Rye, Alfriston and Hastings Old Town will take you on a journey of smugglers, hopelessly pretty old buildings and steep narrow streets, while Hastings, Battle and Pevensey sweep you along with the story of the Norman invasion. Follow the 1066 Country Walk from the coast via ancient castles like Pevensey and Herstmonceux to the impressive Battle Abbey. More centrally in Sussex, you’ll find castles to explore, ancient market towns, curious little museums, local markets, folklore and artists, all perfect for passing lazy days enjoying the finer things in life.
Sussex road trip
For those that love the joy of the open road, why not follow in the tracks of ancient pilgrims and travel the path from Chichester to Battle taking in some of the finest pitt-stops of the country along some of the most scenic roads: The Ultimate Sussex Road Trip
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