History, landscapes and the unique character of England’s most distinctive county
Ask almost anyone what Sussex is famous for, and they will probably give you a different answer. Some will say the lofty views and chalk paths of the South Downs, and the historic houses and castles. Others will say the history-defining events of 1066 and the smugglers of the 18th and 19th centuries. And yet more will say award-winning vineyards, beautiful villages and the musty woods of the Weald. And of course, they are all right.
Filling the gap between London, Surrey and the south coast, Sussex has long occupied a special place in England’s story. Once a Saxon kingdom in its own right, today it is divided administratively into East and West Sussex. For visitors, Sussex offers a variety of unique experiences within a relatively compact area. Ancient hillforts sit above quiet villages, castles watch over the rivers and sea, history and wildlife speak from almost every corner and local vineyards now produce internationally recognised sparkling wines.
So what exactly makes Sussex so distinctive?
What is Sussex most famous for?
Sussex is famous for several defining features:
The historic Battle of Hastings in 1066
The events of 1066 didn’t just change Sussex from Saxon to Norman. William’s success changed the course of English history but also changed the landscape, the language, our administration and our culture. Castles sprang up (like Lewes Castle and Hastings Castle), as did Chichester Cathedral and Battle Abbey, as well as hundreds of Norman churches.
The rolling landscapes of the South Downs National Park
The South Downs National Park was established in 2010 and covers 1,627 square kilometres (628 sq miles) across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex. This, of course, includes the iconic South Downs Way, the Seven Sisters cliffs and Beachy Head. The South Downs are most known for their rolling chalk downland, many heady peaks and steep escaprments but they are also home to valleys, rivers, heathlands, and important wildlife.
Beautiful historic towns and villages
With such a strategic position along the coast and south of London, it is no surprise that over the centuries, villages and towns appeared across Sussex. Some of the oldest towns and villages in Sussex include Chichester, Alfriston, Pevensey, Lewes, Ditchling and Rye.
Remarkable castles, gardens and country houses
Sussex has a diverse geology with sunny coastal areas and sheltered inland corners and a heady combination of wooded Weald and chalky Downs, making it great for gardens. Not too far from either London or the coast and continent, it has long been popular with royalty, the gentry, merchants and those seeking a healthier life, resulting in a number of superb country houses and gardens such as Leonardslee, Wakehurst, Great Dixter and Parham House. And its strategic position will always make it important for castles and other fortifications.
A rapidly growing English wine industry
In 2022, Sussex wine gained Protected Designation of Origin status and in 2023, Sussex wine accounted for 28% of the total wine produced in the United Kingdom. Particularly known for its sparkling wine but also now known for emerging white and red still wines, Sussex also offers a huge variety of wine experiences and world class wines.
A strong cultural heritage associated with writers, artists and creative communities
Spend time in Sussex, and it is not hard to see why so many creatives have gravitated here over the centuries, inspired by the ever changing light and dramatic landscape. Big names include Turner, the Bloomsbury Group, the Surrealists, Lee Miller and Roland Penrose, and Ravilious, to name but a few.
Each of these elements contributes to the county’s unique sense of place.
Why is Sussex historically important?
Few counties have played such a central role in English history. The Romans had a strong foothold in Sussex and the county went on to become the Kingdom of the South Saxons. For centuries it remained relatively isolated by the dense Weald woodland and the chalk ridge of the Downs. Its defining historical moment came in 1066, when William, Duke of Normandy, landed on the Sussex coast and defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. In the years following the conquest, Sussex was notable for its Sussex martyrs, its smugglers, its palace in Brighton (the Royal Pavilion) and its defenses.
Why are the South Downs so famous?
One of Sussex’s defining features is the South Downs. The Downs are known for wide views (often 360 views) and ancient walking routes. Prehistoric communities once built hillforts along the ridge of the Downs including the evocative Iron Age site at Cissbury Ring, one of the largest hillforts in Britain.
Stand on the Downs, and know that not much has changed since Saxon warriors or 18th century smugglers walked these paths. The Downs are still one of the best places in southern England to enjoy incredible open countryside and dark night skies.
Why are there so many castles in Sussex?
Sussex contains a number of castles, many of them built in the decades following the Norman Conquest in important strategic and defensive positions. For administratve reasons, Sussex was divided into six areas known as Rapes, and each Rape had a castle. The castle was defensive but also the centre of law and order, tax collection, etc. The Rapes were Hastings, Pevensey, Lewes, Bramber, Arundel and Chichester.
Some of the most impressive castles include:
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Arundel Castle, a dramatic fortress overlooking the River Arun
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Lewes Castle, built by William de Warenne shortly after 1066
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Pevensey Castle, reconstructed within Roman walls
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Hastings Castle, the first proper Motte and Bailey castle built by William the Conqueror immediately after his victory
Together these castles tell the story of Sussex as the front line of Norman England. In the following centuries, two more castles of note were built, namely Bodiam and Herstmonceux whilst Arundel Castle was explanded and improved.
What are the most beautiful places in Sussex?
Sussex has a repuation for being a particularly beautiful county and there are plenty of beautiful places to choose from.
Visitors will find:
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quiet villages set at the very foot of the Downs like Amberley and Alfriston
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seaside resorts including Brighton with its magnificent palace or Chichester with its incredible cathedral
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dramatic coastal scenery at Seven Sisters Cliffs
This diversity means that Sussex can feel very different depending on where you explore, from the wooded lanes of the Weald to the open chalk landscapes of the Downs.
Why is Sussex famous for gardens?
Sussex also has a global reputation for its outstanding gardens. The county’s mild coastal climate and varied soils have encouraged generations of gardeners and plantsmen to experiment and innovate.
Among the most celebrated gardens are:
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Great Dixter, famous for its exuberant planting style
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Wakehurst, home to the Millennium Seed Bank
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Sheffield Park and Garden, known for its spectacular autumn colour
These gardens attract visitors from around the world and help reinforce Sussex’s reputation as a centre of horticultural excellence.
Why is Sussex becoming famous for wine?
In recent decades Sussex has also emerged as one of the most interesting, dynamic and exciting wine regions in Britain.
The chalk soils of the South Downs are remarkably similar to those found in the Champagne region of France, making them ideal for producing high-quality sparkling wine. Several Sussex vineyards now enjoy international recognition, including:
- Nyetimber
- Rathfinny Wine Estate
- Bolney Wine Estate
- Tinwood Estate
- Ridgeview Wine Estate
Wine tourism has become an increasingly important part of the county’s visitor economy alongisde the dozens of smaller vineyards and emerging vineyards and wine trails and experiences.
Why does Sussex have such a strong cultural identity?
Beyond its landscapes and historic sites, Sussex has long attracted artists, writers and creative communities. The Bloomsbury Group established their rural retreat at Charleston Farmhouse, where figures such as Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant developed new approaches to art and design. Writers including Rudyard Kipling and Virginia Woolf also found inspiration in the Sussex landscape.
Today that creative spirit remains visible in the county’s independent galleries, festivals and cultural venues.
Why does Sussex feel different from the rest of England?
Spend time in Sussex and you’ll start to notice that the county feels some how distinct from its neighbours. Part of this is geography. The South Downs form a natural spine across the county, while the wooded Weald historically made travel difficult. Difficult to navigate, for centuries Sussex and its people developed with a strong sense of independence.
Even today that identity remains powerful. The county flag, featuring six golden martlets on a blue background, is widely recognised and proudly displayed across the region and the unofficial county motto is We Won’t Be Druv, meaning we won’t be pushed around. Sussex Day on the 16 June is becoming increasingly popular as locals increasingly identify with their home.
Frequently asked questions about Sussex
You asked, we answered:
Is Sussex one county or two?
Historically Sussex was a single county. Today it is divided administratively into East Sussex and West Sussex, although many people still think of Sussex as a single historic region.
When did Sussex become two counties?
In 1889, Sussex was divided into two administrative counties, East Sussex and West Sussex. The county boundaries were revised in 1972 when the eastern and western divisions of Sussex were made into the ceremonial counties of East and West Sussex (in 1974).
What is the best way to explore Sussex?
Sussex is ideally explored slowly. Walking or cycling on the South Downs, visiting historic villages, exploring vineyards and discovering castles are all excellent ways to experience the county’s character. Most places in Sussex are little over an hour from London by train and there is also a rail service that runs along the Sussex coast. There is also a countywide network of buses.
What is Sussex most famous for?
Sussex is best known for its role in the Norman Conquest of 1066, its beautiful chalk landscapes, historic castles and gardens, and its increasingly celebrated wine industry.
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