It’s hard to believe that we’re heading towards October, but there is still plenty to see and do in Sussex. With this in mind, and to help you get the most out of the month, here is our round up of what’s on in October in Sussex.
Horsham Artists Contemporary Art Fair 2025
Horsham Artists’ flagship event will return to Parkside in October for another inspirational showcase of local artistic talent. The art on display will range from painting in oils, watercolours, ink and acrylics, to textiles, ceramics, glass, jewellery, up cycling, sculpture and photography.
Refreshments will be available and there will be a series of workshops by artists, to share their skills and techniques. It’s a great opportunity to chat with the artists about their work and if you’re looking for a unique piece of art for your home or office, or for gifts, there will
be a wide choice of items for sale with prices to suit all budgets.
Parham House and Gardens House Tour
Throughout the open season, Parham will run a variety of special tours of the House. These tours are designed for regular visitors who might never have had the opportunity to take a tour before. All places must be booked in advance via their website.
Shoreham Wordfest
Shoreham Wordfest runs from the 27 September to 12 October 2025. It has a growing reputation across the South East for supporting local creativity and attracting high profile authors and speakers. This year, this annual autumn festival of words and ideas, features such luminaries as Tony Robinson, Charlene White and Gyles Brandreth. With 32 events, there is something for all interests and ages.
Eastbourne Beer Festival
From the 9 to 11 October 2025, Eastbourne Beer Festival brings you over 160 cask ales specially selected by the local CAMRA team. Taking place in the Winter Garden.
Hastings Bonfire Celebrations
Bonfire societies from all over Sussex come together to march through the streets of Hastings in a procession of drums, flares and flaming torchlights. Along with a huge bonfire on the beach, the burning of the effigy and a spectacular firework display, the event commemorates the Battle of Hastings, and, of course, the traditional gunpowder plot of 1605. Meet on Hastings Beach on the evening of the 18 October 2025. The procession starts at 7.15 pm.
Grape Picking Experience
From the 29 September to 16 October 2025 (Monday to Thursday) at Leonardslee near Horsham and free to attend, you can immerse yourself in the grape harvesting process. This experience includes an opportunity to engage directly in winemaking amidst the picturesque landscapes of the vineyards. For more grape picking experiences, visit:
Fungi Walk, Borde Hill
Delve into the fascinating (and weird) world of fungi on the 11 October 2025 with local mycologist, Clare Blencowe, as she leads a circular walk through the woods and meadows of Borde Hill’s heritage-listed South Park.
200 Years of Dieppe to Newhaven Cross-Channel Travel
A major exhibition at Newhaven’s Marine Workshop will mark 200 years of the Dieppe to Newhaven cross-Channel ferry line, while also bringing a taste of France to Sussex shores this autumn. Running from 11 October to 1 November, the free exhibition will reveal unseen archives, collectables, passenger stories and vintage posters – telling the tale of a crossing central to Newhaven life for generations.
The Battle of Hastings Re-enactment
The one and only Battle of Hastings re-enactment returns on the 11 and 12 October 2025 at Battle Abbey. Taking place on the very spot where King Harold and Duke William fought in 1066, don’t miss over 300 reenactors recreate the drama and intensity of this legendary conflict. Adventure into the encampments of the armies on either side of the historic battlefield, and come up close and personal with Saxon and Norman soldiers. Experience first-hand the intricacies of their weapons and the weight of their armour. Discover the clothes they wore, what food they ate and watch them practise their 11th century skills and craftsmanship. Meet falconers and their majestic birds of prey, or take a wander down the market and rummage through historical delights for a very special souvenir.
Bonkers Conker Championships
Don’t miss the forthcoming 17th Annual Bonkers for Conker Championship at Langham Brewery – it promises to be a ‘smashing’ way to spend an autumnal afternoon at the ‘brewery in a barn’ near Petworth, on Sunday 12th October 2025, from 1pm – 6pm. The Brewery is reaching out to all serious sports men, women and children to be part of this daredevil contest of skill and danger! World championship rules apply and all conkers are provided by the organisers. Expect an excellent, well-stocked bar with award-winning ales.
Goldstone Rum – Distillery Tour & Tasting
On a walking tour of the distillery on the 4 October 2025, learn how to take the raw ingredients of rum through fermentation, distillation and bottling ready for tasting. The team will give you the story behind Goldstone Rum and a better understanding of the history of rum and how it varies around the world. Finally, you’ll be led through a tasting where you’ll learn the flavour profile and characteristics, and which rum works best in which cocktail.
Great Dixter -Behind the Scenes
On the 6 October 2025 (afternoon), this Behind the Scenes tour provides a special opportunity to enjoy a private viewing of the garden on a day when Great Dixter is normally closed to the public. You will gain insight into the making of the Great Dixter borders with one of the garden team plus a view into the propagation work in the nursery.
Chichester Cathedral Light Experience
From the 24 to 31 October 2025 and as part of a momentous year of festivities under the banner of Chichester950, marking the Cathedral’s 950th anniversary, visitors are invited to experience an immersive light and sound installation by the internationally acclaimed artistic collaboration Luxmuralis.
Petworth Literary Festival
From the 29 October to 9 November 2025, this year’s Literary Festival has a stellar line up. There is a running programme of events, hosted in a number of venues including St Mary’s Church, Petworth House’s atmospheric Stable Yard and the magnificent music room of Champs Hill. The festival attracts artists and performers from the “very top drawer” right across the performing genres.
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