sussex england tourism

Places to visit in East Sussex

Visit East Sussex for green hills and weald-land that look like landscape paintings, towns blitzed by bloody Norman battles and super-cool seaside resorts. There are lots of exciting places to visit and things to do in East Sussex. Follow the in-crowd to funky Brighton for days splashing off pebble beaches and browsing lanes of alternative boutiques. Or pop over to family-friendly Eastbourne with its serene boating lakes, Victorian gardens and wow-factor white cliffs. Don your imaginary armour for days tracing 1066 dramas to abbeys and battlefields in Battle and Hastings. Or wander the stylish cobbled citadel of Rye, home to an array of art, cosy pubs and modern boutique hotels.

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24 hours in Hastings

Head down south to this arty East Sussex enclave for super-cool galleries, cute boutiques, excellent coffee shops and superb sea views.

Adventure boat trips to Beachy Head

Jump aboard an adrenaline filled boat trip for a close up view of the stunning South Downs National Park coastline and Beachy Head lighthouse.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

Go shopping in Little Chelsea

Explore the Victorian shopping streets of Little Chelsea in Eastbourne for contemporary homewares, art galleries and restored antiques.

Alfresco Shakespeare in Eastbourne’s pretty Italian Gardens

Discover one of the South Coast’s best kept secrets, with hidden gardens, secluded walkways, outdoor Shakespeare and rock pooling.

Nightly summer bandstand concerts and weekly fireworks

The UK’s busiest bandstand on Eastbourne’s seafront offers nightly concerts from pop to rock throughout summer, with a weekly firework crescendo.

Action packed watersports at Camber Sands

Kite-flyers and windsurfers of all ages and abilities should head to Camber Sands - a dramatic sandy beach on the south coast, and the perfect spot to catch the waves.

Location: Camber Sands, East Sussex

Enjoy beach sports on Brighton beach

Brighton beach is famously full of pebbles, but at Yellowave there is plenty of sand making it the place to go for all kinds of beach sports.

Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex

Get under the skin of Brighton & Hove with a free Greet

Whether you are on your first trip to Brighton & Hove or are a regular visitor, a Greet is a great way to see the city in a new light.

Explore Brighton & Hove’s legendary beachfront

Walk along the promenade from Hove in the West to the Brighton Marina for shops, bars, restaurants, clubs, watersports, cycling and a bandstand.

Explore the quintessential English garden of Pashley Manor

Pashley Manor is the very essence of an English garden, and is set in a well-wooded park with superb views over the surrounding countryside.

Location: Wadhurst, East Sussex

How did the leopard get his spots? Visit Rudyard Kipling’s home

Explore Bateman's, the 17th century home of the Jungle Book and The Just So Stories author, nestled in the leafy Sussex Weald.

Location: Burwash, East Sussex

Be inspired by the Earthship Brighton

The Earthship Brighton was the first to be built in England.

Follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror

The Battle of Hastings in 1066 changed the course of English history forever. Explore the site and learn about history’s most famous date.

Location: Battle, East Sussex

Discover the Lanes and North Laine

The Lanes were originally the centre of the sleepy fishing village of Brighthelmstone.

Go wildlife spotting at Hastings Country Park

Explore over 660 acres of countryside, and uncover the rare wildlife that inhabit the area all year round.

Location: Hastings, East Sussex

A royal palace by the sea

Brighton is home to the spectacular Royal Pavilion, a palace like no other.

Sample wines at the scenic Sedlescombe Organic Vineyards

Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard is one of the most idyllic tourist attraction locations in 1066 Country, near Hastings.

Location: Sedlescombe, East Sussex

Get your fair share of thrills on Brighton Pier

From the traditional helter skelter to heart-racing thrills overlooking the sea, the iconic Brighton Pier is a seaside theme park for families of all ages.

Explore Brighton's Cultural Quarter

Find an exotic Royal palace, classical concerts, West End shows and fine art all within a moment’s walk of each other.

Take a ride on a Victorian electric railway

Hop on board and enjoy a ride on England's oldest electric railway.

From the Kissing Policeman to the Kiss Wall

Brighton & Hove is an artistic hub with a wide variety of art galleries, the biggest of which is the city itself.

Uncover ghostly Brighton

Brighton is believed to be one of the most haunted places in England.

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Visit Brighton for super cool pebble beaches, kitsch boutique shopping, palatial architectural gems and the rolling South Downs. A must visit attraction in South East England.

West Sussex

Visit West Sussex for fairy tale castles, glorious country house estates, scenic walking trails and quintessentially English coastal towns. Find more things to do in West Sussex here.

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Sussex Exclusive

Discover, explore and savour the best of Sussex

The Best Places to Visit in Sussex

Now divided into West Sussex and East Sussex, the historic county of Sussex is rich in heritage, culture, stunning views, great houses, fascinating towns, vast landscapes and wonderful places to explore. In fact, you could spend a lifetime here and probably not discover it all. But if you visit all or indeed most of our best places to visit in Sussex, you’ll start to get an idea of what an incredible county Sussex really is!

The South Downs 

There is perhaps no more iconic landmark in Sussex than the South Downs , a chalky ridge of hills and escarpments that cover 670 km square. Running from Eastbourne in East Sussex, right through West Sussex and on to Winchester in Hampshire, they are the place of many legends and stories and have played their part in the life of Neolithic man, the Romans, the Norman Conquest, the defeat of the Spanish Armada, pirates, smugglers, World War II defences and more.

The South Downs Way is one of only 15 national trails in England and Wales. It’s 160 km long (100 miles) and runs through the South Downs. It was recently named “10 th  Most Beautiful Hiking Trail in the World” by outdoors specialist Zalando. Notable places en route are many and include Harting Down , Amberley, Bramber , Cissbury and Chanctonbury Ring s, Devil’s Dyke, the Jack and Jill windmills , Wilmington , the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head .

Above all else though, the South Downs and its many footpaths are breathtakingly beautiful and evocative, with incredible views north across the Weald and beyond, and south out to sea. Whilst some stretches may be busier than others, you’ll often find yourself alone, listening to the call of the wind, following in footsteps that date back thousands of years, and sheltering in the shade of trees that are bent double into the wind.

Sussex vineyards

Sussex is fast gaining a reputation for producing superb wine and you’ll find vineyards aplenty from east to west . That means you really cannot leave Sussex without visiting at least one, and in order to really do our wine justice, you should probably visit half a dozen. To be honest, it’s hard to cherry-pick the best of the bunch (excuse the pun) because they nearly all have something great to offer, but working our way from east to west, here are some suggestions:

• The Rathfinny Estate near Polegate and Eastbourne was established in 2010. Their three principal grape varieties are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier as well as a small amount of Pinot Gris and they are known for their world-class sparkling wines. More importantly, they have a Tasting Room Restaurant and also offer vineyard picnics, summer tours and cellar visits.
• At the other end of the county, near Chichester, Tinwood Estate was established in 2006 and is another local producer fast gaining a reputation for producing outstanding sparkling wines. They also do harvest experiences and have a tasting room as well as luxury lodges within the estate if you want to stay.
• Finally, in more central Mid Sussex and right on the edge of Ashdown Forest, there is Bluebell Vineyard Estate where they are producing world-class still and sparkling wines and growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier vines along with Seyval Blanc, Bacchus, Ortega, Chasselas and Merlot.

Why not have a look at our vineyard trail suggestions for more information: Central Sussex Wine Tour West Sussex Wine Tour

Sussex castles

If it’s castles you’re after, then you are in luck because Sussex is home to plenty! In East Sussex, you’ll find Rye Castle (Ypres Tower), Camber Castle , Hastings Castle, Bodiam Castle , Herstmonceux, Lewes Castle and Pevensey Castle . These range from Medieval to Elizabethan.

When you have finished exploring in East Sussex, head to West Sussex and discover Bramber Castle , Knepp Castle , Amberely Castle, Arundel Castle and Midhurst Castle.

Visiting the many castles is a great way to learn more about the history of Sussex and how it evolved.

Sussex National Trust properties 

There are a number of National Trust properties in Sussex and the National Trust also owns lots of country spaces.

Pack your National Trust card and make your way to Bodiam Castle near Robertsbridge, Lamb House in Rye, Bateman’s in Burwash and the Alfriston Clergy House. Then make time for Sheffield Park and Gardens , Monk’s House in Rodmell all of which are in East Sussex. Birling Gap, Ditchling Beacon and Saddlescombe Farm are all also National Trust sites.

Then move West and explore Standen , Nyman’s , Petworth House , Woolbedding and Uppark and enjoy a walk at Slindon Estat e and Cissbury Ring. 

Sussex follies

Looking for something a little quirky? Look no further because there are plenty of follies to discover in Sussex. In East Sussex, the most famous follies are the famous “Mad Jack” follies which include the Sugar Loaf, the Pyramid and Tower, the Observatory and the Needle. In West Sussex, you’ll find Nore Folly at Slindon, Hiorne Tower at Arundel, the very haunted Racton Monument and the enigmatic Vandalian Tower.

Sussex beaches

Who doesn’t love a day at the seaside and Sussex has 225 km of coast. By the end of 2024, the King Charles III Coastal Path should be complete which means for keen walkers you will be able to walk the full length of the county along the coast.

But for beachgoers, there are 50 Sussex beaches (27 beaches in West Sussex and 23 in East Sussex) to choose from many of which are made up of a mixture of pebble, shingle and sand. In 2023,  Sussex had three award-winning Blue Flag beaches namely Hove Lawns, Marina St Leonards, and West Wittering as well as award-winning beaches at Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Worthing, Saltdean, Brighton and Pelham Beach in Hastings .

Sussex cities

Sussex has just two cities and they are very different. In West Sussex, you’ll find the cathedral city of Chichester. Chichester has a long past and was a Roman and Anglo-Saxon settlement.  There are plenty of things to do in and around this historic city, and it’s also not far from Chichester Harbour with its inlets, nature reserves and coastal walks.

In East Sussex, the eclectic and cosmopolitan city of Brighton and Hove is a major attraction with its well-known pier, exotic Regency palace, aquarium, lively nightlife, North Lane district and beaches. Both cities are a great place for a mini break.

Sussex English Heritage sites

Sussex has a number of outstanding English Heritage Sites, perhaps the most famous of which is Battle Abbey and Battlefield. It’s the very place where the Normans defeated the Saxons at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. You can explore the battlefield with its selection of sculptures getting ready to fight, and then circuit the main buildings, explore some of the cellars and head to the Abbey rooms which include the magnificent dormitory.

Other worthy Sussex English Heritage sites include Boxgrove Priory near Chichester, Bramber Castle , Pevensey Castle and Camber Castle .

Historic Sussex towns

If you love nothing more than a good meander around a historic town then you are going to love Sussex because from west to east, historic towns will pepper your route. It’s difficult to list them all but the most popular include Midhurst , Petworth , Arundel , Horsham , East Grinstead , Lewes , Rye , Hastings Old Town , Bexhill , Uckfield and Battle.

Sussex ruins 

Sussex is home to some evocative ruins . The most famous perhaps have to be Cowdray Ruins (said to be haunted) – an Elizabethan mansion at Midhurst, Tide Mills , a ruined village near Newhaven, Lewes Priory , Bedham church (near Petworth), various ruins in Winchelsea and the evocative ruins at Nymans.  A number of the Sussex castles are also in ruins but still well worth exploring.

Sussex canals, harbours, ports and waterways 

Travelling by water is a pleasure in its own right and Sussex is blessed with a number of canals, waterways, ports and harbours. A boat trip on the Wey and Arun Canal is a delicious way to explore. In 1970 a group of volunteers set about restoring the canal and nowadays you can enjoy boat trips along a fabulously sleepy and picturesque section just south of Loxwood.

One of the most picturesque Sussex villages has to be Bosham in West Sussex just west of Chichester. It’s a photographer’s dream, wrapped as it is around a little harbour with the water at high tide washing the feet of the quayside houses.

For harbour life, in East Sussex, make your way to Rye Harbour or the Port of Newhaven and in West Sussex, discover Chichester and Pagham Harbours and Shoreham Port. Alternatively, head to Bodiam for boat hire and river cruises or to Barcombe Mills near Lewes for leisurely boating. And don’t forget the marinas at Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne, Newhaven, Bordham Pool (Bognor), Shoreham and Littlehampton.

Sussex art galleries and museums 

Almost every Sussex town has its own museum and there are plenty of art galleries in the county. However, there are a few big guns that you shouldn’t miss. These include Hastings Contemporary, Towner Art Gallery (Eastbourne), the De La Warr Pavillion in Bexhill, Brighton and Hove Museum , Pallant House in Chichester, Charleston near Lewes, Petworth House , the Royal Pavilion in Brighton and Rye Art Gallery.

Sussex heritage railways

If you’re lucky, from various strategic points in mid-Sussex, you can occasionally hear the whistle and cheer of a steam train pulling its way along the historic Bluebell Railway … the oldest preserved, standard gauge railway in the country.

The Bluebell Railway is managed by the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society (all volunteers) and includes 11 miles of heritage railway line which runs right through the heart of the Sussex countryside. The trains include the classic Pullman from the 1920s and trains run between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead with stops at Horsted Keynes and Kingscote.

Kent & East Sussex Railway near Northiam is another heritage line which runs between Tenterden and Bodiam as is the Lavender Line, a heritage railway based at the restored Victorian station of Isfield near Lewes in East Sussex.

Luxury Sussex hotels and spas

If you want to visit Sussex for a little luxury and wellbeing, you will not be disappointed. Sussex is home to some prestigious and downright lovely hotels and spas and these include The Grand in Eastbourne and Ashdown Park Hotel , The Grand in Brighton, Alexander House near Turners Hill, Ockenden Manor in Cuckfield, Bailiffscourt at Climping, South Lodge at Horsham, Gravetye Manor near East Grinstead, Goodwood Hotel near Chichester and Amberley Castle.

Sussex gardens 

The fabulous Sussex climate and the county’s rich cultural past are just two of the reasons that Sussex is home to so many amazing gardens. If you want to see wallabies, and who doesn’t, then head to Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens just outside Horsham. The woodland gardens cover 240 acres and include valleys, lakes, a rock garden and of course, the wallabies! The grounds are also currently home to Anton Smit’s stunning sculpture exhibition entitled “ The Walk of Life ” and you’ll find his thought-provoking pieces throughout the grounds. Wakehurst near Haywards Heath is part of Kew and you might want to combine a visit there with a trip to Borde Hill , also near Haywards Heath and Nymans at Handcross.

But don’t stop there! Make your way to the stunning Sussex Prairie Gardens near Henfield and then on to Denmans Gardens near Bognor Regis. Parham House near Storrington is another must-visit Elizabeth garden and the Tulip Festival at Arundel is quite something! Then turn east, to Great Dixter near Rye and Pashley Manor Gardens near Ticehurst before heading back to Lewes and the gardens at Charleston.

Historic Sussex houses

It will come as no surprise that with such a long and varied past, that Sussex has some glorious historic houses to explore. The Elizabethan mansion Parham House dates back to the late 17 th century and has a stunning Great Hall and Parlour, along with lots of other rooms to explore. St Mary’s House in Bramber has the most extraordinary history that dates back to the Knights Templar! Great Dixter near Rye is another fascinating building with a curious past and Anne of Cleves House in Lewes … well it says what it does on the tin!

Firle Place near Lewes is Georgian and although it’s a private house, it is occasionally open to the public, as is Wiston near Steyning. And Charleston House near Lewes is all about the Bloomsbury Set!

Sussex piers

Piers are an iconic part of seaside culture and Sussex is blessed with five and a half. Bognor Regis, Worthing, Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings all have piers and Worthing Pier has won Pier of the Year twice! The half pier is Brigthon’s West Pier which is pretty much derelict now but great for some moody photos!

Sussex windmills

Sussex was once dotted with working windmills of all descriptions. There are still quite a few left some of which you can visit (and enter) and some of which are still working. You’ll find some of the best-known Sussex windmills include Jack and Jill at Clayton, Rottingdean, Challey, Mayfield, Shipley, High Salvington, Ashcombe, Nutley, Patcham, Polegate and Halnaker.

Sussex sculpture trails

Sussex has always been home to a diverse selection of creatives and the result is, that the county is blessed with sculpture trails of all descriptions. One of the county’s most renowned sculptors is Philip Jackson whose studio can be found in Cocking near Midhurst. In the summer, his garden opens to the public to reveal his utterly unique sculptures. Leonardslee near Horsham is another big gun when it comes to sculpture and they have works by Anton Smit on display throughout the grounds all year. They also host the annual Surrey Sculpture Society trail every summer. For something totally different, head over to Pevensey and follow the 1066 Country Walk which is dotted with a sequence of wooden sculptures along its route. Or if you walk the Serpent Trail to the west, there are seven sculptures to discover along the way.

Nature reserves and parks

The good news is that there is lots and lots of open space in Sussex in the shape of nature reserves and parks, so you’re never far away from somewhere to enjoy the great outdoors. The Sussex Wildlife Trust manage about 28 reserves right across the county from Rye Harbour and Filsham Reedbed near Hastings to Iping and Stedham Commons and Leythorne Meadow near Chichester. But there are dozens if not hundreds more nature reserves as well many Sites of Special Scientific Interest and country parks such as Seven Sisters Country Park , Hastings Country Park, Stamner Park and Ashdown Forest.

Brighton i360

The Brighton i360 is a 162-metre tall moving observation tower right on Brighton seafront which opened in 2016. You can hop in the pod and as it climbs, views of Brighton, the sea, the South Downs and beyond are slowly revealed. You can also take part in lots of different experiences including yoga in the sky, gin tasting and even abseiling! And it’s become one of the county’s most iconic attractions.

Sussex zoos and petting farms 

Let us not forget the little ones! Drusillas near Polegate in East Sussex is a fantastic local zoo but there are also aquariums in Brighton, Hastings and Eastbourne. For farms and small animals, make your way to Fishers Farm near Billingshurst, Tilgate Park near Crawley, Knockhatch Adventure Park near Hailsham or Middle Farm near Lewes.

Sussex Roman palaces

The Romans left a big footprint in Sussex and you will never go far in the county without stumbling upon a reference to them. There are two notable Roman palaces that you can visit namely Fishbourne Roman Palace near Chichester and Bignor Roman Villa near Pulborough. You can also travel the Roman road of Stane Street and visit Pevensey Castle which belonged to the Romans long before the Normans arrived.

Thorney Island

Not quite an island because it is now joined to the mainland by a strip of land, this nature reserve is owned by the Ministry of Defence and is an unusual and slightly off the beaten track place for a visit. A walk around Thorney Island is about 12 km long but you have to stick to the path as well as pass through a security gate to get on to the island. Once there, there is little to do apart from admire the incredible wildlife and amazing views all around from Chichester Harbour to Hayling Island and, of course, out to sea.

As with so much of our Sussex countryside, it has an interesting history. It’s home to one of the oldest Saxon churches in Sussex whilst in 1933 a plane crash alerted the Ministry of Defence to its suitability as a strategic defence and the original islanders were moved off. In the 1970s, it was used as a refuge for the “Vietnamese Boat People”. But most of all, any visit to the island is a reminder as to what a wild and inhospitable place it must have been back in the mists of time when it was an island and people were trying to live and survive there.

Rampion Offshore Wind Farm

You may not automatically think of a wind farm as somewhere special to visit but Rampion is both environmentally important and pretty unique. As the south coast’s first wind farm, it has 116 turbines on a 70 km square site and is between 13 and 20 km off the Sussex coast. On a clear day, you can see it from the South Downs anywhere from Worthing to further east of Brighton – although too far away to get a good photo, and always slightly mysterious on the horizon. Generating power equivalent to that needed by about 350,000 homes, there is also an on-shore visitor centre.

But why stop at views from the shore and the visitor centre? You can now actually get out on the water and visit the farm itself with Sussex Boat Trips who will take you in amongst the turbines. Because the area is no longer fished, it is teeming with marine life and there is something simply awe-inspiring about looking up at the towering turbines as they do their slow and majestic dance.

Choosing the Best Places to visit in Sussex wasn’t easy. The truth is, we have hundreds of amazing places which are all worth a visit from the large and impressive to the small and intricate. So if your favourite place in Sussex isn’t on our list, please let us know and perhaps we’ll add it!

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Explore, Dream, Discover Sussex!

20 Most Scenic Pretty Towns and Villages in Sussex

Welcome to Sussex, a county that unfolds like a storybook, filled with charming towns and villages that showcase the essence of English beauty. In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a journey through the top 20 scenic gems, each offering a unique blend of history, natural wonders, and architectural marvels. Let’s delve into the heart of Sussex, exploring the picturesque landscapes and quaint streets that make each town and village a captivating destination.

1. Rye – A Coastal Haven of Medieval Magic:

Rye, perched on the Scenic Sussex coast, invites visitors into a world frozen in time. With its cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and views of the English Channel, this medieval gem is a quintessential example of a beautiful town in Sussex . Wander through Mermaid Street, adorned with charming antique shops and tearooms , and feel the echoes of centuries past.

Rye enchants with its historic allure, inviting you to explore the preserved medieval architecture that whispers tales of smugglers and seafarers. The breathtaking views of the coastline add an extra layer of allure to this timeless town.

2. Lewes – Where History Meets Festive Cheer:

Nestled on the banks of the River Ouse, Lewes stands as a testament to historic elegance. Its cobbled streets, historic castle, and medieval charm create an atmosphere that transports visitors to another era. The highlight of Lewes is undoubtedly its Bonfire Night celebration, a festival that infuses the town with a unique blend of history and festive cheer.

In Lewes, history comes alive as you explore the narrow streets and hidden alleyways. The castle, perched atop a hill, offers panoramic views of the town, the river, and the surrounding South Downs. The juxtaposition of medieval architecture and the lively Bonfire Night celebrations make Lewes a truly enchanting destination.

3. Arundel – Majestic Castle Views and Riverside Romance:

Arundel, with its imposing castle and riverside charm, is a visual delight that captures the essence of a picturesque Sussex village. The castle, standing proudly against the skyline, dominates the landscape and invites exploration. Stroll along the scenic River Arun, taking in the tranquility that defines this historic town.

Arundel unfolds as a storybook of grandeur and natural beauty. The castle, a true architectural marvel, invites visitors to delve into centuries of history. The riverside setting adds a romantic touch, creating a perfect blend of majesty and serenity.

4. Midhurst – Market Town Sophistication Amidst Nature’s Canvas:

Midhurst , cradled within the South Downs National Park, combines market town sophistication with the beauty of its natural surroundings. The rolling hills provide a breathtaking backdrop to this charming town, inviting exploration of both historic architecture and rural landscapes.

Midhurst invites you to escape into the heart of nature, surrounded by the South Downs’ undulating hills. The market town’s architecture reflects a rich history, and the bustling market square adds a touch of vibrancy to the tranquil setting. It’s a haven for those seeking a perfect balance between sophistication and natural beauty.

5. Chichester – Cathedral City Tranquillity:

Chichester , a cathedral city with a tranquil atmosphere, seamlessly blends history and modernity. The stunning cathedral and Georgian architecture create an elegant backdrop for exploration. Stroll through the charming streets, and immerse yourself in the serenity that defines this picturesque English destination.

Chichester unfolds as a tapestry of tranquility, where the cathedral stands as a beacon of architectural splendor. The blend of historic charm and contemporary vibrancy makes it a city that caters to both history enthusiasts and those seeking a leisurely escape.

6. Petworth – Artistic Heritage in the Heart of the South Downs:

Petworth, nestled in the embrace of the South Downs, boasts not only natural beauty but also an artistic heritage that sets it apart. The stately home and its impressive art collection beckon art enthusiasts, while the historic market square and surrounding countryside add layers to its timeless charm .

Petworth unveils itself as a canvas of art and nature, with the stately home standing as a cultural gem. The market square, surrounded by historic buildings, creates a sense of timelessness that resonates with the artistic spirit of the village.

7. Steyning – Quintessential English Village Charm:

Steyning, often hailed as the epitome of an English village , exudes charm with its timber-framed houses and verdant surroundings. The historic high street, lined with unique shops, and the village’s proximity to the countryside create an idyllic setting for those seeking quintessential English charm.

Steyning invites you into a world where time seems to stand still. The timber-framed houses, adorned with colorful flowers, line the historic high street, creating a picturesque scene that epitomizes the charm of an English village.

8. Winchelsea – A Medieval Time Capsule:

Winchelsea , with its medieval layout and well-preserved architecture, stands as a living time capsule. The cobblestone streets, medieval gates, and charming houses transport visitors back in time, offering a glimpse into the rich history of this hidden gem.

Winchelsea unfolds like a storybook of medieval tales, where each cobblestone street whispers stories of a bygone era. The well-preserved architecture adds authenticity to the village, creating a unique atmosphere that captivates history enthusiasts.

9. Alfriston – Tudor Elegance amid the Cuckmere Valley:

Nestled in the Cuckmere Valley, Alfriston radiates Tudor elegance against the backdrop of the Scenic Sussex countryside. Timber-framed buildings and charming tearooms contribute to the village’s serene escape, inviting visitors to revel in the beauty of its historic architecture.

Alfriston invites you to step into a world of Tudor elegance , where each building tells a story of centuries past. The tearooms, nestled within the charming surroundings, offer a taste of both history and tranquility in the heart of the Cuckmere Valley.

10. Shoreham-by-Sea – Coastal Beauty and Artistic Vibes:

Shoreham-by-Sea, a vibrant town on the beautiful Sussex coast , combines coastal beauty with an artistic vibe. The scenic waterfront, dotted with boats and cafes, sets the stage for exploration. Dive into local art galleries, soak in the relaxed atmosphere, and discover the charm that defines this picturesque English destination.

Shoreham-by-Sea unfolds as a canvas of coastal beauty, where the seafront promenade invites leisurely strolls. The town’s artistic flair, showcased in local galleries, adds a cultural dimension to the coastal charm, creating a dynamic and inviting atmosphere.

11. Fittleworth – Countryside Retreat with Village Green Charm:

Fittleworth, surrounded by rolling hills and lush landscapes, offers a countryside retreat with the charm of a village green. The historic architecture and a sense of tranquility contribute to the timeless allure of this hidden gem.

Fittleworth invites you to escape into the embrace of the Sussex countryside, where rolling hills and quaint cottages create a picturesque retreat. The village green, at the heart of Fittleworth, adds a touch of community spirit to the serene surroundings.

12. Cuckfield – Quintessential English Market Town:

Cuckfield , with its historic market town charm, unfolds amidst the picturesque Sussex countryside. The village green, framed by historic buildings, invites leisurely strolls, creating a delightful destination for those seeking quintessential English charm.

Cuckfield opens its doors to a quintessential English experience, where the market town charm blends seamlessly with the lush landscapes. The village green, surrounded by centuries-old architecture, offers a glimpse into the heart of Sussex’s historic legacy.

13. Jevington – Nestled in the South Downs:

Tucked away in the South Downs, Jevington is a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. The village’s thatched cottages and scenic walks make it an ideal retreat for nature lovers seeking a tranquil escape.

Jevington reveals itself as a haven within the South Downs, where thatched cottages and scenic paths invite visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The village emanates a sense of peace and serenity, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking harmony with nature.

14. Hurstpierpoint – Village Charm with Victorian Elegance:

Hurstpierpoint , known for its Victorian architecture and village charm, is surrounded by the stunning Sussex countryside. Explore the historic High Street, visit local shops, and immerse yourself in the elegance of this quaint village.

Hurstpierpoint unfolds as a village where Victorian elegance meets village charm, creating a timeless atmosphere. The historic High Street, adorned with local shops, showcases the heart of the community and adds a touch of sophistication to the village’s picturesque setting.

15. Hartfield – Enchanting Countryside and Literary Legacy:

Hartfield, surrounded by enchanting countryside, is known for its literary legacy as the hometown of A.A. Milne , the creator of Winnie the Pooh. Explore the village and its scenic surroundings, drawing inspiration from its tranquil beauty.

Hartfield opens a chapter of enchantment, where the village’s countryside setting becomes a canvas for literary inspiration. The legacy of A.A. Milne adds a whimsical touch to the village, making it a destination that captivates both literary enthusiasts and nature lovers.

16. Mayfield – Tudor Architecture in the Heart of the High Weald:

Mayfield , situated in the High Weald, showcases Tudor architecture amidst rolling hills and lush landscapes. The village’s historic buildings and scenic views make it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Mayfield unveils itself as a Tudor treasure amidst the natural splendor of the High Weald. The historic buildings, set against the backdrop of rolling hills, create a scene that transports visitors to a bygone era, where each structure tells a story of the village’s rich history.

17. Fletching – Historic Beauty in the Ashdown Forest:

Fletching , nestled in the Ashdown Forest, offers historic beauty surrounded by woodlands and countryside. The village’s medieval church and charming cottages contribute to its timeless allure.

Fletching invites you to step into a world of historic beauty, where the village becomes a seamless part of the enchanting Ashdown Forest. The medieval church and charming cottages add a touch of authenticity, creating a scene that resonates with the village’s rich history.

18. Bosham – Coastal Charm on Chichester Harbour:

Bosham, situated on the shores of Chichester Harbour, exudes coastal charm with its waterfront setting and historic buildings. Explore the quayside, visit the ancient church, and soak in the serene atmosphere of this picturesque village.

Bosham unfolds as a coastal masterpiece , where the quayside and ancient church become integral parts of the village’s charm. The waterfront setting, combined with historic buildings, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of Bosham.

19. Hellingly – Rural Serenity with Village Green Tranquility:

Hellingly , surrounded by rural landscapes, offers a tranquil escape with village green charm. The village’s historic architecture and serene surroundings make it an ideal destination for those seeking peace and quiet.

Hellingly beckons those in search of rural serenity, where the village green becomes a focal point of tranquility. The historic architecture and lush landscapes create a peaceful retreat, inviting visitors to experience the idyllic charm of Sussex’s countryside.

20. Rottingdean – Coastal Beauty and Artistic Heritage:

Perched on the Sussex coast, Rottingdean combines coastal beauty with artistic heritage. The village’s historic buildings, art galleries, and seafront promenade create a captivating atmosphere for visitors.

Rottingdean unveils itself as a coastal canvas, where the seafront promenade and historic buildings invite leisurely exploration. The village’s artistic heritage adds a cultural dimension, creating an atmosphere that resonates with both history and creativity.

Conclusion:

Sussex, with its top 20 beautiful towns and villages, reveals itself as a diverse tapestry of landscapes, history, and charm. Whether you find solace in the tranquility of rural retreats, immerse yourself in the history of medieval towns, or embrace the coastal allure, each destination offers a unique experience. Sussex invites you to wander through its picturesque streets, soak in its natural beauty, and discover the timeless charm that makes each town and village a gem in the heart of England.

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Start planning your visit to Sussex today. Within an hour of London you can discover beautiful coastline, golden sandy beaches, rolling green hills, award winning attractions, rich heritage, busy towns and charming villages.

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Our top Sussex attractions include Drusillas Park , an award-winning theme park with exotic animals and exciting rides and Tulleys Farm , an immersive attraction with challenging escape rooms as well as seasonal experiences such as Tulleys Shocktober Fest. Other thrilling attractions in Sussex include Fishers Farm Park , Harbour Park and Paradise Park , each with a selection of rides and adventures for guests of all ages. 

Looking for a day out steeped in history? Why not visit one of the incredible Sussex attractions where you can step back in time to a bygone era? With options such as Bignor Roman Villa , Pashley Manor Gardens , the Royal Pavilion and St Marys House and Gardens , there is so much to discover on your family day out. Or, garden enthusiasts will love the sprawling landscapes of Wakehurst, Kew and the fascinating collections of the Museum of Gardening .

There are so many incredible places to visit in Sussex with options for all ages. Spend a tranquil day relaxing at the seaside town of Bognor Regis, strap on your walking boots and explore Wealden Do Coast and Countryside or step back in time as you discover Weald and Downland Living Museum . 

There are even places to visit in Sussex on rainy days such as The Sovereign Centre swimming pool and the South Downs Planetarium .

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An inclusive, free-thinking city in the heart of Sussex. With a blend of modern culture and exotic architecture, sea and countryside, make Brighton your base and discover new places and experiences both inside the city and out.

What’s Brighton like in a nutshell?

Ever since royal party animal George IV fell in love with Brighton back in the 18th Century, the city has been a magnet for visitors in search of fun, frolics and fresh sea air. With its majestic Regency squares and crescents, iconic Royal Pavilion and famous piers, today Brighton is as well-known for being a welcoming and diverse city with a passion for culture, creativity and sustainability as it is for its historic landmarks.

With art, live music and entertainment on tap, plus an ever-growing abundance of independent shops, boutique hotels and award-winning restaurants, what more could a city have to offer? Quite a lot, it turns out! Apart from having eight miles of beach on its doorstep and being bang in the middle of a UNESCO World Biosphere Region, it also borders the magnificent South Downs National Park , which is itself an International Dark Sky Reserve. And given that it’s a one-hour train journey from London and a half-hour train journey from London Gatwick Airport, it couldn’t be easier to get here.

So here at VisitBrighton HQ, we’ve gathered together everything we know about our fabulous city that could be of interest to you and organised it into handy sections to help you plan your trip. You’ll find information on things to do , what’s on , where to stay , and where to eat, drink, shop . We also have a helpful plan your visit section and a meetings and conferences section .

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• 19 Shaun Ryder - Happy Mondays and Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays
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11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Sussex, England

Written by Bryan Dearsley Sep 2, 2022

Once an ancient medieval Anglo-Saxon kingdom, the historic county of Sussex offers no end of fun things to do for vacationers and day-trippers.

Consisting of the ceremonial counties of West Sussex and East Sussex , this beautiful spot in southeast England benefits from being easy to get to, with major road and rail connections from London to Brighton and beyond. This southern county is also well-served by airlines using Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

Sussex also just so happens to be one of the prettiest regions of England. In addition to the spectacular South Downs , with their stunning white-chalk cliffs facing the English Channel, the countryside here is fun to explore, with lovely vistas, pretty villages, historic castles , and old manor homes at every turn.

Whether you're planning a scenic drive or prefer to explore on foot, the list of great places to visit in this lovely corner of England is endless.

To help you plan your perfect vacation in the beautiful southeast of England, read through our list of the top things to do in Sussex.

1. Visit the Royal Pavilion, Brighton

2. explore old town hastings, 3. shop in the lanes, brighton, 4. tour arundel castle, 5. wander medieval rye, 6. take a hike to beachy head and south downs national park, eastbourne, 7. visit english heritage - 1066 battle of hastings, battle, 8. see romantic bodiam castle, 9. reach for the sky on the british airways, i360, brighton, 10. visit chichester cathedral, chichester, 11. relax on brighton beach, map of things to do in sussex, england.

Built in the late 1700s for England's King George IV, Brighton's Royal Pavilion is a unique take on the traditional royal summer palace.

Designed in the Mogul style once common in India, the building's domes and minarets certainly give it an exotic appearance that juxtaposes the more traditional Georgian- and Victorian-era architecture this popular seaside resort is known for.

Located close to the seafront and other popular Brighton attractions , the Pavilion's grounds are a popular place to explore during the spring and summer months, with students and tourists alike staking a place on the grass to relax. Guided tours of the building are available, as are self-guided audio tours.

Feeling peckish? Participate in the afternoon tea experience in the Royal Pavilion Tearoom.

Address: 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton

Official site: https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/visit/royal-pavilion-garden/

Tucked away behind the bustling Hastings seafront and its attractions , Old Town Hastings is a great place for a stroll.

Nestled between East Hill and West Hill, start your exploration on All Saints Street . Almost directly opposite the Hastings Contemporary art gallery, All Saints Street features a fascinating mix of old timber-framed homes, historic inns, and former shop buildings from different periods, some dating back as far as the 1400s.

Along the way, you'll come across numerous narrow passageways leading off the street in both directions; let your curiosity get the better of you and wander. Those heading west will take you onto High Street, where you'll find a variety of great shopping opportunities worth checking out.

You'll also see the 15th-century St. Clements Church and, if you look hard enough, the old High Street home featured in the hit crime series, Foyles War .

Located between Brighton train station and the town's seafront, The Lanes are a lot of fun to explore. These usually busy alleyways date back to the 17th century and are lined with old townhomes and cottages that today serve as fashion boutiques, art galleries, and eateries.

It can get busy here, but if you're an early riser, you can beat the crowds and enjoy these narrow windy passageways at a leisurely pace. Grab an early morning coffee from a café in Old Steine , the original village green, before heading to the North Laine area.

Like The Lanes, the North Laine neighborhood features an array of interesting shops and businesses, including numerous jewelry stalls and shops, as well as fun places to visit such as the Brighton Toy and Model Museum .

Address: Meeting House Lane, Brighton

Built in the 11th century, Arundel Castle in West Sussex is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful castles in England .

This picture-perfect structure dominates the small town after which it's named, and while much of what you see was added centuries after its original construction, its medieval roots remain very much intact.

Its well-preserved interior features original furnishings and tapestries, along with a sizable art collection. The gardens are also worth exploring, and during the summer months they provide a stunning backdrop to medieval-themed fairs and re-enactments.

Location: Arundel, West Sussex

Official site: www.arundelcastle.org

Situated close to the Kent/Sussex border, the small town of Rye is famous for its many charming and well-preserved medieval and Tudor buildings. Once an important port, the cobblestone streets are fun to wander on foot, offering something interesting to look at every step of the way.

Highlights include Mermaid Street with its many timber-framed old homes, many of them now serving as interesting shops and boutiques. Pop in to the famous Mermaid Inn , which can trace its roots all the way back to 1156. Rye Castle Museum is also located in the old town center and provides a fascinating look at the town's rich history.

Afterwards, be sure to wander over to the Ypres Tower . This former defensive tower offers incredible views over the town and the surrounding countryside. Those wanting to experience a great traditional tea should pop in to The Cobbles Tea Room .

Paying a visit to spectacular Beachy Head is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Eastbourne .

Now part of South Downs National Park , England's newest national park, you'll first see Beachy Head from the beachfront in Eastbourne . Rising up out of the English Channel and dominating the west end of the town, this huge 530-foot-tall white cliff looks even better after you've climbed it.

The views from the top back over Eastbourne and the Channel are simply stunning, and make the at-times-steep climb well worthwhile. If the walk seems a little daunting, you can take the scenic Beachy Head Road to the top where there's ample parking with easy access to the trails.

Public washrooms and a restaurant are also located near the parking area. The Beachy Head Countryside Centre also provides useful maps and information on this area of outstanding natural beauty.

Location: Beachy Head, Eastbourne

A pretty 20-minute drive from Hastings seafront and one of the nicest small towns in Sussex, Battle is famous as the location where William the Conqueror beat the English in 1066 and cemented his claim to the throne.

Battle Abbey , built by William to commemorate the battle and its dead, stands looking down over the town's attractive old High Street and is fun to explore.

Pop in to the English Heritage - 1066 Battle of Hastings Visitor Centre to learn more about this pivotal event in English history. Guided tours are available, as are audio guides. In addition to exploring the abbey ruins, you'll get to explore the site of the actual battle.

While you can spend a few hours exploring this must-see attraction, be sure to allocate at least a little time to explore the town itself. In addition to its many historic timber-framed buildings, you'll want to visit the 900-year-old St. Mary The Virgin Church .

Location: Butter Cross, High Street, Battle

Official site: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/1066-battle-of-hastings-abbey-and-battlefield/

A pleasant 15-minute drive north of Battle, and you'll find yourself in the small Sussex village of Bodiam. Here, surrounded by a large moat, stands Bodiam Castle, one of the most romantic old fortresses in England.

Built in the 1300s and now partly in ruins, enough remains of the old fortress to provide a picture of just how impressive it must have been in its heyday.

Spectacular views over the castle interior and grounds can be enjoyed from its towers that, though a steep climb, are well worth the effort. Fun things to do include having the kids don medieval-era costumes and participate in a variety of hands-on learning experiences.

If you're able to make a day of it, combine your visit with a ride aboard a steam train. Operating out of the small Kentish town of Tenterden, the Kent & East Sussex Railway offers a variety of fun excursions to its Bodiam train station.

Location: Bodiam, East Sussex, England

Official site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle

Enjoying a ride aboard the British Airways i360 is another of the many fun things to do in Sussex. Standing tall on Brighton's lovely seafront, the world's first vertical cable car stands 531 feet high and offers superb views over the sea and the town.

Up to 200 guests at a time enter the observation platform at ground level and are transported slowly up the tower. After a few minutes paused at the top, the slow descent begins, ensuring plenty of time to grab some great photos of the view or some selfies. A tea room and gift shop are located on the premises.

This fun attraction can be easily combined with a walk along the wide promenade and a visit to other popular sightseeing attractions including Brighton Palace Pier , the Brighton Pavilion, and the town's many excellent beaches .

Address: Lower Kings Road, Brighton

Official site: http://britishairwaysi360.com/

The most westerly urban area in Sussex, the pleasant cathedral city of Chichester is a superb place to visit for those who enjoy exploring historical landmarks without the crowds found in destinations such as Canterbury or Cambridge.

True, it does take a little longer to get here by train from London than those two cities, but Chichester is every bit as pleasant to explore–and without the crowds and line-ups

Topping most lists of attractions here is Chichester Cathedral. Built in 1075, it's not as large as many other English cathedrals, but it's every bit as interesting. Highlights of a visit include the shrine of St. Richard of Chichester, an early bishop, along with numerous stone carvings and artworks.

If traveling with kids, be sure to request details of the educational trails that combine a little fun while they learn. Check their official website for news of events and concerts, and details of guided tours.

Location: Chichester, West Sussex

Official site: www.chichestercathedral.org.uk

Sussex is home to a number of first-rate beaches , not least of which is Brighton Beach.

Centered around Brighton's Palace Pier, this pebble beach has been a gathering point for sunseekers since Georgian times. In fact, lining the promenade are numerous fine examples of Georgian architecture, none more impressive than Brighton Pavilion .

As easy as it is to be distracted by the many seafront attractions in Brighton, there's plenty to do on the beach. Highlights include sunbathing and swimming, of course, while families will enjoy watching the kids explore and play in the hard-packed sand that reveals itself at low tide. Lifeguards are on duty during peak summer months, and washrooms and change facilities are located along the promenade.

Fun water sport activities available on Brighton Beach include kayaking, windsurfing, wakeboarding, and paddleboarding. Basketball and volleyball courts are also provided, along with a play area with splash pool for kids.

Address: Brighton Seafront Office, 141, Kings Road Arches, Brighton, East Sussex

Read More: Best Beaches in Brighton, East Sussex

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Home > Places to Visit > Chichester

Chichester is a Roman cathedral city and the only city in West Sussex. Its historical evidence of Roman settlement can be found all over the city, including some Roman baths, a city wall (which was replaced by a Georgian wall), an amphitheatre which is now a park and the old Roman road State Street linking Chichester with London.

It has a plethora of grade II listed buildings and other points of interest include the Chichester City Cross which is a type of butter market and sits in the centre of North, East, South and West streets. The City Cross was built in 1500 by Bishop Edward Storey as a shelter for people who sold their wares on market day.

Chichester City Centre

The city is mostly pedestrianised so it makes shopping a pleasant experience as the shops are mostly centered around the North, East, South and West Streets from Chichester Cross. The actual centre of Chichester has very wide pedestrianised streets so it makes it a very safe and spacious shopping experience! There are lots of spaces to enjoy lunch outside and the Cathedral and museum are right in the heart of the city.

Things to Do and Where to Eat

There are plenty of things to do in and around this historic city! You can see a show at the renowned Chichester Festival Theatre, visit Goodwood Races including the Festival of Speed, explore the Cathedral and shops in the city centre, and also visit Chichester Harbour.

Below we have listed some of our recommended places to grab coffee or lunch and things to do in Chichester .

Where to Eat in Chichester

Things to do in Chichester

Chichester Cathedral History

The cathedral, built in the 11th century, is a must see and a great place to wander down the cobbled floors and admire the architecture. Chichester Cathedral replaced the cathedral that was founded in 681 in Selsey, which is about eight miles south of Chichester. The cathedral, now in an area with a higher population, began being constructed in 1076 and was finished in 1008. The bell tower is detached and this, along with the spire and cloisters of the cathedral, were built around 1400.

The Novium Museum

If you are visiting Chichester we highly recommend visiting the Novium Museum, right in the heart of the city. The museum is free to enter to visit the ground floor and first floor and the top floor features exhibitions, as well as a must-see view of Chichester cathedral and the rooftops (even take a look at the unique chimney tops – some are Fareham chimney pots that were major producers of chimney pots in the south-east).  The museum is built on the remains of a Roman bathhouse and there is plenty to see and learn here for all ages – with artefacts from the area, the Chilgrove mosaic and Roman heritage.

Bishops Palace Gardens

From the cathedral, you can meander over to the Bishops Palace Gardens , which are very quiet and a lovely spot to read or rest your legs and a true hidden paradise! There are many places to sit in the gardens, amongst the beautiful borders and flowers, water features and pergola walk.

If you want a peaceful area to sit and relax, then this is the ideal spot and we love visiting the gardens to enjoy a coffee and sit and listen to the birds and enjoy the beautifully maintained gardens. The gardens are open from 8am till dusk and just a short walk through the cloisters which open onto Canon Lane.

Priory Park

Priory Park is another very beautiful and tranquil park in the northeast of the city centre. One of the most spectacular parts of the park is the fact it is surrounded by the Roman walls, which you can walk along. In the summer months, you can also enjoy watching the cricket from the park. The park is used for many events within Chichester and is a great space to relax (bear in mind that dogs are not allowed within the park).

In terms of shopping, there is a good selection of high street stores but we also really enjoy independent shops such as Winter’s Moon, Bunch (for flowers and plants) and Montezuma’s chocolates.

There are also many cafes and restaurants in Chichester , whether you are after lunch, brunch, or just want a coffee & cake.

How to Get to Chichester

By Car – There are many car parks in Chichester – we usually park at Northgate Car Park, near Chichester Festival Theatre, but other car parks include Cattle Market Car Park, New Park Car Park, Little London, and Avenue De Chartres (amongst many others!).

By Train – Trains run approximately every 30 minutes from London Victoria, with the journey taking about 1 hour 32 minutes. The Chichester train station is a short 5-minute walk to the city centre.

Where Next? Places to Visit Near Chichester

Close by is the spectacular sandy West Wittering beach , which makes for a lovely peaceful walk and is ideal for sailors and beachgoers. East Head, just next to West Wittering, is a sand dune spit and is an ideal location to walk dogs.

The village of Singleton just nearby Chichester is also a very pretty village and home to the Weald and Downland Museum , as well The Partridge pub, and is also a lovely area for a walk as it is close to the River Lavant.

Nearby is the Fox Goes Free pub in the village of Charlton, which we have often visited combined with a walk up to Goodwood and Trundle Hill and then back down the hill to the pub via Knight’s Hill Lane – which is just off where the footpath meets the bend at Kennel Hill (what3words ///direct.amazed.eyeliner ).

Also, a short drive away is one of the most picturesque seaside villages – Bosham – which is home to the Arts and Crafts Centre that features many local artists, lovely places to eat, and a great place for a walk around Bosham Quay .

If you are visiting Sussex, then check out our list of towns and cities you can visit for more of our recommendations for places to go and things to do!

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The BEST Places to Visit in East Sussex, England

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From wine tasting at Ridgeview Wine to exploring Charleston and Alfriston, these are the best places to visit in East Sussex, England!

I feel like East Sussex is one of those counties that has so much going for it.

It’s got the natural beauty of the Seven Sisters cliffs and the South Downs National Park ; it’s got cool creative towns to explore in Brighton, Hastings and Rye; and there’s an abundance of history in places like Bodiam Castle .

Forget about a weekend, you could easily spend a month and still not see all there is to do in East Sussex.

That’s why I wanted to come up with some of the best places to visit in East Sussex to help plan your trip here.

Everyone knows about Brighton and it’s packed with tourists, that’s why I wanted to highlight a few other places you might not have thought of. 

How about wine tasting in the foothills of the South Downs National Park? Or visiting Charleston , the historic artists residence to Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant?

It’s very easy to have an amazing weekend in East Sussex without hitting all of the popular hotspots.

In this blog post, I am going to highlight a few of my favourite things to do in East Sussex. As I said, I love it here.

Make sure you save this post for the future, and I really hope it helps you plan your trip to this gorgeous part of England .

Looking for another weekend break in the UK? Then check out my guides to Guernsey , Hampshire , Tetbury , Shropshire and Whitstable .

Gourmet Garden Trails

For those of you short on time and looking for inspiration, I’d really recommend taking a look at Gourmet Garden Trails .

This is an exciting new tourism product delivered by a number of local tourism organisations in partnership with Visit England, packed full of suggested itineraries focusing on England’s finest food and glorious gardens – hence the name Gourmet Garden Trails!

There are experiences in cookery courses, brewery and vineyard tours, gorgeous gardens, local museums and independent restaurants, all topped off with some of the finest accommodation around. It gives visitors a real taste of England at their fingertips.

My trip essentially followed the 3 days of food and wine in the South Downs which was brilliant (more on that below).

So far there are Gourmet Garden Trails in Cheshire, East Sussex, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, The Peak District & Derbyshire and West Sussex.

As I said, if you’re looking for some top-quality itineraries, then check out GGT. Information and inspiration – what more could you want!?

Best Places to Visit in East Sussex

Ridgeview wine.

If you’ve never heard of Ridgeview before, you’re in for a treat. This is a vineyard producing some of the best sparkling wines in the world. Honestly, the wines really are that good here. The fact they won ‘Winemaker of the Year’ at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2018 is testament to that.

Located close to the quaint village of Ditchling in East Sussex, Ridgeview has a reputation for producing full flavoured sparkling wines.

With the green rolling hills of the South Downs in the background, this is such a stunning vineyard to go on a wine tour.

The vines were planted way back in 1995 when the UK wine industry was still very niche. Since then, the wine industry has boomed, and Ridgeview have been at the forefront of that.

One of the reasons East Sussex is the perfect place for producing wine is due to the chalky soil (very similar to the Champagne region in France), a temperate climate, and a sea breeze to blow away any disease. All of this means the UK is actually an incredible place for producing wine. I bet you didn’t know that!

The best thing to do here is to go on a tour of the vineyard learning all about how they produce wine here. My favourite bit (naturally) was trying all the different English sparkling wines from the tasting room directly overlooking the vines. I honestly think the wine tastes better when you’re surrounded by that view.

A Ridgeview tour takes 1.5 hours and costs £15 for the standard tour, or £20 for the Classic tour (this one involves tasting their vintage range).

Ditchling Beacon

Close to Ridgeview is the little village of Ditchling. If you’re passing through for lunch, The Green Welly Cafe is a great place to eat at. Alternatively, afternoon tea of sandwiches and scones at The Nutmeg Tree is another option too.

Just on the outskirts of the village and up a massive hill, you’ll find Ditchling Beacon. This is one of the best viewpoints overlooking East Sussex and it’s well worth visiting.

There is a paid car park at the top of the hill. Usually during the summer holidays there’s an ice cream van at the top too.

For those of you looking to explore more of the area, Ditchling Beacon is on the South Downs Way. This means it’s the perfect place picking up the trail and going for a walk.

The most popular route is from Ditching Beacon to Devil’s Dyke . This is a 3-hour, 7-mile walk that follows the ridgeway to Devil’s Dyke. I haven’t done this myself yet, but it’s on my British bucket list.

During spring and summer, the grass is covered with vibrant wild flowers that bring a touch of colour to the landscape.

If you don’t fancy the whole walk though, even getting an ice cream at the beacon and admiring the view is incredible.

When you get up here yourself, you’ll quickly see why this is one of the top places to visit in East Sussex. I just wish I had a bit longer to explore all the area has to offer.

For my East Sussex itinerary, I stayed in the cute little village of Alfriston. With its chocolate-box-pretty pubs, wonky medieval buildings and independent shops, it’s amazing how much there is to do here for such a tiny village.

Bookworms will completely fall in love with Much Ado Books , an independent bookshop that’s jammed packed with unknown authors just waiting the be discovered. Opposite this, fashion lovers will enjoy browsing through the rails of vintage clothes in the Dressing Room .

If you’re looking for the best cake and cream tea in Alfriston, then pop into Badgers Tea House . This was once the village bakery, and that tradition lives strong with the cakes and pastries they have on offer.

To really get a feel for village life, make sure you walk around the Tye (the local village green) where you’ll find St Andrew’s Church. This church is known as the ‘Cathedral of the South Downs’, and from my photo you can see why.

While I was in Alfriston, I stayed at The Star , an old 15th century inn that’s now a hotel and restaurant owned by TV presenter Alex Polizzi. This place has been hyped up as one of the top hotels in East Sussex, and it’s easy to see why.

The Star, housed in a mixture of new and old buildings, has been rebuilt recently. This gives it a really nice blend of comforting modern rooms and a stylish restaurant with ancient beams and secret corners throughout the hotel.

The restaurant is amazing too. Simple Italian cooking done incredibly well. I really loved my meals here.

For me, Charleston really highlighted what my Gourmet Garden Trails itinerary was all about. I wouldn’t usually visit a local museum like Charleston, but I found it absolutely fascinating.

Charleston was once the historic home to Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, two modernist artists from the 1920s. Together, they created a quirky home that’s like a living museum with each room individually styled and painted.

Not only that though, they also created a movement.

Charleston used to be a focal point for some of the 20 th century’s most radical artists, writers and thinkers who collectively became known as the Bloomsbury group.

It is where they came together to imagine society differently, and has always been a place where art and experimental thinking are at the centre of everyday life.

Today, Charleston is a memorial to not only those great artists who once walked these walls and gardens, but it celebrates all artists with ever-changing exhibitions and festivals.

At Charleston, they believe in the power of art, in all its forms, to provoke new ways of thinking and living.

I didn’t know anything about Charleston or the Bloomsbury group, so it was great learning more all about this.

Tickets to the main house at Charleston cost £16 for adults, and under 18s go free which I thought was a nice touch.

Tickets for the exhibitions cost £9.90 for adults, and again under 18s go free.

Middle Farm

Another place to visit in East Sussex, especially if you’ve got little ones, is Middle Farm . This is just over the road from Charleston.

Middle Farm is one of those places that has something for everyone. For the kids, you can say hello to the donkeys, llamas, ponies and pigs. This is a great opportunity for them to learn about farm life.

For the adults, where to begin! There’s a really lovely tea room with delicious scones, a butcher with top quality meats from the farm, cheeses from the surrounding area, or perhaps my favourite place, the cider and perry shop.

The cider and perry shop was the largest I’ve ever seen. They have over 100 different ciders and perries on sale here. With that many on sale, the best thing to do is taste a few and then fill up a bottle of your favourite. It’s the proper local experience.

Seven Sisters

For me, this is one of the most iconic images of England. When I realised this viewpoint of the Seven Sisters was only 15 minutes away from Alfriston, I just had to visit.

The Seven Sisters cliffs are part of a magnificent stretch of coastline between Seaford and Eastbourne. This area is designated and protected as a ‘Heritage Coast’, and is the finest example of unprotected chalk cliffs in Britain.

One of the best things to do at the Seven Sisters is to go on the Beachy Head walk . This is a walk from Eastbourne to the Birling Gap where you have a view of the Seven Sister but from the other side of the cliffs. You can read all about this walk here .

This time around though, I wanted to get to this famous viewpoint. Parking at South Hill Barn Car Park, it’s just a short 15-minute walk to the Seven Sisters Cottages and this view.

It’s also well worth taking in the view from Hope Gap too. When it comes to places to visit in East Sussex, this one really is right up there.

Rathfinny Wine Estate

Another vineyard that champions the best of East Sussex is Rathfinny Wine Estate . Despite being a relatively new vineyard (it was founded in 2010), Rathfinny are quickly establishing themselves as one of the top producers of English sparkling wine in the country.

Much like Ridgeview, Rathfinny also has very chalky soil with a strong sea breeze to blow away any disease. All this means you’re left with an absolutely delicious bottle of sparkling wine.

The best way of learning about the wine at Rathfinny is to go on a tour that takes you around the estate and shows how they make wine here. Tours run over the weekend and cost £25 per person.

There are also two restaurants on the estate. The Tasting Room is considered to be one of the best restaurants in East Sussex. Since it opened in 2018, it has been awarded The Place Michelin for two years running.

The other restaurant is The Flint Barns, a much for casual restaurant down in the vines themselves. I had lunch at The Flint Barns and it was absolutely delicious. I had the seafood platter with a glass of the classic cuvee. Honestly, the food and bubbles taste a lot better when you’re surrounded by vines!

This post was in association with Sussex Modern and Visit England promoting the new Gourmet Garden Trails. As always, views are entirely my own and without bias.

Are you planning a trip to East Sussex? Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below and I’ll get back to you!

Need a place to stay? Then check out this beautiful getaway in Sussex . I really enjoyed staying here, and it was a great place exploring some more places nearby.

Like this post? Then make sure you Pin it for the future!

About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Hastings (East Sussex, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Hastings (East Sussex, England)

Where the sandstone ridge of the High Weald tumbles to the English Channel, Hastings is a working fishing port, Victorian resort and a historic settlement.

Hastings was one of a Medieval alliance of coastal towns known as the Cinque Ports, and has a gorgeous old town in a valley against the rocky East and West Hills.

The town gave its name to the Battle of Hastings, the most crucial event in English history when William of Normandy defeated the Anglo-Saxon pretender to the throne Harold Godwinson to begin the Norman Conquest.

The battlefield and its abbey are only 15 minutes by road or train, while there’s an award-winning pier, museums, art galleries and light-hearted family attractions to keep you in town for at least a day.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Hastings :

1. Hastings Old Town

The wonderfully quaint old quarter, in Hastings’ easternmost valley follows a cosy Medieval layout and has remnants of a wall raised in the 14th century during the 100 Years’ War.

Along the High Street and intersecting alleys are half-timbered houses and Georgian facades that conceal much older buildings.

These hold antiques shops, quirky one-off boutiques, historic inns, galleries, cafes and seafood restaurants.

There’s always something going on in summer, like the Seafood and Wine Festival, or the traditional Jack in the Green.

By the water is the Stade harbour, which we’ll talk about in more detail later.

But along Rock-a-Nore Road stand tall, black wooden huts, which are “net shops”, going back to the 19th century and providing weatherproof storage for nets and other fishing gear.

2. Battle Abbey

A journey that needs to b made if you want to tap into the history of Hastings, Battle Abbey is a 15-minute drive or train ride.

A partial ruin, this Benedictine abbey was erected on the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1070 by the Normans as penance for the slaughter that took place in their conquest of England.

The high altar was said to be positioned on the exact spot where the Anglo-Saxon King Harold fell.

This is now marked by a stone, as the abbey was torn down in the Reformation, and its abbot’s quarters were turned into a stately home.

You can take a look around the battlefield with an audioguide, watch a film and handle replica weapons at the visitor centre.

The house has a lovely 19th-century walled garden and you can make your way around the 13th-century ruins of the abbey

3. Alexandra Park

Meandering out to Hastings’ suburbs from the town centre, the 109-acre Alexandra Park has a linear design laid out in the 1870s by Robert Marnock, one of the leading landscapers of the day.

This park was given a multimillion pound regeneration in the early 2000s and since then has become an annual winner of the Green Flag Award.

The lower section has formal gardens around reservoirs, while the more northern part is natural and wooded.

Alexandra Park has an exceptionally rich collection of trees, a cafe, an adventure playground and a bandstand used for concerts in summer.

Youngsters will also love the miniature railway at the north end of the park.

4. Hastings Country Park

A great thing about Hastings is that you can depart on foot and be in protected countryside within minutes.

The Hastings Country Park is at the southernmost point of the High Weald Area of Natural Beauty, and has 660 acres of ancient woodland, cliffs and heathland.

The scene of a Bronze Age fort, this land has seen human activity since the Palaeolithic Age, and the Celts, Romans and Saxons all left their mark.

A feature of the park is its glens, sandstone valleys densely wooded and with beds of gorse shrub, as well as rare mosses, liverworts and lichens.

Fulmars, peregrines and black redstarts breed in the cliffs, while stonechats and Dartford warblers breed among the gorsr in the valleys.

If you come by in spring or autumn you may see some migrating bird species like Pallas’s leaf warblers, red-rumped swallows and Sardinian warblers.

5. Cliff Railways

Hastings has two funicular railways rattling up and down its sandstone cliffs.

The older of the two is the 150-metre West Hill Lift, which opened in 1891 and serves Hastings Castle and St Clements Caves.

This railway is unusual in that it runs through a tunnel and still uses its Victorian coaches.

The lower station is on the charming George Street departing from the old town.

The East Hill Lift will get you up to Hastings Country Park, and claims to be the UK’s steepest funicular railway, with a gradient of 78%. This line opened in 1902 and is capped with a pair of towers built to house the water tanks for the initial hydraulic propulsion system.

6. Jerwood Gallery

On the Stade in front of the old town is a contemporary art museum that opened in 2012 in a beautifully understated building covered with 8,000 black glazed tiles from Kent.

Its low profile and cladding helps it blend with the net shops along the Stade.

The collection at the Jerwood Gallery has works by some of the big names of modern British art like Stanley Spencer, L. S. Lowry, Walter Sickert, Patrick Caulfield, Ben Nicholson and Augustus John.

There are normally three temporary exhibitions at any time.

Past artists featured at these shows include the Primitivist Christopher Wood and illustrator Quentin Blake.

In summer 2018 there was an exhibition marking the centenary of Abstract Expressionist Paul Feiler, a member of the influential St Ives School.

7. Hastings Castle

On the West Hill is what’s left of Hastings’ Norman motte-and-bailey castle.

One of the special things about this fortification is that it was started immediately after William the Conqueror landed, and before the Battle of Hastings even took place.

The ruined building there now dates from the reign of Henry III in the 13th century.

From that point on, Hastings Castle would be beset by trouble.

Some of the complex collapsed into the sea during a storm at the end of the 13th century, the castle was attacked and burnt during French attacks in the 14th century, abandoned in the 16th century and hit by bombs in the Second World War.

Somehow about a third of the structure is still standing, including a cloistered chapel and dungeons, labelled with information panels.

In a tent you can watch the “1066 Story”, detailing the castle’s history and the famous battle.

8. St Clements Caves

Smuggling was rife in Hastings for hundreds of years, and the sandstone caves on West Hill were burrowed with hundreds of metres of tunnels to move and store contraband like rum.

That activity continued up to the end of the Napoleonic Wars, when the town was gentrified as a resort.

St Clements Caves were rediscovered in 1820, and attracted royalty after they became a tourist attraction in Victorian times.

In this atmospheric and supposedly haunted environment, the world of smuggling is brought back to life with 70 life-sized figures of bootleggers, pirates and smugglers, accompanied by sound effects and interactive games for kids.

9. Pelham Beach

The most accommodating patch of coast in Hastings is the section between the pier and harbour.

Pelham Beach is all shingle, except when the tide receded and there are large patches of sand.

If you find the beach a little uncomfortable there are deck chairs for hire, and the sea is watched by RNLI lifeguards all summer long.

There’s some beautiful old architecture on the seafront, like a Georgian crescent centred on St Mary in the Castle, a Neoclassical church turned into a performing arts space.

The seafront has any number of cafes, restaurants and ice cream parlours, combined with family attractions like adventure golf, a trampoline park and amusement arcades.

10. Hastings Pier

Dating back to 1872, Hastings Pier pushes out into the English Channel for 280 metres.

Like all piers it has been susceptible to the elements, and suffered storm damage in 1990 and then a fire in 2010, which took out 95% of the structure.

The renovation project that followed won the coveted Stirling Prize for architecture in 2017, and the result is something that respects the tradition of the site, but is undeniably modern.

There’s a state-of-the-art exhibition in “the Deck” visitor centre, and a cafe with a scenic view on the upper floor, as well as food and drink stands, an interpretation trail, binoculars and telescopes.

The pier hosts free family workshops, live music, outdoor cinema screenings and street performers in summer.

11. Shipwreck Museum

If ever there were a place for a museum about shipwrecks it’s on the busiest shipping lane in the world, where up to 600 ships pass through each day.

The museum charts some of the many thousands of vessels that have been wrecked off the coast of Southeast England, from Goodwin Sands in Kent (more 2,000 shipwrecks have happened in this one spot) to Pevensey Bay in East Sussex.

The museum goes into detail on the geology and environmental conditions that has helped preserve many of these wrecks in situ.

There are artefacts from Anne, a 17th-century warship from the reign of Charles II and Amsterdam, a Dutch East Indiaman wrecked in 1749. The museum is multisensory, with lots of things to touch, smell and hear.

12. Hastings Museum and Art Gallery

The town’s museum has a diversity of exhibitions in a brick and limestone, Elizabethan-style mansion.

The highlight is the Durbar Hall, a magnificent interior space created for London’s Colonial & Indian Exhibition of 1886, with intricate wooden carvings in an Indian Islamic style.

The upper floor of the Durbar Hall, holds an exhibition of world art.

There’s an interactive dinosaur gallery for kids, and the town’s past is recounted at the Story of Hastings in 66 Objects.

Also worth a look is the exhibition of Native American artefacts relating to Grey Owl, or Archibald Belaney, a Hastings-born emigrant to Canada who fabricated a First Nations identity and became a prominent conservationist.

His true identity wasn’t discovered until after his death.

13. True Crime Museum

In the cliffs in front of Pelham Beach is a hard-hitting museum for grown-ups with a fascination for the darkest side of humanity.

The True Crime Museum has some chilling artefacts, like the actual tubs used by John George Haigh “The Acid Bath Murderer” to dissolve his victims, love letters from a serial killer, a genuine lethal injection table and paraphernalia connected to the infamous East End gangsters, the Krays.

The Crime Lab has games for wannabe forensic scientists, and there’s also a surround sound cinema with authentic recorded confessions by some of the most notorious serial killers.

14. Blue Reef Aquarium

Close to the East Hill Cliff Railway, the Blue Reef Aquarium has hundreds of marine creatures like rays, sharks, seahorses and octopuses, as well as a Jungle Room with snakes and bearded dragons.

The headline attractions is the enormous ocean tank with an underwater tunnel to see shoals of brightly coloured tropical fish from below.

The aquarium organises talks and feeds every hour during opening times, including two ocean presentations at the largest tropical tank, when you can find out more about the black reef sharks.

There are also two chances to come into contact with aquarium’s reptiles, as well as a ray feed, octopus talk and archerfish feed.

15. The Stade

Fronting the old town, east of Pelham Beach, is Europe’s largest fleet of beach-launched fishing boats in Europe.

A compelling slice of living history, the Stade is a shingle bay protected by a groyne and has been used for beaching boats for more than a millennium.

Originally the beach was small, until the construction of the harbour and groyne at the end of the 19th century caused a steep bed of shingle to accumulate.

At high tide the boats can slip into the sea easily enough, but they have to be hauled onto the beach when they come back.

In the past this was done with horses, but each boat now has a winch to pull itself ashore, while a caterpillar tractor is on standby for extra power.

15 Best Things to Do in Hastings (East Sussex, England):

• Hastings Old Town
• Battle Abbey
• Alexandra Park
• Hastings Country Park
• Cliff Railways
• Jerwood Gallery
• Hastings Castle
• St Clements Caves
• Pelham Beach
• Hastings Pier
• Shipwreck Museum
• Hastings Museum and Art Gallery
• True Crime Museum
• Blue Reef Aquarium

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Explore More in 2024  whether it's discovering the stunning coastline of Kent , wine-tasting in Sussex , creating literary stories in Hampshire , or experiencing breathtaking views in Surrey, come and discover a destination full of diversity. Embrace the royal heritage of Berkshire , try tantalising local produce on the Isle of Wight,  explore the great outdoors of Buckinghamshire , discover the charming towns and villages of Oxfordshire , or take to the waves in Dorset, with over 1900 hours of sunshine a year, the South East is one of the warmest regions in the UK. South East England wraps around  London  and with its great travel and transport links, it is easy to combine your stay with a day trip, short break, or holiday to the capital. 

Love Holidays

With a choice of styles and budgets to suit, choose from five-star luxury escapes to the countryside, exciting family holiday parks by the sea, or budget-friendly city centre hotels ideal for exploring with friends, you are sure to find the right accommodation  for your next holiday in South East England.  Special offers mean it doesn't have to cost the earth to visit, and with a host of dog-friendly places to stay everyone can enjoy a getaway. Start looking now, and book the place that's right for you....your next South East adventure awaits.

Love Events

The 2024 South East event calendar is bursting at the seams, from internationally renowned events welcoming thousands of visitors, to art, music, and cultural festivals bringing colour and excitement to the region. Celebrate English Wine Week (15th - 23rd June24) with a visit to one of the array of glorious vineyards across South East England. Schools will be out for the summer holidays at the end of July and the South East if full of family fun events and activities to keep you entertained. Look out for the free (F) events and added-value activites and crafts to help the budget go a little further. Don't miss the chance to taste your way around the region with a visit to one of the many food festivals filling up the event calendar, from chilli and cheese, beer and cider, seafoods and wines, often colliding together art, music, creating festivals to remember. It's music madness in South East England with an array of large-scale  music festivals mixed in with smaller events celebrating every type of music genre.

Love Pictures

Discover some of the must-dos and must-see places to visit from around South East England. Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , or X  for news and events for your next visit or holiday. We love sharing your photos and stories too, so don't forget to tag us and use the hashtag #lovesoutheastengland.  Our  YouTube channel  is a great way to see what adventures await - home to a host of destination videos that you can take a look at before you travel. Our  blog  and e-newsletters are another great source of ideas, with regular updates around half-term holidays, themes, and special events. Visit our be inspired pages to link up with many of the tourism websites located in the South East of England.

Love Anniversaries

2024 is the  80th anniversary of D-Day and many of the cities and attractions who were involved will be hosting events to commemorate this occasion. Many of the events  will focus on the D-Day Story in Portsmouth, as it is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of the 6th June 1944. 2024 is also the 150th anniversary since the birth of Sir Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace , Oxfordshire, a tribute to his influential life will be celebrated over the year with the chance to meet 'Winstan' on selected dates from May - November.  This year is also 80 years since the world's first large-scale digital computer arrived at Bletchley Park , Buckinghamshire, 75 years since Jane Austen House Museum opened its doors in Hampshire and 50 years since ABBA won Eurovision in Brighton , Sussex.  

2024 also celebrates an amazing 175 years since Hook Norton Brewery was established, keep an eye out for a range of new anniversary beers and special 'ride to the pub' events.  It is also 25 years of the Isle of Wight walking festival which returns for two nine-day festivals in 2024, May and October, and 50 years since Thames Rivercruise  started sailings down the River Thames from Caversham. Did you know that this year is also the 25th anniversary of the Gruffalo, so head to the deep dark woods of  Bedgebury Pinetum to explore their new party trail or visit Kent and East Sussex Railway as it is 50 years since the passenger services resumed in Tenterden. An anniversary party kicks off the celebrations at Watts Gallery - Artist Village , Surrey as it celebrates 120 years since it opened on the 1st April 1904. Look out for lots of anniversary-related events across the South East in 2024.

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Love New Places

South East England is a destination with discovery at its heart. From  family fun , to all-weather year-round attractions , new places to visit , and the countryside that inspired over 7 million literary words, South East England will not disappoint. With 50+ castles, 26 Blue-flag award-winning beaches, 19 piers, 5 cities, and a host of towns and villages each with their own character and feel, you'll never be short of things to do . Mix up your adventures with some free things to do along with pay-for visits, picnics in the rolling countryside, and lunches or dinners out to make the most of your South East visit.

Love Local Produce

Let your taste buds go on a journey of discovery too, try some of the region's refreshing sparkling English wines, with over 140+   wine producers located here, you can enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner overlooking the vines, or indulge a little and discover food choices from around the world when you  eat out somewhere new .  Try Oysters from Whitstable or scallops from Rye, locally brewed beer in Oxfordshire or internationally renowned  gin in Winchester, you will find a host of tasty foods and drinks made in the South East to experience. Along with pick your own, farm shops, local produce markets, award-winning dining, afternoon tea experiences and more.

Love The Great Outdoors

With its 3 million acres of natural beauty South East England is a walker’s paradise.  Choose to explore the two National Parks or nine National Landscapes, all with their outstanding natural beauty . Walk, stroll or saunter along the 11,658 miles of walking trails and paths, discover the 43 nature reserves, or let off steam in the glorious country parks  and  gardens . If you want to try something new whilst here, the South East is home to some exciting  experiences , discover memory-making moments from archery lessons to sunset canoeing, electric bike tours, kayak hire and much more.

Love the Coast

With 400 miles of stunning coastline, there are plenty of coastal towns and cities providing a great backdrop to an escape by the sea. Walk along the stunning  white cliffs , skim stones along the shore, enjoy the breathtaking panorama, and mesmerising sunsets as flocks of starlings dance in the sky - murmurations, (November - March), the South Coast  is sure to delight. You may not know but southern England is full of sandy beaches, from the beautiful East coastline of the Isle of Wight to the sweeping bays on the Isle of Thanet , the dunes of Camber Sands and West Witterings, to the glorious beaches of  Dorset , the gateway between the South East and the South West.     

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Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve

Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve is home to various habitats including river, marshland,…

Aldershot Military Museum

Housed in the only surviving brick-built barrack blocks left in Aldershot, Aldershot Military…

Holme Grange Craft Village

We offer a wide range of goods and services and a fabulous tea shop in a historic barn opening onto…

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts

Gigs, comedy, film, theatre, gallery, classes, cafe bar. Since September 2000, Norden Farm has…

Arundel Museum

Arundel Museum is the south coast’s newest museum, revealing the story of the historic town of…

Albourne Estate Vineyard

Set deep in the glorious Sussex countryside overlooking the South Downs, yet just 8 miles from…

Royal Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion is an exotic palace in the centre of Brighton with a colourful history. Built as…

Hastings Contemporary

Nestling between the fishing beach and Hastings Old Town, Hastings Contemporary is sensitively…

Colonel Stephens Railway

The Colonel Stephens Railway Museum Recording the Career of Holman Fred Stephens, Light…

Hever Castle and Gardens

Childhood home of Anne Boleyn and later of Lord Astor.

1066 Battle Abbey and Battlefield

Visit the site of one of the most famous battles in England's history – the 1066 Battle of…

Bletchley Park

Once Britain’s Best Kept Secret, today Bletchley Park is a heritage site and vibrant tourist…

Hobbs of Henley Boat Trips

Hobbs and Sons Ltd (now named Hobbs of Henley Ltd) was established in 1870 and has continued to…

Chichester Cathedral

In the heart of Chichester, a magnificent Cathedral with treasures ranging from medieval stone…

Down House - The Home of Charles Darwin

Visit Down House, the family home of Charles Darwin. Explore the atmospheric family rooms where he…

West Dean Gardens

Creatively inspired by its rich heritage and South Downs setting, West Dean Gardens is brimming…

The D-Day Story

The D-Day Story is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the Allied Invasion in June 1944. It…

Dover Castle

Discover 2000 years of history at Dover Castle! Step inside the Great Tower and immerse yourself in…

• 1 Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve
• 2 Aldershot Military Museum
• 3 Holme Grange Craft Village
• 4 Norden Farm Centre for the Arts
• 5 Arundel Museum
• 6 Albourne Estate Vineyard
• 7 Royal Pavilion
• 8 Hastings Contemporary
• 9 Colonel Stephens Railway
• 10 Hever Castle and Gardens
• 11 1066 Battle Abbey and Battlefield
• 12 Bletchley Park
• 13 Hobbs of Henley Boat Trips
• 14 Chichester Cathedral
• 15 Down House - The Home of Charles Darwin
• 16 West Dean Gardens
• 17 The D-Day Story
• 18 Dover Castle

Today's Events

Sunday Roasts at The Rows & Vine

Live life in full flavour at The Rows & Vine, converted into a unique winter dining space by our…

Henley Festival

Henley Festival is an exclusive boutique black tie festival which takes place over five days…

Denbies Vineyard Restaurant Sparkling Afternoon Tea & Train tour

The Vineyard Tour… Enjoy a glass of Denbies Sparkling Wine as you are taken through the vineyard…

Denbies Gallery Restaurant Cellar Wine Tasting & Lunch

This relaxed tour, tasting and lunch is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a complete winery…

'A Taste of Denbies' Cellar Wine Tasting and Gallery Dinner

The Gallery Restaurant is located on the third floor of the winery building, with panoramic views…

Denbies One Day Wine Enthusiast Workshop

What better location to learn and appreciate the world of wine than Denbies Wine Estate, England's…

Denbies Gin & Vine Experience

Refreshments and pastries on arrival at Denbies. Followed by a morning at the local 'The Gin…

My Year Walks

Embrace the seasons on a guided Roald Dahl countryside walk; kick up some leaves, ramble through…

Bates Green Garden

This Plantswoman's tranquil garden provides interest through the seasons. Woodland Garden created…

Curious About Chichester

Have fun (re-)discovering Chichester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky…

Curious About Canterbury

Have fun (re-)discovering Canterbury, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky…

Forest Bathing at Wakehurst

Immerse yourself in nature, enhance your well-being with our calming forest bathing half-days.…

Churchill 150

Celebrate the extraordinary life of Sir Winston Churchill with us this year as we mark 150 years…

The Art of Buckler's Hard

Explore The Art of Buckler's Hard, a new exhibition showcasing art from the recent Sky Arts…

Guercino at Waddesdon: King David and the Wise Women

This March, the house reopens with a new exhibition Guercino at Waddesdon: King David and the Wise…

City of Oxford Walking Tour

Discover the vibrant history of the oldest university in the English-speaking world on the only…

In Turner's Studio: Talk & Paint 2024

26th March - London from Greenwich - Inks and dip-pen - SOLD OUT 9th April - Shields, on the River…

Marwell Zoo's 5 for £85 family ticket is back!

Marwell Zoo's super value family ticket is back for a limited time only! Save more than £40 on your…

• 1 Sunday Roasts at The Rows & Vine
• 2 Henley Festival
• 3 Denbies Vineyard Restaurant Sparkling Afternoon Tea & Train tour
• 4 Denbies Gallery Restaurant Cellar Wine Tasting & Lunch
• 5 'A Taste of Denbies' Cellar Wine Tasting and Gallery Dinner
• 6 Denbies One Day Wine Enthusiast Workshop
• 7 Denbies Gin & Vine Experience
• 8 My Year Walks
• 9 Bates Green Garden
• 10 Curious About Chichester
• 11 Curious About Canterbury
• 12 Forest Bathing at Wakehurst
• 13 Churchill 150
• 14 The Art of Buckler's Hard
• 15 Guercino at Waddesdon: King David and the Wise Women
• 16 City of Oxford Walking Tour
• 17 In Turner's Studio: Talk & Paint 2024
• 18 Marwell Zoo's 5 for £85 family ticket is back!
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