Heading directly south from the urban sprawl of London the motorways eventually give way to the winding lanes and picturesque country views of the county of Sussex. A diversity of pleasures awaits visitors to Sussex, including fourteen miles of coastline lined with famous and historic resorts and acres of unspoilt countryside and woodland. History, tranquillity, natural beauty and vibrancy abound in equal measure in Sussex, making it the perfect destination whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for a fortnight or longer. It could take a lifetime to list all of the attractions of Sussex, but here’s a guide to some of the experiences and activities that make Sussex so special.
What to See and Do in East Sussex
Sitting on the southern coast of England almost at the mid-point between East and West Sussex, is the cosmopolitan, cultural and iconic resort of Brighton. Brighton truly has something for everyone, and besides offering a traditional yet thoroughly modern seaside resort experience also boasts a number of museums and galleries, a marina, many fascinating independent shops and the unmissable Royal Pavilion with its Indian-Gothic architecture. Beach buffs may not favour Brighton’s pebble beaches, but there are plenty more coastal resorts in East Sussex. Another traditional but less exuberant resort can be found in Eastbourne, home to the famous Beachy Head: the UK’s highest chalk cliffs which look out over the English Channel. Further along the coast at Sussex’s easternmost border Camber Sands provides an altogether different beach experience. Away from the amusement arcades, promenades, noise and bustle Camber Sands is a place to relax and enjoy nothing more strenuous than a gentle stroll or a snooze in a deckchair among the dunes.
Bodiam-Castle
East Sussex is no less enjoyable away from the coast. Anyone with a taste for English history should visit Battle, a town that grew up around the site of the Battle of Hastings. (Hastings itself is a short distance away, back on the coast). Battle’s streets feature Norman and Georgian architecture and the ruins of Battle’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey with its interactive visitor centre gives a fascinating insight into the legendary dispute of 1066 between King Harold’s army and the invading Normans. A mere six miles away, the stunning, moated Bodiam Castle transports visitors back in time for a taste of twelfth-century castle life. They can also taste locally produced Bodiam wine and Bodiam honey too.
Outdoor pursuits are well catered for in East Sussex courtesy of the South Downs National Park, which covers an area of 1600km2 and incorporates the Seven Sisters Country Park. Running through this bio diverse ‘living landscape’ the South Downs Way leads through bluebell carpeted woodlands and wildflower meadows, linking traditional Sussex villages and heritage sites and offering unbeatable opportunities for walking, horse riding and cycling in beautiful surroundings.
For a more romantic, nostalgic and leisurely way to enjoy the stunning East Sussex scenery, look no further than the historic Bluebell Steam railway which follows a nine-mile stretch of heritage railway between Sheffield Park and Kingscote, with a further two-mile extension to East Grinstead currently under construction.
What to See and Do in West Sussex
At the westernmost edge of Sussex lies the delightful cathedral town of Chichester, conveniently located between the coast and the countryside. Chichester’s harbour, deemed an area of outstanding natural beauty, is an ideal place to relax and observe the masses of wildfowl and wading birds which inhabit the mudflats. Better still, you observe the beauty of the harbour from the water on one of the many sightseeing boats.
A nearby village hosts the remains of one of the largest and finest Roman buildings in the UK. Dating back to the first century A.D. the Roman palace at Fishbourne contains intricate mosaic floors with evidence of original underfloor heating, whilst the stunning outdoor gardens have been lovingly restored to their original design.
arundel-castle
The coast of West Sussex has its fair share of seaside resorts such as Worthing and Littlehampton but perhaps the most famous is Bognor Regis. Originally a fishing village, Bognor Regis has evolved into a friendly and much loved seaside town which – statistically, at least – enjoys more annual sunshine than any other town in the UK. With award-winning beaches, traditional British seaside attractions and the relaxing tropical gardens of Hotham Park, Bognor Regis makes an ideal base for exploring West Sussex.
Further inland and to the northeast of Bognor the picturesque market town of Arundel has some unmissable attractions, not least its magnificent thousand-year old castle which overlooks the River Arun. Now home to the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, visitors can admire Arundel Castle’s collections of fine artworks, china, clocks and armour or simply enjoy the 40-acre gardens. Nature lovers can take a boat safari at the nearby Arundel Wetland Centre, a twenty-six hectare wetland conservation area where those with eagle-eyes may find water voles, snakes, kingfishers and a host of migratory waterfall in and around the reed beds.
Sussex boasts a number of outstanding public gardens and parks, but two of the finest are to be found in Haywards Heath where West Sussex meets East. Wakehurst Place is the National Trust’s most visited property, and is the country estate of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. A fine Elizabethan house stands amidst immaculate lawns, whilst elsewhere on the estate you can wander through a nature reserve of woodlands and wetlands or admire Wakehurst’s collection of rare and exotic plant species.
Borde Hill Garden offers 17 acres of colourful gardens, divided into ‘rooms’ each with its own theme, and has been described as “one of the country’s truly great gardens”. With opportunities for bird-watching and photography, an art gallery and an adventure playground, Borde Hill Garden can be enjoyed at any time of year.
These are just a few of the things to see and do in Sussex; there are so many more including vineyards, working farms, outdoor activity centres, military museums and as much great English countryside and coastline as you could ever wish to explore. With so much to discover, the only way to truly appreciate the county of Sussex is to visit it yourself.
Image credits:
Bodium Castle by Neilhooting, Eastbourne Pier by davharuk, Arundel Castle by HerryLawford
This was a guest post by Andrew for Elite Hotels who own 2 of the finest luxury hotels in Sussex at the Eastbourne Grand and Ashdown Park country house hotel.
