Running along the south coast of England, the county of Sussex is made up of three distinct geographic areas – a coastal plain on the edge of the English Channel in the south, the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs to the north, and beyond them the beautiful and lush wooded countryside of the Sussex Weald.
Its geographical location means that the county has been the scene of several historic events – most notably the invasion which led to the Roman conquest of Britain in AD43, and later it was the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
The county is divided into three local government areas – Brighton and Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex. Brighton and Hove, and Chichester are the two Sussex cities.
Things to do in Sussex The coastline is, quite rightly, a key focus for visitors to Sussex, but keen walkers also make the most of the rolling Sussex Downs; the South Downs extend for more than 260 miles, with the South Downs Way, a long distance footpath and bridleway, which runs for the full extent of the chalk ridge from Winchester to Eastbourne, a very popular route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
On a nine-mile stretch of railway track on the border between East and West Sussex, the Bluebell Railway – a heritage line – runs steam trains between Sheffield Park and Kingscote. The railway is managed and run largely by volunteers, and was the first preserved standard-gauge, steam-driven passenger railway in the world to operate a public service when it opened in 1960. Its steam locomotives make it a popular location for television producers and film-makers.
Top Destinations
Brighton – Together with its neighbour, Hove, part of one of the most vibrant cities in the country, Brighton is the seaside resort with attitude. Once a popular destination for London day-trippers, like many coastal settlements, the town benefited from the coming of the Victorian railway in 1843. Prior to this, Brighton was already a successful health resort, making the most of its proximity as a fine location for sea bathing during the 18th century. The Royal Pavilion was constructed as a royal residence by the Prince Regent, the work starting in 1787. Richly decorated, and one of the most extravagant Chinoiserie interiors in the British Isles, it was built in the Indo-Saracenic style reminiscent of 19th century Indian architecture. No longer a royal residence, the Brighton Pavilion is now the main tourist attraction in the city.
Brighton Marina – In addition to being the largest marina in Europe, with over 1,500 berths, Brighton Marina has a stunning waterfront vista, with a plethora of modern hotels, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities close at hand.
Bexhill-on-Sea – Once the childhood home of the great Eddie Izzard, Bexhill is also justly famous for the fabulous De La Warr Pavilion, a recently-restored 1930s Grade One listed building that has become a centre for contemporary arts events and architecture. Taking its name from the 9th Earl who commissioned the iconic pavilion in 1935, the structure was the first public building in the UK to be built in the Modernist style.
Rye – A small, historic town on the confluence of the rivers Rother, Tillingham and Brede, Rye is one of the Cinque Ports, and is well-known for its connections with 18th century smuggling.
Battle – This tiny town is the site of the Battle of Hastings, a crucial turning point in British history, when William, Duke of Normandy defeated King Harold, and became William I – the monarch who is now also known to us as ‘William the Conqueror’. A fine abbey – Battle Abbey – was built to commemorate the battle, and was dedicated in 1095, almost 30 years after the historic event took place.
Chichester – The home of a three week annual theatre, music and arts festival, the cathedral city of Chichester has some of the oldest buildings and churches in Britain. The historic Butter Market was designed by John Nash, while the fine structure of the Chichester Cross was built in 1501 and stands at the intersection of the four main routes through the city centre.
West Wittering – A small coast village on the Manhood Peninsula, West Wittering, and its neighbours, East Wittering and Selsey, are set on Bracklesham Bay, an SSSI eight miles to the south of Chichester. The bay is particularly popular with sailors, surfers and windsurfers.
Rosebud Cottage, Sir Georges Place, Horsham District, Steyning, West Sussex
This beautiful 1850's holiday let has two bedrooms and sleeps three. It provides a comfortable cosy home for a couple, two singles or a family with one child.
There is a traditional yet stylish feel to the accommodation ...
This converted wing of the owner’s home makes a perfect holiday retreat and offers access to footpaths over the Sussex countryside. Sedlescombe with its village green, pub and shop is within walking distance. Attractions ...
Situated in the owners’ grounds on a 16th-century Grade II listed site, these well-appointed, beamed holiday cottages (PCCX and PCCY) occupy a truly peaceful setting. Located amidst 1066 countryside and ancient ...
A stylish first floor apartment with a wraparound balcony, situated on the edge of Eastbourne. This well-equipped holiday apartment is just a short distance to the town, pier and beaches and also Sovereign Harbour Marina, ...
Aptly named, just yards from the beach, this cosy lower ground floor apartment makes an excellent ’base’ for exploring the Sussex coast. Benefiting from its own private gated access to an attractive enclosed suntrap ...
Oast Cottage, Herstmonceux, near Hailsham, Sussex, Battle
Situated in a tiny hamlet adjoining the owner’s oast, this well-presented holiday cottage with an enclosed, secluded courtyard garden, makes an ideal base from which to explore the glorious Sussex countryside. The ...
This Grade II listed semi-detached cottage, set back from the road, makes an ideal base for exploring this fascination part of 1066 country. Almost next door, there is a beautifully restored working windmill which gives ...
For those of you that seek the smell of the sea, an invigorating walk along an unspoilt beach or the chance to soak up the sunshine with a good book, Coast House is for you. Ideal for two families, extended family or a ...
Chessons Oast, Wadhurst, near Tunbridge Wells, Sussex, Battle
Set in beautiful Sussex countryside in the Bewl Valley. These holiday properties have both been tastefully furnished with a self contained garden, situated on a working farm with views of Bewl Water, countryside meadows ...
In a stunning location overlooking the boats, yachts and calm sheltered waters of Chichester Harbour, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these contemporary holiday apartments offer a sumptuous relaxing retreat for ...
In a stunning location overlooking the boats, yachts and calm sheltered waters of Chichester Harbour, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these contemporary holiday apartments offer a sumptuous relaxing retreat for ...
In a stunning location overlooking the boats, yachts and calm sheltered waters of Chichester Harbour, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these contemporary holiday apartments offer a sumptuous relaxing retreat for ...
In a stunning location overlooking the boats, yachts and calm sheltered waters of Chichester Harbour, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these contemporary holiday apartments offer a sumptuous relaxing retreat for ...
In a stunning location overlooking the boats, yachts and calm sheltered waters of Chichester Harbour, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these contemporary holiday apartments offer a sumptuous relaxing retreat for ...
In a stunning location overlooking the boats, yachts and calm sheltered waters of Chichester Harbour, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these contemporary holiday apartments offer a sumptuous relaxing retreat for ...
In a stunning location overlooking the boats, yachts and calm sheltered waters of Chichester Harbour, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these contemporary holiday apartments offer a sumptuous relaxing retreat for ...
In the small hamlet of Adversane, 330 yards from the River Arun and just outside the South Downs National Park, Adversane Cottage is believed to be the old laundry to Adversane House which was built around 1750. This ...
A stones throw from Eastbourne’s seafront, Beachside is the perfect apartment for a holiday for families or couples. Enjoy what’s known as ’The Sunshine Coast’ because Eastbourne experiences high levels of sunshine ...
Located down a quiet lane in beautiful 1066 countryside, this charming holiday cottage dates back to 1750 and was originally the home of the gardener to the Ashburnham Estate. Sympathetically restored, it adjoins another ...
Ground floor: Living room with French doors/dining room/kitchen with wooden floor. 1 double bedroom. Shower room with toilet. First floor: 1 twin bedroom with sloping ceiling. ...
Excellent touring baseSituated in Ore village, a residential area on the outskirts of Hastings, this holiday property is just a 10 minute drive to the beach, with local shops, pubs and restaurants within walking distance. ...
Envelop yourself in nature and enjoy the glorious views of the apple orchards and the serenity of grazing sheep. These holiday properties (refs 19653, 26361 and 30991) nestle in the heart of the Tillingham Valley on a ...
These two stylishly converted, single-storey holiday barns (refs PPPR and PPPS) are in a delightful rural setting with glorious views and footpaths from the door across the countryside. Within walking distance of the ...
These two stylishly converted, single-storey holiday barns (refs PPPR and PPPS) are in a delightful rural setting with glorious views and footpaths from the door across the countryside. Within walking distance of the ...
Chessons Oast, Wadhurst, near Tunbridge Wells, Sussex, Battle
Set in beautiful Sussex countryside in the Bewl Valley. These holiday properties have both been tastefully furnished with a self contained garden, situated on a working farm with views of Bewl Water, countryside meadows ...
Chessons Oast, Wadhurst, near Tunbridge Wells, Sussex, Battle
Set in beautiful Sussex countryside in the Bewl Valley. These holiday properties have both been tastefully furnished with a self contained garden, situated on a working farm with views of Bewl Water, countryside meadows ...
Chilsham Barn, Herstmonceux, near Hailsham, Sussex, Battle
Lovingly renovated, this beautiful oak framed Sussex barn conversion stands detached, and was originally built in the 1800s. It is an ideal base for two couples or a family, as both bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom. ...
Accessed via a single track lane and nestled amongst converted farm buildings on a 300-acre organic working beef farm, this holiday cottage is a detached, single-storey barn conversion which boasts a vaulted ceiling. It ...
Clover, Wisborough Green, near Billingshurst, Sussex, Arundel
Open plan living space: With wooden floor.Living area: With Freeview TV and iPod dock.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher.Shower room: With shower cubicle and ...
For those of you that seek the smell of the sea, an invigorating walk along an unspoilt beach or the chance to soak up the sunshine with a good book, Coast House is for you. Ideal for two families, extended family or a ...
Within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by farms and fields in the sleepy hamlet of Earlsdown, is Cornbrash Farm Cottage. This single-storey cottage lies within the grounds of the owner’s ...
In the heart of 1066 country and within walking distance of the market town of Battle, this end of terrace property sits in a residential area and makes an excellent base for a family holiday or short break all year round, ...
Cowbeech Farm Cottage is situated in the beautiful grounds of the owner’s farmhouse on the edge of the village which bears the same name. Originally part of the old dairy and very much a working dairy farm back in the ...
Culver Croft, Middleton-on-Sea, Sussex, Bognor Regis
Only 200 yards from the seaLocated in a quiet private road and only 200 yards from the sea, this house attached to the owners home provides an ideal holiday base. The historic market town of Chichester, with its theatre ...
Daisy, Wisborough Green, near Billingshurst, Sussex, Arundel
All on the ground floor.Open plan living space: With wooden floor.Living area: With Freeview Smart TV and iPod dock.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric cooker, fridge/freezer and dishwasher.Bedroom 1: With double bed, ...
Ground floor: Living/dining room/kitchen with wooden floor. 1 double bedroom. Shower room with toilet. First floor: 1 twin bedroom with sloping ceiling. Bathroom with toilet and sloping ceiling. ...
Dell Cottage, Ringles Cross, near Uckfield, Sussex
Located down a private lane, this well thought out cottage, adjoining the owner’s home, overlooks private ancient woodland which guests are free to explore. Keep a look out for owls, deer and badgers, who have made it ...
Dinsdale, Rustington, near Worthing, Sussex, Arundel
This comfortable, modern, terraced holiday home is conveniently located in a quiet residential area within 10 minutes’ walk of dog and child friendly beaches, and 2 only minutes’ walk of the village with a wide range ...
Visit England ROSE award winner 2017Here is a golden opportunity to reconnect with nature. This thoughtfully renovated, detached, holiday cottage is uniquely situated overlooking Rye Nature Reserve, which is largely ...
This Grade II listed semi-detached cottage, set back from the road, makes an ideal base for exploring this fascination part of 1066 country. Almost next door, there is a beautifully restored working windmill which gives ...
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