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The Sussex Travel Guide takes you to Sussex, a county with a nice mix of countryside, coast and the city. This makes Sussex a good place to visit for the whole family there is likely to be something here that appeals to everyone. Visitors can enjoy exploring miles of dramatic coastline, see chalk cliffs and revel in the unspoilt Sussex countryside.



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Sussex Guide

Overview and Attractions
Sussex Hotels
Sussex Map
Sussex Weather
Airfare Deals



Overview and Attractions

For history enthusiasts there are town and places of historic significance here whilst those that want to see the contemporary culture and fashionable vibrant places can visit places like Brighton. Popular visits among tourists include visits to the cathedral city of Chichester and the famous seaside city of Brighton. For those that like historic towns they can visit places like Lewes and Rye and quaint villages like Ditchling, Sussex has historic houses and famous gardens including the famous Nymans Garden. There are good shopping facilities, a famous vibrant nightlife and a cutting edge art scene.

The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an area of countryside with historical significance consisting of rolling hills, woods and hedges and scattered farmsteads. A closer look at the varied landscape shows reveals flower filled meadows, orchards, hop gardens, sandstone outcrops. The varied landscape supports a wide array of wildlife in the area. The ‘Weald’ means wilderness or forest and the High Weald was once an untamed, wooded area, with patches of wild grassland and heathland, it now has the highest proportion of ancient woodland in the country. This area is constantly evolving and ensures an ever changing sight. The High Weald remains a mainly medieval landscape and is one of the very few left in the country. For further information please see:

Highweald

Chichester Cathedral is located in the heart of the city of Chichester, the Cathedral has been at the centre of community life here for many centuries and is the site of the Shrine of St Richard of Chichester. It contains Roman stone carvings and some 20th Century works of art among others. Art exhibitions along with concerts and talks are held here. There is a cafe and shop too, the building is the mother church of the Diocese of Chichester covering East and West Sussex. There are daily services and visitors from around the world come to see this magnificent site. For more information please see:

Chichester Cathedral

Alfriston Clergy House dates from the 14th century. Thought to have been originally built for a farmer, it became the property of the church, hence the name. At one stage the house was nearly derelict but was restored, the floor in the main hall is made of a highly unusual mix of chalk and sour milk. There is a cottage style garden has been developed by the National Trust over many years, the most famous tree is the Judas tree on the top lawn thought to be over 100 years old. There is the wonderful garden to explore and there are some picture perfect views awaiting visitors across the river Cuckmere. For more information please see:

Alfiston Clergy House

Nymans Garden are one of the gardens of the Sussex Weald boasting a great collection of beautiful and indeed rare plants from around the world. There is a walled garden and a rose garden to enjoy among others, it makes for a relaxing stroll and a stunning sight. The ruins of the family mansion, that were partly destroyed by fire can still be seen when the family rooms are open. The estate offers visitors the chance to take some great walks in the woodland and explore these interesting gardens. There is the Pavilion Restaurant and extensive shop & plant sales area ensuring you can also enjoy a meal and do any shopping too. It is a popular garden that attracts big crowds in summer especially at weekends and bank holidays. Admission can then be restricted if the numbers are too high so it is best to go early in the summer to avoid this. For further information please see:

Nymans Garden

Pallant House Gallery is an unusual combination of a Queen Anne townhouse and a contemporary building that houses among the best collections of 20th century British art in the world. There is an extensive exhibition programme in places that includes international touring exhibitions and print room shows, there are changing displays from the collection. For visitors there are themed guided tours, talks and events available. An art reference library, a studio for workshops, conservation and artists in residence and a courtyard garden are also on site. The bookshop's speciality is on Modern British Art and includes new and old books. There is a range of artists' books, postcards and catalogues, available including work by Paul Catherall and Susie MacMurray among others. 'The Pallant' is a restaurant offering drinks, lunches and snacks and can be hired in the evening. For further information please see:

Pallant House Gallery

The historic town of Arundel is located in the heart of the South Downs in Sussex. Famous for the Norman castle and Gothic cathedral, this quaint town is full of character and a favourite with visitors. It has cobbled streets, traditional tea rooms along with galleries, restaurants and specialist shops. The countryside here quintessential English with its green and pleasant land, the lush meadows and picturesque scenery make this a pretty town. The South Downs area provides many miles of dramatic scenery and some charming village pubs that are located all over this region. The town has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere to it and is a good place to wonder around you can make in an afternoon tea at one of the tearooms and visit the Farmer's Market that takes place in the Town Square.

Arundel Castle was complete shortly after the Norman Conquest, it has since been added to and restored over the years. The country’s second biggest castle has been home to many noble dynasties, among them the Howard family, who were at the forefront of English life and politics in the 15th to 17th centuries. Rooms open to the public include Barons Hall and the Library which are a particular highlight. The library contains paintings by Gainsborough and others. There are collections of tapestries, china and clocks and sculptures and carvings. The castle is located among 40 acres of classic English gardens making it a nice place to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. For more information please see:

Arundel Castle

Hastings is a town that is known the world over for the battle of 1066. When William the Conqueror arrived on English shores in 1066 Hastings was a busy, flourishing port. The celebrated Battle of Hastings took place a few miles to the north at a place that has been named Battle. The Old Town consists of narrow streets and timbered buildings, visitors can learn about local history at the Old Town Hall Museum. Visitors wanting something other than history can visit Underwater World, it brings the wonders of the ocean right before you, and there are jellyfish, inquisitive rays and many others. There is a 15metre glass tunnel walkway under the reef and get a wonderful view. For more information please see:

Underwaterworld Hastings

Hastings Castle offers a panoramic view of the sea-line and the coastal plains of this part of southern England. The castle is currently home to the 1066 story and visitors are taken on a journey to the castle keep where a multi-media display awaits them.

Hastings Castle

Brighton is perhaps the most famous of English seaside towns. It has a long history as a centre of hedonism and style. It has always attracted the famous, and fashionable, progressives, the creative and eccentric in equal measure. There is a bit of everything here there are retired pensioners enjoying there latter years by the sea, mixed with a large student population that ensure the nightlife is vibrant, the fashionistas and intelligentsia are also represented here, making it an eclectic mix. There are some fine examples of Georgian and Regency architecture too. The seafront here is perhaps the most famous in England and is close to 4 miles long from Marina to Hove Lagoon. It is an entertaining mixture of the traditional seaside and the hip modern, here you will find Victorian piers and beach huts alongside stylish cafes and artists' studios. Brighton has developed a lot in the past two decades and its evolution shows no sign of slowing down currently. It is a sought after area to study, live and work.

Brighton Dome contains the Concert Hall, Corn Exchange and Pavilion Theatre making it among the more flexible and stylish venues in the region. The Brighton Dome offers a memorable experience for the many events that now take place there. The Dome hosts some of the world’s top performers and in addition can be hired out for a range of occasions such as lunches, fashion shows etc. The live acts keep the crowds coming in and it is worth checking to see if a favourite performer of yours is in town. For further information please see:

Brighton Dome

Terre a Terre is an avant garde vegetarian restaurant located close to Brighton Pavillion and the lanes, it is extremely popular with all types of clientele. The exciting and innovative food means a great vegetarian menu. There is a fine selection of organic wines and beers. There are plenty of imaginative dishes to try using fine quality ingredients. This fashionable restaurant is an enjoyable place to go for lunch or dinner when exploring Brighton. For further information please see:

Terre a Terre

If live shows and performances are your thing the Komedia is worth considering. It has a programme of variety. Komedia has helped to promote some well known names such as Graham Norton, Johnny Vegas, Al Murray, and Alistair McGowan among others. As the venue has become more popular more performances are now on offer in comedy, cabaret, music, children’s and theatre shows, Komedia has established itself as one of the best live performance venue in the entire region.

Komedia

Casablanca’s is a fashionable and funky club located in the centre of Brighton. Various music is played to cater for all tastes including funk and Brazilian Samba which has proved to be one of Brighton's most successful club nights. There is a great atmosphere to be enjoyed here allowing you to enjoy yourself and dance the night away to the funky music. For more information please see:

Casablanca

There are plenty of options for visitors looking for accommodation in Sussex, the county has a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets, from those looking for cheap value for money hotels to those wanting a more luxurious stay. One thing to remember is to ensure your hotel is not too far away from where you need to get to, the travelling time each day to and from your hotel can take up valuable time, this is particularly useful for those on a tight schedule. Doing your research on your chosen hotel is recommended to ensure your hotel is actually located at a convenient location for your needs and offers the facilities you require. There are a range of fine budget, mid range and exclusive hotels available in Sussex, for further information please see:

Selection of East Sussex Hotels

For a Selection of West Sussex Hotels please see:

West Sussex Hotels

For a full list of Sussex Hotels please see:

Sussex Hotels


For visitors to Sussex there are a number of attractions and places to explore depending on your interest. The Sussex travel guide tour of the county has shown a county with historical attractions, coastal towns such as bohemian Brighton with its vibrant vibe and classic English countryside in places like Arundel. A short trip from London means it’s extremely assessable by road and rail and particularly convenient for day trips and short breaks.

Sussex Travel Guide

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