Sussex Travel Guide

Seven Sisters Cliffs, Sussex - © Stephen Dawson

Introduction and Overview

The Sussex Travel Guide outlines the various tourist attractions and places of interest for visitors in the counties of East and West Sussex, with useful tourist information for travellers. The area guide includes travel information on local transport and travel, events, facts & figures, entertainment, maps and accommodation providing an insight in to both counties.

Both East and West Sussex are well known for the south coast offering a nice mix of countryside, coastline and the city. This makes Sussex a good place to visit for the whole family; with something to appeal to everyone.

Visitors can enjoy exploring miles of dramatic coastline, see chalk cliffs and revel in the unspoilt Sussex countryside enjoying the great outdoors.

For history enthusiasts there are a number of towns and places of historic significance in both counties; whilst those that want to see the contemporary culture and fashionable vibrant places can visit places like Brighton.

Popular places with 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, 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 heath land, 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.

The historic town of Arundel is located in the heart of the South Downs in Sussex, 10 miles from Chichester. 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. It is the country’s second biggest castle has been home to many noble dynasties, highlights include Barons Hall and the Library, the castle is located in 40 acres with beautiful surroundings.

Hastings is a seaside town located 35 miles east of Brighton; 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. Over the years Hastings grew and became a fashionable seaside resort during the Victorian era. The town still carries on its maritime tradition and is still home to the largest fishing fleet in Europe.

The Old Town consists of narrow streets and timbered buildings, visitors can learn about local history at the Old Town Hall Museum. Local attractions include the Jerwood Gallery with exhibitions of 20th and 21st century British art works.

Hastings Adventure & Crazy Golf offers three 18 hole courses making it the centre of crazy golf in the UK. The Blue Reef Aquarium features over 40 themes displays about life in the sea.

Hastings Castle is a historic castle in ruins where visitors can learn more about the 1066 storey and the history of the castle. The Smugglers Adventure at St Clements Caves offers a family adventure telling the storey of smuggling in south east England over the years.

The city of Brighton is perhaps the most famous of English seaside resorts. It has a long history as a centre of hedonism and style. It has always attracted the famous, the 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.

Brighton has 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.

Local attractions include the famous 18th century Royal Pavilion, an extravagant royal palace known for its exotic Indo-Saracenic architecture. Preston Manor is a historic manor house known for its impressive collections.

The Brighton Sea Life Centre located on the seafront is currently the world’s oldest operating aquarium with over 1,500 creatures and 50 displays for visitors to explore.

The Bright Museum & Art Gallery is home to renowned collections with works from local, national and international artists.

Brighton has a range of shopping facilities with High Street shops located on Churchill Square and Western Road along with a mix of smaller, quirky, individual and independent shops offering something a bit different.

Eastbourne is a seaside town located just over 20 miles from Brighton. Known as one of the sunniest places in England and its Victorian buildings, the town has been a popular place for pensioners to retire enjoying the climate and quality of life.

In recent years the town has become popular among people of all ages attracted by the natural beauty, lifestyle and beaches.

Eastbourne is famous for its award winning beaches offering visitors with great beachside facilities and natural scenery along England’s south coast.

Eastbourne Pier dates back to Victorian times and is now a Grade II* listed building; visitors with find an amusement arcade, waterfront café, Victorian tea rooms and a nightclub with something for the whole family.

Local attractions include Beachy Head, the UK’s highest chalk sea cliff at 530 feet high; there are wonderful views over Eastbourne and the English Channel. Hastings Castle is where visitors can learn more about the 1066 storey and see panoramic views over the coastline.

The Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum charts the history and times of the lifeboat and seafaring in Eastbourne. The Emma Mason Gallery includes a number of art exhibitions showcasing original prints by British printmakers ranging from the post war period up to the present day.

The cathedral city of Chichester is located in West Sussex just over 30 miles west of Brighton. The city has a long and distinguished history; the city played a leading role during Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Norman periods.

Visitors will find the city is compact with plenty of history and culture from Roman Walls to the cathedral to Georgian terraces.

The city centre includes a number of small, independent boutique shops offering a choice of goods including designer labels and organic products. There are a choice of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants with a choice of cuisines to try.

Local attractions include historic Chichester Cathedral dating back to the 11th century noted for its fine Gothic and Norman architecture, treasures and artworks. The Novium is the Chichester District Museum, featuring collections covering the social history, archaeology and geology of the local area.

The Cass Sculpture Foundation is located a short distance from the city centre, there are over 80 pieces of monumental sculpture to view here by both British and international artists.

Goodwood Estate includes Goodwood House, racecourse, motor racing circuit and a hotel and golf and country club. Located a short distance from Chichester city centre, visitors can explore the historic house, enjoy a day at the races and see the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Worthing is located 20 miles from Chichester; the largest town in West Sussex is located by the sea where visitors can enjoy miles of flat seaside promenade along with an award winning pier.

Historically Worthing was a fishing hamlet that later developed in to a Georgian seaside resort. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk on the promenade enjoying fine views over the coastline; a walk on the pier offers panoramic views over the coast of Sussex.

Local attractions include the Worthing Museum & Art Gallery with varied collections of art, archaeology and local history. Highdown Gardens and Denton Gardens offer visitors scenic gardens with rare and beautiful plants and flowers making then an ideal place to enjoy a leisurely stroll in scenic surroundings.

There are a number of historic churches including St Mary’s Church and St Nicolas Church noted for their architecture and historical splendour. Family fun is available at Worthing Pier with a choice of amusements, food and drink, nightclub and theatre.

There is a choice of shopping facilities in the pedestrianised town centre that includes a number of famous High Street names along with a mix of smaller, independent shops. Visitors can choose from a number of bars, cafes and restaurants serving a choice of cuisines offering some wonderful views.

For visitors to Sussex there are a number of attractions and places to explore depending on your interest.

The counties of East and West Sussex have plenty of historical attractions, coastal towns such as bohemian Brighton with its vibrant vibe, classic English countryside in places like Arundel and the sophisticated charm of the cathedral city of Chichester.

A short trip from London means it’s extremely assessable by road and rail and particularly convenient for day trips and short breaks.



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