Sussex & Surrey

SUSSEX AND SURREY – WHY GO?

Just an hour from London, Sussex epitomises genteel rural England. From the open heathland of Ashdown Forest – setting of the Winnie the Pooh tales – to the spectacular white chalk cliffs coastline, it offers a very different take on Britain.

You’ll find historic villages bursting with antique shops and half-timbered houses, gardens galore and some famous castles. 

MUST SEE, MUST DO

Rye
Historic Rye comes with winding cobble-stone streets, quirky little shops and quaint maritime pubs. This ancient Sussex seaport is still famous for its catches of herring. When you've finished exploring the town, walk along the long white beach of nearby Camber Sands.

Great gardens
Sussex is famous for its gardens, whether it’s wonderful Sissinghurst (pre-booking needed), the pretty walled gardens at Nymans, sub-tropical Borde Hill or Leonardslee, with its seven lakes. Stately homes dotting the countryside include Petworth House and Wakehurst Place.

Brighton
Metropolitan Brighton and its beaches makes a great day trip. Don’t miss the exotic Brighton Pavilion and the pier.

Horse racing
There’s a lively race day calendar at both Plumpton Races and at fabulous Goodwood.

Bluebell Railway
Turn the clock back and steam through the heart of Sussex with a ride on this beautifully preserved steam railway linking Sheffield Park station with East Grinstead.

South Downs
Try a bracing cliff walk along the Seven Sisters heritage coast – miles of chalk cliffs and open grasslands.

MAKE A DATE
May – August
Glyndebourne. Pack your DJ or posh frock for a glamorous night (with champagne picnic) at this world famous Sussex opera venue, near Lewes.

July
Glorious Goodwood. This five-day racing festival is one of the unmissables.

SUSSEX ROMANCE
Share a breezy picnic on the Seven Sisters cliff walk, or get dressed up for a glitzy champagne night at the opera at Glyndedourne.