Exploring Sussex – Vibrant Towns and Perfect Countryside

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend away or a fun-filled entertaining family holiday, the historic county of Sussex is guaranteed to leave you with many unforgettable memories. Lying on the south coast of England between Hampshire and Kent, Sussex enjoys a pleasant outlook over the English Channel and is a county rich with heritage and culture from castles to stately homes, forests to charming seaside resorts and animal parks to steam railways. With a wealth of places to stay and some of the best weather in England, your break in Sussex is bound to be a memorable experience.

The Sussex landscape is dominated by beautiful countryside and quaint and vibrant towns. With a dazzling nightlife, Brighton is the very much the heart of the county. It was here that seaside traditions were born in the 1750s and has long been the-place-to-be. Not to be missed is the splendour of the Royal Pavilion, the hideaway for King George IV, or the fashionable seafront with its traditional seaside entertainment. Brighton is home to many artists and in the small shops lining the town’s streets you’ll find hand-crafted jewellery, original fashions and fascinating antiques.

One of England’s most historic towns, Hastings is the site of William the Conqueror’s first English castle, its battle-scarred defences contrasting strongly with the picturesque Bodiam Castle which lies to the north. Also boasting the steepest funicular railway in Britain and the famous Coastal Currents Arts Festival, Hastings is awash with history and culture.

With the seaside towns of Littlehampton, Eastbourne and Bognor Regis dotting the coastline, there’s plenty of choice of blue flag family friendly seaside resorts in Sussex. For a more relaxed experience there is a wide range of quaint towns to explore at your leisure: Peacehaven which lies above the chalky cliffs of the South Downs; Newhaven with its collection of historic buildings; Ilford which is situated in the beautiful Ouse Valley and Alfriston with is medieval winding High Street and church (known as the Cathedral of the Downs).

For peace and tranquillity Sussex offers an unrivalled variety of landscapes, from the South Downs and the Weald to the coastal plains and beaches. The South Downs, covering over 600 square miles and recognised as an area of outstanding beauty, features some of the country’s most impressive scenery. With an extensive network of rights of way it is easy to explore the ancient woodlands, river valleys and open chalk grassland that this area offers. A vast array of wildlife can be discovered in the wetlands while horse riding, cycling and walking are just some of the ways to experience the beauty of the South Downs.

Whether you choose a self-catering holiday cottage, an established campsite or a premium hotel you can be sure of an entertaining and fun-filled holiday in Sussex. For a little added luxury, the Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club offers a unique combination of elegance, style and award-winning dining set in stunning gardens and adjacent to its own eighteen hole golf course. With an indoor swimming pool, sauna and spa in addition to wildlife trails in the surrounding woodland where AA Milne was inspired to write his Winnie the Pooh stories, you can be sure of a relaxed and refreshing stay.

Sussex is an ideal holiday location for couple, families and friends. With easy access by road and rail you can reach the historic county in comfort. With an idyllic collection of delightful villages to explore, bustling and vibrant towns to enjoy and beautiful countryside to wander through, it is little surprise that a holiday in Sussex will be remembered for many years.