Sussex

Would you believe that all the beauty of Sussex – encompassing stunning coastlines, dramatic chalk cliffs and the South Downs National Park – can be accessed within just an hour of London?

Featuring some marvellously unusual places to stay, Sussex offers an eclectic mix of coast, country and adventure. The 90-mile long South Downs Way, marked by Beachy Head at the start, is the perfect way to begin your exploration…on foot, bike or even horseback!

The famed cliffs of the Seven Sisters open up into the breathtaking Cuckmere Valley and river, ideal for those in an adventurous mood.  Meanwhile, there are plenty of villages to enjoy, such as historic Alfriston or East Dean, peppered with Dickensian shops and ancient inns.  Why not stop off for a traditional Sussex cream tea?

The Sussex Weald, positioned between the North and South Downs, is home to rich heritage, traditional villages, forests and country parks.  Visit Rye Harbour nature reserve, then head to Camber Castle for a guided tour of Henry VIII’s artillery fort.

Railway journeys take on a new level of scenic pleasure here, too, from the Bluebell Railway headed for Sheffield Park Garden, to the Kent and East Sussex Railway line that leads to Bodiam Castle.

Not forgetting the beaches, of course! Winchelsea, Pevensey, Eastbourne and of course Brighton – complete with its famous pier – are all stunning Sussex seaside examples.

Finally, head for Butlin’s at Bognor Regis for family fun, or immerse yourselves in history at Hastings – 1066 country – featuring England’s most famous battlefield and abbey ruins.