Divided into East and West, Sussex offers a striking contrast between the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs and a dramatic, white-cliffed coastline. From the eccentric royal history of Brighton’s Royal Pavilion to the ancient Norman battlefield at Hastings, this historic county is packed with compelling stories and cultural hubs. Whether you are hunting for Winnie the Pooh in the Ashdown Forest, exploring moated medieval castles, or hiking the Seven Sisters, these travel guides deliver local tips and practical insights to help you plan a richer, easier trip.
The South Downs and Dramatic Coastlines
The South Downs National Park and the Sussex coast offer some of the most iconic landscapes in southern England. These guides help you navigate the famous white chalk cliffs, panoramic valleys, and sweeping sandy beaches.
Beachy Head: Ticket prices, hours, and visitor tips: Logistics for visiting the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, offering spectacular, dizzying views over the English Channel and the famous red-and-white striped lighthouse.
Seven Sisters Country Park: Parking and planning your visit: How to explore this world-famous stretch of undulating white cliffs and the meandering Cuckmere River valley.
Seaford Head: Ticket prices, hours, and tips: Find the absolute best vantage point for photographing the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs without battling the massive crowds.
Devil’s Dyke: A visitor guide to the South Downs: Explore the UK’s deepest, widest dry valley, steeped in local folklore and offering panoramic views across the Sussex Weald.
Camber Sands: Opening hours, parking, and accessibility: What to expect at one of the only sand dune systems in East Sussex, a wildly popular spot for beachcombers and kite surfers.
Historic Castles, Palaces, and Abbeys
Sussex has historically been the gateway for invasions and conquests that shaped English history. Discover spectacular moated fortresses, ancient Roman palaces, and the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings.
Bodiam Castle: Opening hours, tickets, and parking: Plan your visit to one of Britain’s most visually perfect, moat-encircled 14th-century fortresses.
Pevensey Castle: Visitor guide, tickets, and hours: Crucial information for exploring this historic site, which traces its massive outer walls back to the Romans and was the landing place of William the Conqueror.
Battle Abbey Parking: What you need to know: A logistical guide to arriving at the very spot where King Harold fell during the world-changing 1066 Battle of Hastings.
Fishbourne Roman Palace: Ticket prices and visitor tips: Plan your trip to discover the largest residential Roman building ever discovered in Britain. (Also see our comparative guide to the best Roman sites in England).
Ashdown Forest and Literary Landscapes
Step into the real-life Hundred Acre Wood. These guides help you navigate the expansive heathlands of the Ashdown Forest to find the beloved locations that inspired A.A. Milne’s classic tales.
Pooh Sticks Bridge: How to get there and where to park: Essential directions and visitor tips for finding the iconic wooden bridge tucked away in the Ashdown Forest.
Heffalump Trap: Finding the Winnie the Pooh site: A guide to locating the “trap” surrounded by a circle of pine trees, a magical must-visit spot for families exploring the forest.
Eridge Rocks Nature Reserve: Hours, parking, and visitor tips: What to see at this spectacular geological site, featuring massive sandstone outcrops hidden deep within ancient woodland.
Brighton and Family Attractions
Experience the vibrant, eccentric energy of the Sussex coast and discover premier family-friendly parks perfect for a full day out with children.
Brighton’s Royal Pavilion: What to see and what it costs: A guide to King George IV’s spectacular seaside pleasure palace, famous for its incredible Indo-Saracenic exterior and lavish Chinese-inspired interiors.
Preston Manor in Brighton: Visitor guide with times and prices: Reopened after an extensive revamp, this grand Edwardian country house now tells an upstairs-downstairs story.
Drusillas Park: Ticket prices, hours, and top tips: A comprehensive visitor guide to this highly regarded family zoo and amusement park located in East Sussex, widely considered one of the best small zoos in the country.
