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Things To Do In Sussex, England

Sussex, on England’s southern coast, offers a rich mix of historic sites, heritage venues, unparalleled countryside and holiday attractions. No matter where your hotel is, you’ll find plenty to see and do nearby.

Historic Sussex

Roman Britain is on view in Western Sussex, in the restored villa and farm at Bignor and the Fishbourne Roman Palace with it’s beautiful expanse of mosaic flooring. On the eastern end of the coast is the historic site of the Battle of Hastings, where William of Normandy became William King of England. There are several castles worth seeing, most with exhibits of armor or events like jousting. In West Sussex you’ll find Arundel Castle, home to the Dukes of Norfolk. In East Sussex are Bodiam, Herstmonceux, and Lewes Castles, the village of Lewes also being the location of the Anne of Cleves House and Museum. All will live up to your Plantagenet and Tudor expectations.

Countryside and Rural Heritage

There are several working farms open to visitors. In West Sussex, South Downs Heritage Center emphasizes rural crafts, while Fishers Farm Park is a good place for young children to interact with animals. East Essex includes Blackberry, Heaven, Middle and Spring Barn Farms as well as the Seven Sisters Sheep Centre, Ashdown Forest Llama Park and the National Cat Centre. There are a bumper crop of stately homes and gardens, including Groombridge, Britain’s favorite public gardens, and the Bedgebury National Pinetum, the world’s largest collection of conifers. Sussex is also a hotspot for steam railway preservation, and visitors can ride the Spa Valley, Blue Bell or Kent & East Sussex lines.

Seaside Resorts

There are three Sussex cities that are especially good spots for tourists. Rye, in the eastern corner of the county and just inland from the beach, is a medieval market town surrounded by vineyards, stately homes and castles. Larger Eastbourne, directly on the coast, has a charming Old Town area, a sizable shopping district, and several golf courses. Brighton, with it’s historic Palace Pier, long beaches, eccentric shops and grand Victorian architecture is the ultimate British seaside town and a must for anyone in the vicinity. Don’t miss the Sea Life Aquarium near the Pier and, just inland, the Indian-inspired Royal Pavilion, completed in 1823 as a residence for the Prince Regent.

With so many attractions, it’s no surprise that there are numerous luxury hotels, picturesque inns and charming bed and breakfasts here. There are also many spas in Sussex, as well fine restaurants, so be sure to leave some time in your day for pampering and relaxation.

By: John McElborough

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John is a travel writer from the UK - he wrote this article on behalf of Ashdown Park Spa hotels Sussex which is one of the best wedding venues in Sussex. Find out more about things to do in Sussex here.

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