In Inspiration

This weekend we are looking forward to watching a new channel 5 series all about our beloved Sussex.

We’re not sure exactly what parts of our beautiful county will be featured but we know you are going to fall in love with the gorgeous scenery and will want to plan your own Sussex getaway & we are here to help!

Travel to Brighton

While we love Sussex we are still VisitBrighton so naturally we are going to recommend you use Brighton as a base for your Sussex sojourn. Getting here is easy as there are direct trains from London to Brighton which take approximately one hour. Direct services run from London Bridge, St Pancras and London Victoria, plus Brighton station is right in the middle of the city. Once you’re in the city you can use public transport to explore Sussex, there are trains along the coastway heading East & West as well as great network of buses. You can even get a PlusBus train ticket for the best of both worlds. Alternatively explore by bike, there are a great selection of routes available via The Living Coast by Bike.

Places to Stay

As you’re planning to travel across the region you may want to consider a centrally located hotel so that you can hit the trail more quickly. If you plan to travel by train then there are plenty of options near the station including ibis Brighton, Q Square, Staybridge Suites and the Leonardo Hotel. Alternatively if you are planning to use the coastal bus routes then you may prefer a seafront hotel such as Drakes, a&o, A Room with a View or The Queens Hotel. 

Sussex on foot

I’ve previously mentioned travelling around Sussex by bus, train or bicycle but there is another option. You may decide to walk and now you have two options – coast or countryside. Sussex is home to the South Downs National Park, well a large portion of it anyway! Although if you prefer blue space to green then you can walk the entire Sussex coast from Chichester to Rye using the King Charles III England Coast Path. As a walker myself I love this idea so I may have to do a separate post on this.

Sussex Wine

Once you’ve decided where you are staying and how you want to get around then it’s time to think about what you want to see and do. I will be very surprised if the Channel 5 show does not feature vineyards at some point during the series. Sussex Wine has official Protected Designation of Origin status as the climate is perfectly suited to growing vines, in fact there are 159 vineyards in the region.  Some are accessible by public transport, for example Artelium can be reached by train alternatively let Great British Wine Tours or Shuttle & Vine organise the transport for you.

Things to Do

It is not possible for me to write about Sussex without including lovely Lewes. This historic town is just a short hop from Brighton and has a similar independent, creative vibe to the city but is just a wee bit calmer. Depot is a must-visit, you can go to see a film but it is more than just a cinema. They host regular events including live music, wine tastings, quizzes, supper clubs or board game nights. If it’s a sunny day then you can happily while away some time sitting out on the terrace which features wildflowers and plum trees. Other attractions include the ruins of Lewes Castle, Anne of Cleeves House and the Charleston art gallery.

Family Friendly Attractions

Sussex offers plenty of fun things to do for families, it could be a trip to Drusillas to see the red panda or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure at Branching Out.  There are also parks & gardens to experience including Wakehurst where the kids will love exploring the Wild Wood. At Borde Hill you can enjoy a woodland walk or relax in the Italian Gardens or visit Leonardslee and see if you can spot the albino wallaby!

Back to Brighton

Brighton makes a fantastic base for exploring the stunning surroundings of Sussex but don’t forget to save time for our beautiful city too. We suspect the Channel 5 crew won’t have been able to reisist taking a sneak peek behind-the-scenes of the Royal Pavilion and we’re guessing there may be some drone shots of the Palace Pier at sunset – and who can blame them? I’m lucky to see these views all the time but I still love them and I know television viewers will too.

Charlotte

Useful links:

→ Sussex Itinerary

→ Things to Do in Sussex

→ What’s On in Sussex

→ South Downs National Park

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Sussex: Jewel of the South Coast being televised?

The 5-part documentary series is starting at 8pm Saturday 25th July on Channel 5. Each episode is 60 minutes long and if you miss the initial broadcast, episodes will be available to stream online. 

Why use Brighton as a base for exploring Sussex?
Brighton is a well-connected city with direct access to wider Sussex by rail and road, making it practical for day trips across the county. It also gives visitors the benefit of a lively seaside base with lots to do in the evening after exploring.

How easy is it to get around Sussex from Brighton?
Very easy, especially by train and bus, with Sussex offering strong transport links across the county. Brighton also connects well to nearby places such as Falmer, Lewes and other parts of East and West Sussex.

What are the best day trips from Brighton in Sussex?
Popular options include Lewes, the South Downs, coastal spots, historic towns and countryside attractions further afield in the county. Sussex is known for coastline, national landscape and a mix of town-and-country experiences.

Can you visit the Sussex coast from Brighton in one day?
Yes, Sussex’s coast is easy to reach from Brighton and works well for a day out. The county has over 140 miles of coastline, so there are plenty of seaside and cliff-top options to choose from.

Is Brighton a good base for exploring Sussex without a car?
Yes, Brighton is one of the better bases for car-free travel because of its rail and bus connections. Public transport in Sussex is designed to help visitors move between the coast, countryside and key towns sustainably and affordably.

What makes Sussex worth exploring beyond Brighton?
Sussex offers a mix of countryside, coastal scenery, market towns, historic places and outdoor walking routes. That variety makes it ideal for visitors who want more than a city break while still staying somewhere lively and convenient.

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