While there’s plenty to keep you busy in Brighton, why not extend your stay and explore a little further into Sussex? We promise you’ll discover even more fantastic and exciting places to wine, dine and shop!

The picturesque market town of Lewes, just a 17 minute train journey from Brighton, has a bustling centre full of boutiques, antique shops, bookshops and gift shops – not to mention some fantastic pubs, cafés, bakeries and restaurants, including the original Bill’s.

Rye is a pretty harbour town in East Sussex with a hilly high street lined with interesting places to eat, drink and shop. Nearby Hastings and neighbouring St Leonards are also well worth visiting for their edgy art scene, eclectic shops and a great selection of highly rated eateries. Over in Eastbourne, on certain dates each month, you can find a bustling seafront market selling everything from crêpes to paella and much more besides that your tastebuds will thank you for. There’s more to discover in town, including tea rooms, bistros and a vintage ice cream parlour, plus plenty of shops, including a fabulous gift shop at the Towner Eastbourne art gallery.

Meanwhile, over in West Sussex, Worthing boasts some popular and much-loved local restaurants along its seafront, which have been attracting those in the know from further afield. While inland, in the scenic market town of Arundel, you can find great cafés, pubs and plenty of retail therapy in its historic town centre. However, if you’re looking for a busier city vibe, then Chichester’s pedestrianised town centre has all the shops, restaurants and watering holes you could possibly need.

Idyllic villages abound throughout East and West Sussex and, if you know where to go, you’ll find wonderful English pubs offering fantastic food, often in stunning country locations. Villages with popular pubs include Poynings, Firle, Polegate and East Dean to name just a few. For small towns and villages with great pubs, restaurants and some lovely shops, try Alfriston, Hurstpierpoint or Steyning.

If you’re eager to get off the beaten track then why not visit a Sussex vineyard? There are over 40 vineyards in Sussex, many of which offer seasonal tours, wine-tasting and dining – not to mention the opportunity to purchase a bottle of top quality locally produced sparkling wine straight from the maker! Alternatively, enticing farm shops are in plentiful supply across the region, selling locally sourced meats, cheeses, fruit, veg, conserves and more. Just don’t forget to bring your shopping bags with you, as it’s unlikely you’ll be leaving without a basket full of edible goodies!