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There are so many things to do in Sussex that if you planned to spend a week here, you’d easily find something to do every day. And Brighton makes the perfect base from which to go off and explore!
Sussex is as vibrant and varied as the people who call it home. A sanctuary for the free-spirited and freethinkers; a haven for artists, writers and rebels. Here, everyone’s greeted with open arms – whoever you are, wherever you’re visiting from. A trip to Sussex will nourish your mind, body and soul – whether you have an appetite for adventure or a thirst for a quieter life.
Suggested time at location: 7 hours
Did you know that Sussex is home to 138 vineyards? You’d have to be staying a long time to try and visit them all but hop aboard Great British Wine Tour’s vintage Routemaster bus and they’ll escort you to a couple of them. Learn how the vines become wines and best of all you’ll get to sample a glass or two. Cheers!
Find out more about Great British Wine Tours
Brighton Station - Brighton i360 - See on map
Walking: 24 mins
Public Transport: 21 mins
Suggested time at location: 1 hour
The beautiful county of Sussex is home to cities, coast and countryside but you don’t have to take our word for it. Climb aboard the Brighton i360 and from 138 metres high you’ll see the blue of the sea, the green of the Downs and the rainbows of Brighton.
Find out more about Brighton i360
Brighton i360 - Pearly Cow - See on map
Walking: 3 mins
Suggested time at location: 2 hours
If the weather is warm, we recommend dining on The Terrace at The Pearly Cow to enjoy views of the West Pier. Although if you dine inside, you’ll adore the rich, warm colours and wherever you sit you’ll love the flavours of locally sourced ingredients including Sussex Wagyu Beef perhaps served with a glass of Ridgeview Sussex Sparkling.
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Suggested time at location: overnight
After a delicious taste of Sussex, head upstairs to your bedroom at the stylish No.124 by GuestHouse. There’s no need to worry about carrying your bags all day as the hotel offers a luggage collection service using their branded bicycle so while you’ve been exploring vineyards they will have checked your case in for you, so all you need to do now is relax.
Find out more about 124 Brighton
Travel between No.124 - Lewes - See on map
Suggested time at location: 2 hours
This picturesque town is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Downs, but this is only part of its charm. Here you’ll find a 15th century bookshop, castle ruins, Anne of Cleeves House, pretty gardens, the remains of a Priory and plenty of quirky shops, cafes and pubs.
Lewes - Charleston Lewes - See on map
Walking: 3 mins
Suggested time at location: 1.5 hours
Lewes is a hub for artists and so it was no surprise that Charleston, former home of the Bloomsbury Group, decided to open a sister venue in this quirky town. The Lewes gallery has a varied programme of unmissable exhibitions with past examples including Grayson Perry, Dorothy Hepworth & Patricia Preece and Picasso.
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Charleston - Depot Lewes - See on map
Walking: 3 mins
Suggested time at location: 2 hours
Depot is an independent cinema, complete with comfy seats, however you don’t need to be watching a film to visit. It’s a great spot for dinner or perhaps a drink on the terrace, there are regular events such as wine tastings and board game nights, plus over the summer there’s festival vibes with live music and street food.
Depot - Staybridge Suites - See on map
Public Transport: 23 mins
Suggested time at location: overnight
Return to Brighton and check-in to Staybridge Suites, conveniently located by Brighton Station, you’ll love the ‘home from home’ experience of this aparthotel. After a hectic day sink back into the large, comfy beds and in the morning, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast to fuel you for another day in stunning Sussex.
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Travel between Staybridge Suites - Leonardslee - See on map
Suggested time at location: 2 hours
You could easily spend the whole day exploring Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, so you may want to plan ahead to make sure you include your must-sees. The wallabies are always popular, but we also love the Rock Garden and the Sculpture Park.
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Leonardslee Gardens - Leonardslee Wine Estate - See on map
Public Transport: 25 mins
Suggested time at location: 1 hour
Leonardslee has recently expanded and in addition to the gorgeous gardens they now own a vineyard too, in fact this is the UK’s first Golf and Wine Estate so there’s something for everyone. Visitors can either drop in for a Sussex Wine Flight or book one of the guided tours.
Find out more about Leonardslee Wine Estate
Leonardslee Wine Estate - Interlude - See on map
Public Transport: 29 mins
Suggested time at location: overnight
Interlude is the restaurant at Leonardslee and is a gourmet treat. The 18 and 21 course tasting menus are inspired by the Grade I Listed woodland gardens, with ingredients either foraged or grown on the 240-acre Leonardslee estate. No one wants to travel far after an indulgent meal so we recommend a final night in Sussex staying in one of the bespoke rooms at Leonardslee House.
Find out more about Interlude Restaurant and find out more about Leonardslee House Hotel
Don't forget when planning your trip to Brighton & Sussex, our website is full of ideas of Things to Do, Places to Stay, Where to Eat, Drink & Shop as well as the latest What's On listings.
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