Brighton makes a great base for exploring the stunning Sussex countryside and all the fabulous events that take place throughout the year.

Sussex attractions are easy to get to from Brighton and include stunning woodlands and gardens such as Wakehurst, Leonardslee and Borde Hill. Visit throughout the year to experience the changing of the seasons with Spring and Autumn being highlights. As well as the changing seasons each of the gardens has a varied programme of family-friendly events during the school holidays and spectacular lantern displays during the festive season. Drusillas Park is fun to visit at any time of year but check ahead to see when their events are taking place as they often feature much-loved characters from children’s books and TV shows.

In between Brighton & Lewes is Charleston the former home of the Bloomsbury Group, this artist house makes an attractive visit anytime, but they also host two literary festivals – the Charleston Festival in May and Small Wonder short story festival in September. Of course, opera lovers are familiar with the name of Glyndebourne, but this area also hosts another music festival – the Love Supreme Jazz Festival which takes place each summer in July. 

Did you know that Sussex is home to the country’s largest number of vineyards? Tours are available most of the year, but you may like to time your visit to coincide with either English Wine Week or the October Harvest.