Sussex

Visitors to Sussex venture into a part of southern England that is so large, and has so much to offer, that for all intents and purposes it has had to be split into two counties, East Sussex and West Sussex. Both have extensive coastlines along the English Channel, and they are dotted with a number of quintessentially English seaside resorts. Further inland, both counties are rich in castles, cathedrals, gardens and great houses, and all these attractions rate among the very best in the country.

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Arundel Castle
Few castles can match Arundel. Perched high overlooking the Sussex coast, it is a veritable treasure house of paintings, furniture, books and tapestries. For most of its early centuries it was the source and sanctuary of many a rebel. And this intrigue adds to its fascinating history. (Read more...)

Batemans
Batemans was the home of Rudyard Kipling, the poet, writer and author of children’s favourite The Jungle Book. The interior was inspired by his upbringing in India, with Oriental and Asian furnishings and he designed the gardens himself. The place has a very personal feel. He even carved his initials in the door. (Read more...)

Battle of Hastings Abbey & Battlefield
So much of England’s history is the result of the Norman Invasion by William the Conqueror in 1066. The decisive first battle occurred here on the Sussex coast near Hastings, and this extensive site, 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield is operated by English Heritage to help visitors explore these seminal events.  (Read more...)

Bodiam Castle
Many visitors attest that Bodiam is the most romantically set castle in England. Its golden stone walls and fairy-tale towers seem to float on a misty moated lake, surrounded by a dream-like Arthurian landscape. Yet it remains relatively unknown, hidden as it is, in a quiet part of the Sussex countryside. (Read more...)

Great Dixter Gardens
For those that take their gardening seriously, Great Dixter is one of the most fascinating and inspirational places to visit in England. Set in the Sussex landscape, 57 acres of gardens, woodlands and meadows surround a pair of once-separate timber-framed medieval and Tudor houses now cleverly blended together. (Read more...)

Goodwood House
Goodwood House is a huge country house commanding fine views of the West Sussex countryside. It is the traditional seat of the Dukes of Richmond and contains a fine collection of paintings, porcelain and antique furniture. The surrounding estate is famous for horse-racing and motor racing events.  (Read more...)

Herstmonceux Castle
Herstmonceux Castle and Gardens is a romantic paradise on the Sussex coast. Built for beauty rather than strength, it is one of the oldest surviving brick buildings in the country. Set in spectacular moated surroundings, with 500 acres of parkland to enjoy, it is the perfect place for a picnic. (Read more...)

Leonardslee Lake & Gardens
Set in a deep valley in the heart of the Sussex countryside, Leonardslee is a magnificent woodland gardens landscape set amongst seven lakes. It is world famous for its floral displays, especially those of azaleas and rhododendrons, and has become a Mecca for lovers of the great outdoors. (Read more...)

Nymans Gardens
Deep in the glorious Sussex countryside, and covering over 12 hectares, Nymans is regarded as a very homely garden on a grand scale. It was originally designed by a German family in the Victorian era around a manor house, with advice from the top garden designers of the day. (Read more...)

Petworth House
Petworth House is a dominating aristocratic palace surrounded by a stunning landscape and deer park beautifully set in the Sussex countryside. The National Trust, who maintain it, claim it contains their finest art collection. In fact, the whole place may be regarded as masterpiece in its own right. (Read more...)