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Your Sussex Staycation Guide

Experience all that Sussex has to offer, things to do and places to stay.

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Exploring

This year many of us are looking a little closer to home for our holidays. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s sandy beaches or bustling towns, tranquil country settings or family friendly destinations, a luxury night away or a cosy stay in the country, Sussex has it all.

 

Whether you’re coming from afar or are Sussex born and bred, there’s plenty to discover and experience. Have a look at our guide below to find out the best places to visit during your staycation in Sussex, and the perfect places to rest your head at the end of a busy day.

Things to do in Sussex

Bolney Wine Estate

How could we not mention our favourite place in Sussex? Okay
we know we’re biased, but here’s why we think Bolney Wine Estate is the perfect day out to add to your Sussex staycation schedule.

 

Bolney is a haven of peace and tranquillity in the Sussex countryside where visitors can learn about the wine industry and enjoy some time away from their busy daily lives.

 

You can stroll where eight varieties of grapes are grown and find out how – guided by nature and Sussex’s mild climate – we make some of the finest still and sparkling English wines on our estate. Then visit our Eighteen Acre CafĂ© where our chef serves up scrumptious dishes for breakfast and lunch using locally-sourced produce.

 

Finish with a glass of award-winning wine on our balcony, enjoy the stunning view and take a bottle or two of our wine away with you to continue the experience.

British Airways i360

Visit Brighton for the day and glide up to 450ft on board British Airways i360. In a fully enclosed glass viewing pod, visitors can admire 360-degree views across Brighton & Hove, the South Downs National Park and, on the clearest days, all the way along the coast to the Isle of Wight. Enjoy a drink at The Sky Bar on board the pod which serves a selection of drinks from Sussex.

Afterwards you can enjoy delicious food at their West Beach Bar & Kitchen, browse their shop and the surrounding environment, and visit their construction exhibition.

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Wakehurst

Wakehurst is a beautiful house and wild botanic gardens in West Sussex. It comprises a late 16th-century mansion and a wide variety of gardens housing over 500 acres of the world’s plants. Their attractions include their Coronation Meadow blooming with wildflowers and The Wetlands with their newly renovated boardwalks. Wakehurst is also home to Kew's Millennium Seed Bank.

Visitors can finish off their day at the Stables restaurant where they are providing a takeaway service to enjoy in the gardens.

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Glyndebourne

Glyndebourne is one of the finest and most celebrated opera houses in the world. This year, their festival and tour seasons have returned, with a full calendar to enjoy. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake and enjoy the flowers in their stunning grounds, finishing with an indulgent take-away afternoon tea or picnic.

Alternatively, you can enjoy Glyndebourne from your cosy accommodation. Simply pop open a bottle of your favourite Bolney wine, and watch world-class opera on-screen for free with their virtual experiences.

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Bluebell Railway

Imagine travelling through 11 miles of glorious Sussex scenery behind a steam engine. Bluebell Railway offers that and so much more for the whole family.
Bluebell Railway was one of the first preserved heritage lines in the country, resulting in one of the finest collections of vintage steam locomotives and carriages – many of which were preserved straight out of service from British Railways.
The Bluebell Railway commenced train services in August 1960 and now runs steam trains between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. Purchase an All Day Rover ticket and hop on and off as much as you like throughout the day!

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Places To Stay In Sussex

Ockenden Manor

A fine Elizabethan manor house with 28 lavishly decorated rooms, outstanding spa and an award-winning restaurant set in eight acres of beautiful grounds overlooking Cuckfield Park.

 

With its history and character, elegant sitting room warmed by a roaring log fire and cosy, wood-panelled bar, Ockenden Manor is a wonderful place to escape to at the end of a fun-filled day in Sussex.

 

If you fancy exploring a few different areas during your time in Sussex, you could even book a night or two at their sister hotels; Bailiffscourt in Climping where you can wake up to the fresh sea air, and The Spread Eagle located in the pretty Sussex market town of Midhurst.

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Hotel Du Vin

This luxury Brighton hotel is nestled in the iconic cobbled alleyways of The Lanes.

Dine al fresco under Hotel du Vin’s vine-covered pergola in their central courtyard, with a menu boasting robust dishes prepared with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. Then sink into a leather armchair in the bar or lounge where they have over 100 whiskies and rums and a delicious cocktail menu. Finally settle in for the night in one of their 49 rooms and suites as you dream about your Sussex adventure

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The Piggery

The Piggery at John Bulls House is a luxury single storey farm building set in a peaceful location surrounded by fields and woodland. The property has its own private garden overlooking a natural pond and an outdoor seating area with a fire pit making it the perfect relaxing retreat for couples or families.

With Bolney just a stone’s throw away, visit us for a delicious breakfast for the perfect start to your day, wind down with a glass of wine as you reminisce on your trip or buy a bottle to enjoy in the comfort of your own space.

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South Lodge

South Lodge is a luxury hotel in Sussex offering the best in relaxation. With breath-taking views of the South Downs, they have homely charm in bucket loads in their uniquely designed rooms and suites.

Make the most of your stay with their award-winning dining and amazing state-of-the-art spa.

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The Hyde

The Hyde is a wonderfully appointed Shepherd’s Hut which sits in a pretty spot, just at the bottom of the garden of the owner’s Grade II listed home in Cuckfield and surrounded by three acres of grounds.

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The Honeybridge Estate

Honeybridge Estate offers three unique homes overlooking the South Downs National Park, providing the perfect rural retreat.

With over 17-acres of lush, secluded grounds, the Estate provides the ideal backdrop for family holidays or special occasions. High up on a hill with unparalleled views of the sweeping South Downs, four generations of their family have enjoyed making memories at the estate over the last 40 years.

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The Eight Bells

The Eight Bells Bed and Breakfast is a beautifully restored character cottage set in Bolney Village, between The Eight Bells pub and St Mary Magdalene Church.

It offers 3 en-suite bedrooms and has been recently refurbished, gaining 4 star AA rating. All bedrooms are bright, airy and superbly furnished.

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East Lodge Cottage, Bolney

East Lodge is a 3 bedroom detached sandstone Grade ll listed property, nestled within a private natural estate in one of the UK Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It sleeps 6 guests with spacious reception rooms to enjoy your time with family and friends. Guests can relax in the private and enclosed gardens surrounding the front and rear of the property with views over the South Downs.

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