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The Sussex Holiday Guide

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Exploring

This year many of us are set to look 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.

Have a look at our guide below to find out the best places to visit during your time 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. The setting is glorious, with views to the South Downs and an abundance of wildlife all around.

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 welcoming, family-run estate. Enjoy tours, trails and sampling opportunities in one of the most beautiful spots.

 

Then visit our Eighteen Acre Café where our chef serves up scrumptious dishes for breakfast and lunch. 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.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Glyndebourne

 

Glyndebourne is one of the finest and most celebrated opera houses in the world, delivering performances to some 150,000 people across a summer festival and an autumn tour. This year, their festival and tour seasons have returned, with a full calendar to enjoy. Book to visit one of their luxury restaurants in the long-dining interval. They also have plenty else to offer visitors. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake and enjoy the flowers in their stunning grounds, finishing with an indulgent picnic. You can either bring your own or enjoy their delicious picnics.

 

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 experience.

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, the UNESCO Biosphere 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.

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.

 

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.

 

The Piggery

 

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

 

The property comprises an open plan living area which incorporates oak beams and large glass bifold doors creating a light, modern and stylish space to relax and enjoy your time in Sussex.

 

With Bolney Wine Estate 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.

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.