Photo by Ian Stannard. A sunny region popular with tourists during the summer, Sussex is located in the southern part of England and is divided into two counties: East Sussex and West Sussex. Due to its location, overlooking the English Channel Strait, this English territory is not only made up of small and charming fishing villages, but is also dotted with wonderful castles and natural landscapes full of charm, such as the white chalk hills known as the South Downs, covered with the typical grassland that characterises all Anglo-Saxon scenery.
Ready to leave with us? Here is all the useful information for a trip to discover Sussex.
Travel information: useful info
Inhabitants: 1,609,600
Capital: Lewes (East Sussex); Chichester (West Sussex)
Languages: English
Local currency: pound sterling (£) / €1.00 = £0.91
Climate: oceanic but sunny, average winter temperature 6°, average summer temperature 18°, rainfall distributed throughout all months of the year
Distance from Italy: 1,769 km (2 h 35 min flight) from Rome to London; London-Gatwick airport is 32 km Lewes (East Sussex), about 35 min by train
Where it is and how to get there
The Sussex region is located in the south of England, bordered to the west by the county of Hampshire, to the south by the English Channel Strait, to the northeast by the county of Kent and to the north by the county of Surrey. It is divided into two counties: East Sussex, with county seat Lewes, and West Sussex, with county seat Chichester.
To reach the main towns in Sussex, you need to land in London. The nearest airport is London-Gatwick, which is connected to the East Sussex capital, Lewes, by rail (35 min by train). On the other hand, to reach the West Sussex capital, Chichester, you need to take the train from London-Gatwick, which will take you to the city within 1 h - compare flights
The main towns
Lewes: capital of the county of East Sussex, it is 70 km from London, so is easily accessible. City of art and history, full of monuments and attractions to visit.
Chichester: capital of the county West Sussex, it is about 80 km from London and is a city rich in history and monuments.
Brighton: cultural and tourist centre of great importance in East Sussex, and the most popular summer destination in England.
Hastings: a seaside resort, now a fishing town where you can visit the pier and the Norman Castle.
Eastbourne: situated 31 km from Brighton, the town is located at Beachy Head, England's largest sea cliff.
Crawley: located near London-Gatwick Airport. The town has ancient origins dating back to the Stone Age.
Arundel: a town in West Sussex located 40 km from London. Known for the imposing William the Conqueror Castle from 1067.
Rye: historic and characteristic town in East Sussex, which over time has become a tourist centre with a wealth of accommodation facilities.
Worthing: town in West Sussex, known for its location at the foot of the South Downs, the green and white chalk hills.
Linfield: town situated on the River Ouse, a place of outstanding natural beauty.
10 things to see: places of interest in Sussex
South Downs in East Sussex
St Clements Caves, Hastings
Hastings Castle Ruins
Sheffield Park and Garden
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Bodiam Castle: a castle dating from the 14th century, famous for being moated and surrounded by water. It is located near the small village of Robertsbridge in East Sussex.
South Downs: chalk hills running through Sussex to the cliffs of Beachy Head, located near Eastbourne.
St. Clements Caves: ancient caves located in Hastings, now open to visitors with the aid of audiovisual equipment and new lighting systems.
Herstmonceux Castle: dating from the 15th century, it is located in the village of Herstmonceux, East Sussex. It is one of the oldest brick-built castles in England and also houses an astronomical observatory.
Camber Sands: fascinating sand dunes in East Sussex, near Rye. Various sports, from kitesurfing to kite buggy, are practised on the nearby beaches.
Drusilla Zoo Park: 10-acre zoo located in Alfriston, East Sussex. Particularly suitable for children up to 10 years of age, it is home to lemurs, penguins and various wild animals.
Hastings Castle: Ruins of an ancient castle in Hastings, dating back to the 12th century. The stone castle was built by William the Conqueror.
National Trust - Sheffield Park and Garden: extensive gardens with colourful flowers, nature trails, picnic areas and walks beside the River Ouse and five lakes in the park.
Battle Abbey: an imposing religious building dating back to the 12th century, commissioned by William the Conqueror to pay homage to St Martin after the victorious Battle of Hastings. It is located in the eponymous town of Battle in East Sussex.
Pevensey Castle: huge fortress built around 290 AD by the Romans on a sand and clay spur and later occupied by the Normans. The castle area is still the subject of numerous excavations and studies.
The main routes in Sussex
Photo by Ian Stannard. Sussex offers many different types of attractions to visit, suitable for all tastes and types of traveller. Between nature, ancient towns rich in history and culture, sports and excursions, this land is waiting to be discovered!
Nature lovers will find extensive parks and gardens here, but above all wonderful long cliffs overlooking the English Channel Strait. Sports enthusiasts should not miss out on water activities such as surfing and kitesurfing, which can be practised near the seaside resorts, while those travelling to learn the secrets of history will not fail to come across the many castles and themed museums dotting the region.
Discovering the Castles of Sussex: a week in which to travel into the past, starting at Hever Castle, continuing on to Chiddingstone Castle, followed by Scootney Castle, Bodiam Castle, Hastings Castle and ending at Herstmonceux Castle.
Coastal trip: 4 days to spend on English beaches, starting in Worthing, continuing to Brighton and ending in Eastbourne, admiring the beautiful cliffs on the English Channel.
Lewes, escape from London: short 1-day trip to Lewes, a few miles from London. In the town, you must visit the Castle of the same name, as well as numerous historical and art museums.
When to go? Info on climate and best time
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Precipitation (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | 3 / 3° | 15 days / 80 mm |
February | 3 / 8° | 14 days / 60 mm |
March | 4 / 9° | 15 days / 70 mm |
April | 6 / 12° | 14 days / 55 mm |
May | 9 / 17° | 13 days / 55 mm |
June | 12 / 19° | 11 days / 50 mm |
July | 15 / 20° | 10 days / 40 mm |
August | 15 / 21° | 12 days / 60 mm |
September | 12 / 18° | 12 days / 75 mm |
October | 9/ 15° | 14 days / 95 mm |
November | 6 / 11° | 15 days / 90 mm |
December | 4 / 9° | 17 days / 90 mm |
Climate: oceanic type, with cold, wet winters and cool summers, being the southernmost region of England it is the sunniest. Average winter temperature 6°, summer 18°. Rainfall distributed throughout the year, about 820 mm
Best period: June to August, as it rains less and the days are longer
Period toavoid: November to January, as the cold is quite treacherous and frequent rain can hinder outdoor trips
How much does a holiday in Sussex cost? Prices, offers and advice
Photo by hehaden. Sussex is the region taken by storm by tourists, both local and international, especially during the summer season, i.e. from June until August. The particularly favourable climate allows visitors to spend a few hours at the beach, perhaps to enjoy a few hours of sunshine, or to take part in the various water sports that are very popular in these parts.
By booking well in advance, it is possible to find flight plus hotel packages at truly convenient prices; to reach the Sussex cities, in fact, one must land in London, so it is not difficult to find cheap flights departing from various Italian cities to the English capital. From London it is then very easy and not particularly expensive to travel by train or coach to Sussex.
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €55.00 per room - look at the offers
Cheap flights: from €40.00 - look at the offers
Flight+ hotel: Return flight + 5 days/4 nights from €355.00 per person - look at the offers
