Campsites in Sussex

From the bright lights of Brighton Pier to the rolling chalk downlands of the South Downs, Sussex has a massive range of attractions sure to amuse any visitor. This county on the south east coast of England also has a vibrant city scene, bustling market towns, pretty villages and, of course, great country pubs. Whether you want to chill out on the beach, get active in the countryside, explore one of the region's many castles or take in a local pub gig, Sussex will not disappoint.

Sussex has many lovely villages, a stunning coastline and beautiful countryside. Take the Sussex Downs on for exercise, get the wind in your hair at Beachy Head and wander the halls of Arundel Castle. Unmissable stops on your list will be Brighton for its pier and seaside, Lewes' quaint charm and Eastbourne's beachside attractions. Catch an opera at Glyndebourne House before relaxing in one of the best Sussex campsites.

Campsites in East Sussex
Campsites in West Sussex

From the bright lights of Brighton Pier to the rolling chalk downlands of the South Downs, Sussex has a massive range of ways to amuse you. This county on the south east coast of England also has a vibrant city scene, thriving market towns, pretty villages with winding cobbled streets and leading you ton tempting Sussex country pubs. Whether you want to chill out on the beach, explore one of the region's many castles or take in a local pub gig, Sussex will not disappoint.

Don't Miss

• South Downs National Park
• Brighton’s Royal Pavilion
• Beachy Head

Top of any outdoor lovers list will be the South Downs National Park, which encloses a large portion of Sussex. This beautiful natural landscape is sprinkled with famous landmarks. The most famous of these are the Seven Sisters Country Park with its cliffside beach trail and the unforgettable views from the chalk cliffs of Beachy Head near Eastbourne. Only birds better know the feeling of freedom you’ll find at these heights.

Woods Mill Nature Reserve in Henfield is another great place to get outside and explore the woodland and wetland with a keen eye open for local wildlife. Then, once your stomach starts rumbling, Tilgate Park is perfect for strolls and picnics.

A slightly less energetic way to see the Sussex countryside without having to make too much effort is to take a steam train along the 11 mile Bluebell Railway, for a return to the heyday of rail travel. Afterwards, squeeze in space for an afternoon tea on the dining train.

Truly unique sights

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is something of a one-of-a-kind in Britain with its unusual Indian architecture, be prepared to ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at its extraordinary and extravagant interiors. Take a tour in the early evening and then watch the sunset behind this surprising building as tourists at the Taj mahal always do.

Centred in the middle of Sussex and only an hour by train from London, lies the county's vibrant and hedonistic cultural hub of Brighton.  Come for the pebbly beach, seaside treats and sparkling array of nightlife. Then, get swept up in the independent shops, galleries and eateries which include some of the best vegan food options in the country. Many tourists never step beyond Brighton, but it’s worth bucking the trend to see Sussex’s quaint seaside towns of Saltdean, Shoreham and Worthing.

The small towns of Rye in East Sussex and Arundel in West Sussex both offer an enchanting glimpse into Sussex life with their fine historical buildings surrounded by spectacular countryside. Arundel in particular will instantly remind you of picture postcard country scenes as you enter.

Art is also widely on offer in the region. The excellent Towner Gallery in Eastbourne has exhibitions that rival any in the country, Pallant House Gallery in Chichester is the place to be for modern art, and anyone interested in sculpture should check out the Cass Sculpture Foundation in Goodwood.

Beautiful Glyndebourne is a house set in stunning parkland and gardens, that caters to nothing but opera fans. Get all dressed up to dine in its lush fields beneath the watchful eyes of Sussex lambs, and then watch opera stars bring the heavens down.

Impressive history

If you’re the type who loves the mysteries that a historic house can hold, make time for Petworth House and the Elizabethan finery of Parham House. Sussex hosts the Goodwood Estate where some of the biggest motor sports and horse racing events in the country are held.

You may also wish to visit one of the many museums which give insight into the history of West Sussex and its rich and varied heritage. Weald and Downland Open Air Museum houses over 40 historical buildings, Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre has a huge variety of exhibits and tells the history of industrial heritage in the area. The Noviam in Chichester is also a must see and has collections which span thousands of years of human history.

Casting an eye further back in time, Sussex is known for its majestic Roman and Saxon castles which can be found dotted over the landscape wherever you turn. The 11th century Arundel Castle in the South Downs is the most impressive, worthy of any fairytale, and the medieval Bodiam Castle is impressively well preserved.

Diverse activities

Walkers flock to West Sussex Ashdown Forest for peaceful open spaces, the High Weald Landscape Trail, another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or the South Downs Way. Here you can visit the hill forts of Cissbury Ring and Chanctonbury Ring and let your curiosity run wild over their long forgotten purpose, or climb Black Hill, the highest hill in Sussex.

With the entire Sussex coastline to enjoy, it’d be rude not to get involved in some watersports. Sailing, swimming, wind and kite surfing, and sea kayaking are all easily available to try. West Wittering is one of the nicest beaches in the region and the local area is good for sailing.

Walking, cycling, horse riding, mountain-biking and paragliding are all very popular, especially in the South Downs National Park and along the South Downs Way National Trail.

Vineyard tours are a great way to explore the countryside in this up and coming English wine region and an opportunity to sample some of the local flavours. Breaky Bottom is a favourite, but Ridgeview and Nutbourne Vineyards are also good and open to the public.

From breakfast through to dinner, Sussex has a diverse range of eateries in between its many attractions. Traditional British pubs can be found in abundance throughout the region in settlements of all sizes; however if you fancy a more modern dining experience, cafes, bistros and restaurants with a broad range of themes and menus can be found in the larger towns and cities.

For great nightlife and a lively list of gigs, shows and events, punters should head towards the larger settlements of Brighton, Worthing and Eastbourne. Audio, Concorde 2 and Lucky Voice Karaoke are all great for a laugh and a dance in Brighton after a tour of the city's diverse range of bars.

Other top attractions

Sussex is chock full of family-friendly amusement parks including the affordable Knockhatch Adventure Park in Hailsham and Treasure Island in Eastbourne.

Drusillas Park with both domestic and exotic animals,  is particularly aimed at younger children and has become a top rated day out for little ones with boundless energy.

Sussex has everything nature lovers need with plenty of nature reserves, farms and zoos for younger explorers. The Stoneywish Nature Reserve in Ditchling which has more than 50 acres of fields, play equipment and lakes that are teaming with wildlife..

Harbour Park in Littlehampton is an adventure theme park which will be a hit with children while the Hollycombe Steam collection is another great family friendly day out.