Summer in Sussex: Top things to do this Summer
The Great British Summer is here, finally! And with it, plenty of fun things to do in Sussex to keep you and the family entertained - from exceptional art galleries in coastal towns to beautiful picnic spots atop the South Downs.
So whether you’re visiting for a weekend or are exploring the county you call home, we’ve got a few of our top activities to while away a glorious Summer’s day in Sussex.
Explore the footpaths of Sussex and discover some of England’s best wines.
DISCOVER THE SUSSEX WINELANDS ON A SUMMER WALK
Great wines often come from beautiful places, and that’s certainly true with the Sussex South Downs.
It’s only by walking through the landscape – from up on the chalk Downs, to below in the Wealden woodlands – that you get a sense of what makes this a special place for growing grapes and making wines.
Length: ~ 3hrs
Distance: 7.5 miles
This circular walk starts at Artelium, but goes via Plumpton Station, making it easy to tweak if you’re travelling by train. The station also has free parking over the weekend.
Discover The Sussex Winelands Route.
GO FOR A SUMMER SWIM AT ROTTINGDEAN BEACH
Designated a wild swimming spot by the Environmental Agency, this is squeaky-clean beach is a perfect spot for a summer dip. With car parks next to the beach and food options just a short walk in to town, it’s a great place to come a spend the day.
Beyond swimming, the Beach offers plenty of other outdoor delights. There are walking and cycling trails that meander alongside the cliff. Nearby, you'll find the Coach and Horses pub, a traditional pub that makes a great spot for a thirst-quenching pint.
Kati Horna, Portrait of Leonora Carrington in her studio, 1956; Leonora Carrington, Woman with Fox
VISIT A SUSSEX ART GALLERY
Over the Summer, Sussex is playing host to a brilliant array of cultural and artistic happenings, with an array of exhibitions and events. In our Cultural Round-Up, we've handpicked our top five, showcasing everything from renowned public galleries to charming independent ventures.
Highlights include a collection of Sir Quentin Blake sketches on display at Hastings Contemporary held until September, and a show dedicated to Leonara Carrington, one of the UK’s most successful female artists at Newlands House Gallery.
Discover out cultural round-up.
FIRE & WINE NIGHT: Each ticket includes a main, two sides and summer dessert.
INDULGE IN A SUMMER BARBECUE AT THE WINE ESTATE
Join us from 6 pm on select Fridays in August as we fire up the coals for alfresco feasting on the terrace.
Chef will be preparing grilled Sussex meats, charred miso & sesame vegetables and barbecued fish. Sides include freshly prepared salads with herbs from our kitchen garden and delicious slaws; all before ending with a summer dessert.
Fire & Wine Event Dates:
ENJOY A PICNIC ALONG THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY
The South Downs Way stretches 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne. Along this route, there are a multitude of beautiful spots to shake out a picnic blanket and enjoy an alfresco meal. Often accompanied by stunning views across the rolling Sussex countryside below, sitting on top of the South Downs is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic.
Artelium East is nestled at the foot of the South Downs near Ditchling and the easiest way to get to the top is up on Ditchling Beacon. Park at the top and then head East towards Lewes or West towards the Jack & Jill Windmill. In need of food inspiration, we pulled together the perfect English Summer picnic food and wine pairings.
WATCH A FILM AT AN OUTDOOR CINEMA
Cinestock outdoor cinemas returns with a programme of outdoor cinema events throughout August. With 14 nights of film at seven amazing venues, including Lewes Castle to Saltdean Lido, there will be something for everyone.
Films include the family-favourite musical ‘Grease’, the Freddie Mercury biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, and ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ which celebrates the life of reggae’s most iconic star.