Are you in the process of planning your next vacation? If so, Sussex is certainly a good option to consider. Sussex is situated in South East England and is known as a historic county. It is a beautiful area that is filled with stunning landscape. You definitely won’t be short of things to do during your stay either. The abundance of tourist attractions that are available ensures everyone’s needs are catered to. So, keep on reading to discover all you need to know about planning a memorable weekend getaway to Sussex…

The first step you must take when you are planning any vacation is to decide whereabouts you are going to stay. As Sussex is a county, there are lots of places for you to choose from. Chichester, Amberley, Shoreham-by-Sea and Arundel are all areas in West Sussex that are popular with tourists. On the other hand, there is East Sussex, and the following locations are great options for you to choose from; Beachy Head, Eastbourne, Camber, Rye, Hastings and Pevensey.

All of the places that have been mentioned are brilliant in their own right. However, you should do a little bit of research to determine where will be the best spot for you. For instance, Chichester boasts some of the oldest religious buildings in the whole of the United Kingdom. It has a wonderful old charm thanks to the cobbled streets and alike. On the other hand, Eastbourne is centred on a fun and atmospheric harbour, filled with restaurants, bars and shops. It all depends on what appeals to you the most. Of course you will be able to visit other areas during your stay anyway.

You will also need to determine what type of accommodation is going to be the best for you. From hotels to B&Bs, you have plenty of options. However, most people will agree that the best type of accommodation is a cottage. There are lots of self-catering cottages situated all over Sussex for you to choose from. They will enhance your stay as they provide you with a quaint, traditional and comfortable setting. You will also have the opportunity to take advantage of some stunning landscape, as cottages tend to be located in scenic locations. From magical views of the coast to enchanting views of woodland, the options are endless. You may think you have to pay more for this type of accommodation, but surprisingly it is the more economical option.

As mentioned in the introduction, one of the best things about Sussex is the fact that you have so many tourist attractions to choose from. There is something for all ages and all interests. Let’s begin by taking a look at some of the best places to visit if you are enjoying a Sussex vacation with your family. Five of the best family attractions in Sussex are as follows; Blackberry Farm, Sea Life Brighton, Drusillas Park, Harbour Park, and Yesterday’s World.

Blackberry Farm can be found near Lewes in East Sussex. Here you will be able to see llamas, pigs, goats, Shetland ponies, rabbits, chickens, cockerels, chipmunks, ducks, and much, much more. The Sea Life centre in Brighton provides you with different kinds of creatures to marvel over. This includes zebra sharks, green turtles, loggerhead turtles, pig nosed turtles, short snout seahorses, common octopuses, clownfish, and native rays. Or, why not take a trip to Drusillas Park in Alfriston? This is widely regarded as the best small zoo in the whole of the UK. You can see plenty of animals, play on loads of rides, and there is even the Thomas the Tank Engine experience. Harbour Park is ideal for those who want some fast paced fun. Rides include the waltzer, the crazy caterpillar, the formula circuit, the water chute, the dodgems and more. Last but not least, a day at Yesterday’s World in Battle is truly a unique experience. You will take a trip back to the 15th century, with life size street scenes and shop displays.

Aside from fun family attractions, Sussex is a great place for those who love history. There is a wealth of castles and old historic buildings that are worth a visit, and that is without even mentioning the various museums in the area. One of the best places to visit in Sussex is undoubtedly the battlefield and abbey ruins of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. This is one of the most famous battles in England’s history. You also have Bodiam Castle, which was built in 1385 by Edward Dallingridge. The castle was built to frighten his enemies and impress his friends, and it certainly impresses. Most of the exterior is intact, making it a magnificent site to behold. Aside from this, there is the lavish and unique Royal Pavilion. This is one of Brighton’s most popular tourist attractions. It is a palace that was built for King George IV. What makes the palace so unusual is the fact that it boasts opulent Indian architecture on the outside and luxurious Chinese interior. It is truly extravagant and is assured to take your breath away. Chichester Cathedral is also worth a visit. This is a 900 year old Cathedral, boasting beautiful features, such as the towering Victorian Spire.

As stated, there is a brilliant selection of museums in Sussex as well. The Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, situated in Chichester, is filled with history from the former RAF Tangmere airfield. You will get to witness historic military aircraft from the Battle of Britain. Another popular wartime museum is Wings Museum in Balcombe. You will discover history from the RAF Redhill in World War II. This includes aero engines, equipment, aircraft parts, uniforms, home front items, artefacts, propellers and more. The Brighton Toy Museum is one of a kind. Here you will find a wealth of toys, penny arcade games, puppets, trains and dolls. Aside from this, other interesting museums you may wish to incorporate into your visit include the Seaford Museum in Lewes, Old Police Cells Museum in Brighton, Musgrave Museum in Eastbourne, Lavender Line in Isfield, and the Flower Makers’ Museum in Hastings.

Last but not least, as touched upon in the introduction, Sussex is filled to the brim with beautiful landscape and stunning scenery. There are various spots in Sussex that epitomise what the county has to offer in terms of natural beauty. High Beeches, in Handcross, is a prime example of this. Here you will find 27 acres of woodland and water gardens. Nonetheless, the main attraction is undoubtedly the plants, which have won awards for their rare and exotic appearance. The Sheffield Park and Garden in Uckfield is also worth a mention. This garden boasts four beautiful lakes and thus offers a tranquil and relaxing setting.

It is quite clear to see that Sussex is a county that has something for everybody. No matter whether you are looking for a weekend away as a family, a couple or even by yourself – you are guaranteed to have an enjoyable experience. Hopefully this post will have provided you with some great places to visit. And, don’t forget to check out the wealth of self-catering cottages you have at your disposal. A cottage will enhance your vacation, as you will have a comfortable place to stay boasting traditional British charm.