8 minute read

 Pevensey Castle

Oastbrook is a stunning sustainable vineyard and winery nestled in the heart of the Rother Valley, only five minutes from Bodiam Castle. We offer fun and informative vineyard tours and tastings, private dining and wine events and luxurious vineyard accommodation as well as our award winning wines. Visit www.oastbrook.com

With a fascinating history stretching back over 16 centuries, a trip to Pevensey Castle is not to be missed. Beginning in the 4th century as one of the last and strongest of the Roman ‘Saxon Shore’ forts, two-thirds of Pevensey’s towered walls still stand. Today, it is a great family day out in East Sussex. Explore this dramatic fortress where William the Conqueror landed with his army in 1066.

Delve deep into the dark dungeon of the moated medieval castle and admire the towering walls, then explore the museum and exhibitions to discover stories of massacre, sieges and royal prisoners. Enjoy the open grounds and space to roam and explore. Book now and save at: www.English-Heritage.org.uk/Pevensey www.crawleymuseums.org

Come to Crawley Museum and learn about local history from the objects and stories contained within the galleries. Collections range from pre-history items to the 20th Century New Town and contemporary objects. For younger visitors we offer trails and activities, and in our Learning Space discover objects and take part in art and crafts. Open Thursday-Saturday 10:30am - 4pm.

 Henners Vineyard

 Ifield Watermill 85

Visit Henners Vineyard for a glass of fizz and cheese board overlooking the vines. Their Cellar Door is open as a shop and a bar Thursday to Sunday all year round. They offer informal, fun, and engaging tours around their beautiful threehectare vineyard, and around their exciting new winery too. Tours and seasonal events can be www.crawleymuseums.org booked through their website. Nestled next to the Pevensey Levels Nature Reserve, Henners sits in one of the sunniest, warmest, and driest pockets of the UK. Perfect for the grapes – and perfect for a visit! www.hennersvineyard.co.uk cellardoor@hennersvineyard.co.uk

This Grade II listed building has undergone extensive restoration by local volunteers, supported by the National Lottery Fund and now boasts a working waterwheel alongside other milling machinery. Inside the displays cover iron milling, corn milling, restoration, and rural Ifield life. Open seasonally, April - September on the last Sunday of the month.

 St Mary’s House and Gardens in Bramber

Sunday and Thursday afternoons 2pm to 6pm, last entry 5pm (with extra Wednesday afternoons during August).

This historic Pilgrim Inn, c1470, is a Sussex Grade I listed building which is of national importance, included in Sir Simon Jenkins’ book ‘England’s Thousand Best Houses’. The current owners restored it almost 40 years ago and still live there. It has rare and fascinating interiors, including fine panelling, wall-leather, and an elegant Music Room.

The 5 acres of gardens are beautifully maintained. Designed and grown by the owners, with the wonderful help of dedicated volunteers. Visitors can explore a series of different ‘garden rooms’, a Topiary Garden, Jubilee Rose Garden, circular Poetry Garden, and Water Garden with small lake. There is also a delightful tearoom and gift shop.

www.stmarysbramber.co.uk

St. Mary’s House, Bramber, West Sussex BN44 3WE

Just 90 mins from London by train, Worthing is ideal for a weekend break. A happy collision of classic and contemporary – where else can you hop off your paddle board and into one of the oldest working cinemas in the UK, tuck into a traditional cream tea or pop into a micro pub, swing by an art studio beach hut, enjoy a beach sauna or feed wild ponies at an iron age fort. Don’t miss Highdown Gardens, the Pier and Worthing Museum – all free! The town also makes a perfect central base from which to explore wider Sussex – Brighton, Arundel, Goodwood and Chichester. www.timeforworthing.uk

Great music, food, drink and all-round family fun is back at Worthing’s Steyne Gardens on Saturday 19th August, with the return of More Radio Live! Marking its 21st anniversary, this year promises to be the best ever!

Four of the most popular acts of the past four decades will feature, performed by the best tribute acts in the business. Opening the show this year is an award-winning tribute to the current queen of pop, Taylor Swift. This year’s line-up will also include tributes to Lady Gaga, one of the most iconic pop stars in the world – not just for her music but also for having starred in smash hit movies like ‘A Star is Born’ and ‘House of Gucci’. And Olly Murs, the cheeky-chappie who began his pop career after appearing on the X Factor. These days he is as much at home as a TV presenter on shows like Starstruck and on The Voice UK.

The headline act is one of the finest tributes to one of the biggest rock bands of all time –Queen. Steyne Gardens will be rocking to all their legendary hits from Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You and Crazy Little Thing Called Love and many more!

All tickets are being sold through our Hidden website. Advance tickets are currently just £16 each (a saving of nearly £10 off the gate price) plus you can sign up for a premium Hidden membership and save an additional 20%. For tickets and more information see: www.hiddenmembership.com/more-radio-live

 Aldingbourne Country Centre

Enjoy a Great Day Out! There’s so much to see and do, all year round!

If you like the idea of supporting a local charity by having fun, the Aldingbourne Country Centre is well worth a visit. Woodland walks, our open farm, ride-on tractors, play areas, maze, indoor slide and wonderful home-cooked food are just some of the attractions visitors enjoy.

Thousands of visitors join us each year for our popular school holiday events which include Bounce About Day, Splash About Day, Children’s Wipe Out Zone, Tom’s Talking Reptiles, plus so much more.

We are open 7 days a week, 10am – 4pm. For more information and to view our current prices visit:www.aldingbournetrust.org/greatdayout Aldingbourne Trust, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester PO18 0JP

Located in the heart of the West Sussex countryside, Fontwell Park offers 22 actionpacked Jumps racing fixtures from JanuaryDecember including the prestigious National Spirit Hurdle and Southern National. There are plenty of fixtures to enjoy with family and friends this spring and summer, including the popular Family Fun Days in May and September with free entry and entertainment for kids, and the glamourous Ladies Evening in August – the perfect opportunity to gather the girls and dress to impress. Whilst in the winter months, our October Festival offers two days of top-quality weekend racing and our highlight of the calendar – Boxing Day Racing – sees thousands flock to Fontwell to join the Sussex family tradition. Find out more and book tickets at: www.fontwellpark.co.uk

With five unique museums across the city, Brighton & Hove Museums has something for everyone…

The Royal Pavilion

Discover the pleasure palace where the Prince Regent, later King George IV escaped royal life in Regency London to indulge his tastes in art, music and dining.

One of the most exotically beautiful buildings in Britain, the Royal Pavilion was later used by King William IV and Queen Victoria. Now it’s been restored to its original 1823 splendour, with Indian architecture contrasted with interiors inspired by China, so you can experience it as it was at the heart of fashionable Regency society.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Alongside permanent galleries including Ancient Egypt, Fine Art, 20th Century Art & Design and the Archaeology gallery, there’s a constantly changing programme of exhibitions, displays and events.

Booth Museum of Natural History

With nearly a million specimens from the natural world, the star attraction is the Victorian taxidermy of collector Edward Booth.

Hove Museum of Creativity

Home to the Hove Film Pioneers and South East Arts craft collection, local history, fine art, toys and changing displays and events.

Preston Manor www.brightonmuseums.org.uk

A charming Edwardian Manor house open for special events.

 Lewes Chamber Music Festival 93

 Hurst Festival 94

The Lewes Chamber Music Festival takes place between 8-10th June 2023. With this yearʼs theme ʻFrom Bohemiaʼ it will include chamber music by Dvořák, Janáček and Suk, and a free young persons lunchtime concert on Friday 9th June at 12.00. Donʼt miss live music-making by some of the UKʼs finest musicians, right on your doorstep! All the concert details and tickets are at www.leweschambermusicfestival.com

 Horsham Museum

Hurst Festival is a two-week Arts Festival in Hurstpierpoint with 60 events running from September 16th to 30th 2023. Live music, childrenʼs events, theatre, outdoor cinema, comedy, talks. Plus, a FREE Community Day; Super Sunday on 17th September, with Dog Show, Barn Dance, Food, Crafts, Market and Bar with free activities and entertainment for children! For details and to book tickets www.hurstfestival.org/events

Looking for a fun and educational day out, then look no further than Horsham Museum & Art Gallery! The museum offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the West Sussex district through its engaging galleries and exhibitions. Visitors can also enjoy the delightful garden and explore the barn and transport gallery.

Visit: www.horshammuseum.org/events to see our upcoming events, activities and exhibitions.

Open Tuesday - Saturdays 10:00 - 16:00 (and all days across bank holidays).

Admission FREE.

There’s lots to do at Tilgate Park! The Green Flag awarded Tilgate Park offers a fantastic day out for all the family throughout the year with more to see and do than ever before.

The Nature Centre is home to over a 100 species of animal including the ever-popular meerkats, lemurs, pigs and reindeer, as well as more unusual creatures such as tapir, serval and poison dart frogs. You can host a birthday party, adopt an animal or even be a junior keeper for a day.

With hundreds of acres to explore, take a walk around the stunning lakes and woodlands, follow the tree trail, enjoy the maze and relax in the peaceful landscaped gardens which are also licenced for weddings. for more information and to book visit: www.crawley.gov.uk/tilgatepark

Grab a light refreshment or lunch from the Lakeside Café, ice cream hut or the Walled Garden Café. For hungrier guests, the Smith and Western American themed restaurant is perfect. If you’ve got energy to burn, Tilgate Forest Golf Centre has 18 holes and a driving range, boats and bikes can be hired from Tilgate Park Watersports, take a tree top adventure with Go Ape and enjoy the forest Segway trails.

Having been awarded the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame and Certificate of Excellence, there’s plenty to see and do in Tilgate Park throughout the year.

Rushfields your independent plant centre, farm shop and café. A great selection of bulbs, seeds, planters, compost and tools. Homemade pies, cakes, cheeses, wines and vegetables available from the farm shop. Hearty home-cooked breakfast, lunch and tea. Lots of gifts, cards and accessories. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Rushfields, Henfield Road, Poynings, Brighton BN45 7AY 01273 857445 enquiries@rushfields.com www.rushfields.com

1  100 Great Things in Sussex 2024

Every Friday and the second Saturday of each month, at Church Walk in Burgess Hill, is where you will find Burgess Hill Market providing shoppers with a fantastic array of products from local, independent businesses. With free pitches, a dedicated website and social media pages, the Market is a truly supportive atmosphere for startup businesses and the perfect place to showcase their wares.

Every Friday, you will find a range of delicious food and drinks, including freshly baked breads

Do you have an attraction, event or business that deserves to be included in 100 Great Things in Sussex for 2024? This invaluable book is distributed at key locations across Sussex for visitors, tourists and locals alike, to use as a reference for visiting places across the county. Plus, our 37K+ Hidden membership subscribers all receive the digital bookzine. For more details contact: 01273 835355 sales@sussexliving.com and pastries, fresh fish, eggs, locally milled flour and organic coffee. On the second Saturday of each month expect to find clothing, craft items and gifts. We are currently looking for a fruit and veg trader as well as traders selling produce such as British cheeses, locally made drinks and soaps. www.burgesshillmarket.co.uk gemma@burgesshill.gov.uk

Why not come and try Burgess Hill Market for yourself?