What's New in Sussex in 2023

24th March 2023

Sussex is a blend of culture, sea and countryside, home to some surprising gems and a foodie heaven.  Always changing, always evolving, the county is full of new places to discover and new events to enjoy.  2023 is no different...Take a look and see what's new across the county of Sussex. From up-and-coming family-friendly art trails to unique accommodation waiting to welcome you and make you feel right at home.  Discover breath-taking exhibitions that you can't see anywhere else, day trip ideas and inspiration for your next weekend getaway.  What new reasons will you find to make your first, next or regular visit to Sussex this year?

A Baa-rilliant new art trail, Brighton

This September a special visitor will be heading to Brighton, a baa-rilliant new art trail featuring much-loved children’s character Shaun the Sheep and his friends. Shear fun for everyone! Visit over 40 individually designed sculptures displayed around Brighton & Hove’s streets, parks, and other public areas in Autumn 2023.

Entertaining all-weather family fun, Hastings

Owens Entertainment, opened its doors at the end of 2022 in the heart of Hastings.  With three floors of entertainment, it has everything families could ever dream of all under one roof, from ten pin bowling to crazy golf courses, VR experiences, soft play and more, it's a great all-weather addition to East Sussex.  Look for something a little different on your visit? 

World leading art prize comes to Eastbourne

The Turner Prize  - the world’s leading prize for contemporary art – comes to Towner Eastbourne, making its first ever visit to Sussex from 28 Sept to 14 April 24.  The entire gallery space will be taken over by the prize showing the work of all 4 shortlisted artists, as well as a wraparound programme of events and art installations around the town starting this summer. The winners announcement will be broadcast live from Eastbourne on 5th Dec in a year which also celebrates the centenary of Towner – a series of exhibitions throughout the year will celebrate 100 years of art at Towner and the exhibitions include work from artists such as Grayson Perry, Barbara Hepworth, David Nash and Andy Warhol.

Day visitors return to Butlins, Bognor Regis

Bultins at Bognor Regis, West Sussex is once again welcoming day trippers. With unlimited access to the fairground rides and soft play areas, the chance to ride the flumes, experience the rapids and take a swim in the huge Splash Waterworld and a fantastic array of daytime entertainment shows to enjoy, it’s a great day out for all the family.

A welcome tasty bite, Worthing

The art deco building at the end of Worthing pier has been loving restored and is now open as an eatery. Perch on the Pier now offers spectacular panoramic views of the sea whilst delivering delicious meals from breakfast through to lunch.

English wine expansion in West Sussex

Later this year, Artelium Wine, which has their headquarters at a vineyard in Streat, nestled between Ditchling and Plumpton, will open a new site at their larger vineyard in Madehurst, near Arundel, which will offer tours and put on events.

Themed cabins due to open in Battle

Brand-new Starcroft Farm Cabins are due to open in 2023.  Located near Battle Abbey and battlefield in the High Weald AONB, these themed stargazing cabins give easy access to the beautiful 1066 Country Walk. Why not stay in the medieval themed cabin, Matilda, a perfect fit for the location.

It's walkies at Wakehurst, West Sussex

Wakehurst Gardens near Haywards Heath has just opened its doors to dogs for the first time. You and your furry friend can enjoy a specially curated dog-walking route including a ramble through Bloomers Valley, and a wander alongside the stunning Water Gardens. There is also a roam free off-lead area overlooking the Millennium Seed Bank.

It's a summer of Jazz and Blues, Eastbourne

This July a brand-new Jazz and Blues Festival comes to Eastbourne Western Lawns.  Featuring a mix of local and top international artists, highlights include Sarah Jane Morris (chart topping singer with The Communards), award-winning Jazz vocalist Ian Shaw, food writer Jay Rayner’s Sextet, award-winning composer Ray Russell and more.

Open Water Swimming, Brighton

Planned to open in June 2023, Sea Lanes Brighton will see the UK’s first national open water swimming centre of excellence. The pool will be open to both members and visitors on a pay-per swim basis.  Also the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre will be reopening after undergoing a major transformation, the opening event will be the immersive exhibition experience – Van Gogh Alive!

Brand-new multi-arts festival, Worthing

Worthing welcomes its first multi arts festival from the 10^th - 18^th June. Comprising of music, theatre, dance, art, heritage, comedy, spoken word, film, outdoor and family events taking place in venues across Worthing.

Connect with nature in Hastings, East Sussex

The stunning new Looking Glass Lodge has just opened near Hastings.  Recently featured on C4’s ‘George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces’ (Jan 2023), this totally eco-friendly lodge sits within Mallydams Wood Nature Reserve.  Connecting visitors to nature both through the way the lodge was built, using natural resources, but also through its green credentials.

Sea views aplenty, Bexhill-on-Sea

The recently re-opened The Relais Cooden Beach near Bexhill-on-Sea, takes its interior styling from its fantastic waterside location.  Located on a private beach with uninterrupted views over the sea, this 41 bedroom hotel celebrates the town's motorsport heritage with its Rally Bar & Grill named in its honour.  The hotel's spacious terrace will be an ideal destination to enjoy some seasonal al fresco dining.

Celebrating gardening history, West Sussex

2023 sees Borde Hill in West Sussex celebrate 130 Years of Planting Excellence. From the 12-18th June, the Grade II listed Mansion House at the heart of the Garden will exclusively open for a week of tours to celebrate 130 years since visionary plantsman and owner Colonel Stephenson Robert Clarke (SRC) first created the magnificent collection of rare trees and flowering shrubs across the Estate. 

Alpaca Experiences, West Sussex

Our Back Garden will be re-open from April 23, offering alpaca experiences and Shepherd Hut stays. This family run business offers the chance to enjoy a 45-60 minute walk around the farm with the alcpaca's, finishing off with a fun feeding season.  Special meet and greet sessions can also be arranged for those that are unable to enjoy a walk with the herd, but still wish to spend quality time getting to know the alpacas.

Discover more about Sussex

The county of Sussex is home to over 140 miles of coastline and includes the gateway to the South Downs National Park.  Famous for its English wine production, food festivals, the iconic Seven Sisters, it is home to traditional seaside towns of Worthing and Hastings, Eastbourne, Bexhill-on-Sea, Littlehampton and Bognor Regis. 

Divided into East Sussex and West Sussex, the county of Sussex is larger than its two adjoining counties of Kent (3,736Km) and Hampshire (3,679Km) and is home to the two cities of the South East's eight cities - Brighton and Chichester. A vibrant, event-ful county you'll also find medieval Arundel and Rye and the famous town of Battle and charming Mid-Sussex too.