Sussex 101
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Sussex is an historic county in the South-East of England roughly corresponding to the ancient Kingdom of Sussex. It is bounded on the north by Surrey, north-east by Kent, south by the English Channel, and west by Hampshire, and is divided for local government into West Sussex and East Sussex and the city of Brighton and Hove.
Sussex has three main geographic sub-regions, each oriented approximately east to west. In the southwest is the fertile and densely populated coastal plain. North of this are the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs, beyond which is the well-wooded Sussex Weald.
East Sussex is known for its scenic beauty. Due to its geographic location, it is home to a number of breathtakingly sculpted chalkstone cliffs and a long coastline. Thus, whenever the sun comes up, weekenders flock to East Sussex in order to enjoy a taste of the sun and the sand, a taste of East Sussex’s nightlife and the enigma of its historic villages with mazes of ancient cobbled streets.
Geologically, East Sussex is a part of the Southern Down-fold of the Weald Mountains. The chalkstone composition of the region has lent it a distinct beauty that is at its best at the Beachy Head of Eastbourne, where the land meets the sea. River Ouse and Cuckmere are the major constituents of the region’s drainage system. East Sussex enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year and has a pleasant coastal climate. The pleasant weather at East Sussex has majorly contributed towards increasing tourism influx in the region.
The county enjoys a healthy economy, with equal contribution in the manufacturing and service-based sectors. Local universities act as a great pool for talent and industry-academia interaction is encouraged. Tourism also contributes in a significant way when it comes to generating income in East Sussex.
Besides its natural beauty, East Sussex has a long and glorious historic heritage to boast about. In the quaint little Medieval town of Rye, you will come across beautiful Tudor buildings, mysterious passageways and tales of enigmatic strangers. As you wander across its cobbled streets, you will wonder whether time has truly remained still in this piece of land. You can even visit the historic site of Battle, the village where William the Conqueror defeated the local Saxon King back in 1066.
In the beach town of Eastbourne, you will find the Seven Sisters Park and the Beachy Head, a sight that will most likely take your breath away. Amidst the waves of the sea, you will also see a lone lighthouse rise in an almost poetic manner. The South Downs National Park can also be explored in an off the beaten path excursion. For a taste of Sussex’s nightlife, one would have to head to Brighton.
Natural beauty and an illustrious history has shaped East Sussex into what it is today and with the sea in all its glory next to quaint medieval establishments that have managed to stand the test of time, it makes for a fascinating region to visit.
A couple walking at the Seven Sisters in East Sussex. The area comprises of 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, a meandering river valley and open chalk grassland.
Credit: Britainonview, Rod Edwards
Castle and moat, Bodiam, East Sussex.
Credit: Britain on View
Royal pavilion, Brighton, East Sussex.
Credit: Britain on View
Steam Train, Kent And East Sussex Railway, Kent, England.
Credit: Britain on View
View of Bodiam Castle and grounds on a frosty morning, near Robertsbridge in East Sussex, Bodiam, East Sussex.
Credit: Britainonview, David Sellman
Bordered by the English Channel on the southern side and Surrey, East Sussex and Hampshire on the others, West Sussex is a county in Southern England that has kept the vibrant English countryside spirit alive and well. The county is characterised by a rich biodiversity and one can encounter coastlands, hills, forests as well as undulating dales along it. Thus, the beautiful country landscape makes West Sussex the best backdrop for cycling, hiking or biking through the countryside.
West Sussex is characterised by geographical diversity to a large extent. Towards its eastern side, one can find the Weald-Artois anticline which has been eroded greatly by the elements of time leaving rocky areas exposed without the cover of chalklands. These rock surfaces rise high along the Lower Greensland Ridges near the border of Surrey. The county’s highest peak, Blackdown is located in this area. The intermittent valleys amidst the highlands are drained by rivers Arun, Adur and Lavant.
West Sussex experiences a pleasant climate which varies throughout the county due to the variation of geographic elements. The coastal areas experience a large amount of Sunshine as well as rainfall. In fact, West Sussex is often described as the sunniest county in England. The cool sea breeze moderates the weather in the coastal areas. Winter rains are important for this shire because that is how the local chalk aquifers get recharged in order to act as a source of water supply later.
The county also boasts of a well-developed infrastructure that has helped in establishing a strong economy in the region. West Sussex is well-connected through a network of roadways and railways that facilitate material movement and thereby helps in promoting trade and commerce activities. The local govrnment has been trying to promote commercial activities in the region, though growth has been slow in the last few years. Most of the employment is provided by agriculture, healthcare, logistics and manufacturing sectors.
West Sussex county boasts of a rich rural heritage that defines it to a great extent. One can visit the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum to get a taste of the rural lifestyle that has pervaded the region from the 14th to the 20th centuries. The Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre provides insight into local crafts. One can explore the cultural heritage of the county even in the Arundel Castle which had once housed the Dukes of Norfolk, the charming Wakehurst Palace, the Petworth House with its treasure trove of art collections and the Bignor Roman Villa.
With geographical diversity, cultural legacy and plenty of sunshine, West Sussex exhibits the warmth of hospitality and the charm that only English countrysides can boast of.
Arundel castle, Arundel, West Sussex.
Credit: Britain on View
Competitors in the annual International Bognor Birdman competition launching themselves from the pier.
Credit: Britainonview, Andy Sewell
Couple walking through the grounds of Chichester Cathedral on a bright autumn day, Chichester, West Sussex.
Credit: Britainonview, Simon Kreitem
Gardens in the autumn, Wakehurst Place, West Sussex.
Credit: Britain on View
Man inside Pallant House Gallery, browsing an impressive collection of British art from the 20th century, in the heart of historic Chichester.
Credit: Britainonview, Simon Kreitem
101 Must-Do’ ways to live your regional connection.
Our 101 team have been working with local tourism, business, community and Council initiatives to bring you some of the best ways for you to live your connection to Sussex.
