A resource guide to Sussex, England. It features guides to the best accommodation, attractions, festivals, restaurants, shops, history and property.

12 Dec: 90 Anniversary of the De La Warr Pavilion
In 1932 Herbrand Brassey Sackville, 9th Earl De La Warr (1900-1976) became the (socialist) Mayor of Bexhill. The Earl proposed building an entertainment hall on the former coastguard site behind the Colonnade. A competition was held to select the architects, which was won by  Serge Chermayeff (1900-1996) & Erich Mendelsohn (1887-1953).  Work began in January 1935 and it was opened by the Duke and Duchess of York on 12 December 1935. The above photo is of the opening night.
De La Warr Pavilion, Marina, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DP map

Nov: New Wellbeing Hotel near Battle  
In 2024 PowderMills Hotel was bought and rebranded by Chris King in partnership with Limestone Capital. Now it has 55 rooms, three private cottages, a Craft Barn, Art Studio, wellness facilities, members’ club, plus a spa set by a 7 acre lake and woodland. Bookings

StayCrafted at PowderMills, Powdermill Lane, East Sussex, Battle TN33 0SP map

Oct-Nov: Bonfire Nights
22 Nov: Robertsbridge
15 Nov: Rye
8 Nov: Battle
5 Nov: Lewes 
18 Oct: Hastings 
4 Oct: Northiam

Oct: October is the start of the cider making year. 
From now to November apples are harvested, milled and pressed. After several months in casks etc it is ready to be drunk from the following April. Kent & Sussex cider growers traditionally used dessert apples but new producers are adding West County cider apples to the mix. Interestingly Norman Hunt’s fam near Sedlescombe is one of last Sussex farms to grow cider apples (more info from our visit).
A History of Cider (due) Kent Cider Producers  Sussex Cider Producers

26 September: New Eric Ravilious space at Towner Eastbourne          
A dedicated, bespoke space at Towner Eastbourne of works by Eric Ravilious has opened at the Towner. Towner has long been the custodian of the largest collection, and this new space will create the definitive Ravilious experience for general visitors and scholars alike.
Towner Gallery, Devonshire Park, 82 College Rd, Eastbourne, BN21 4JJ map

8-10 Aug: The Bluebell Railway is 65 this month.
The Bluebell Railway celebrates its 65th anniversary with a special weekend marking over six decades of steam preservation. They will be showcasing their home fleet with multiple sets running on various journeys throughout the weekend. 
Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, Sheffield Park, Uckfield TN22 3QL map

21 April: Tulip Festival at Pashley Manor Gardens                          
Visit the annual Tulip Festival at Pashley Manor Gardens & see 48,000 tulips on display from late April to early May. The Garden was designed by the owners with the landscape architect  Anthony du Gard Pasley (1929-2009[) and opened to the public in 1992. It is 11 acres in size and is open annually from April to September. Sculpture Garden. Owners: Mr & Mrs Sellick.
Road: B2099 off the A21. Train: Ticehurst then taxi (Prue at Timebusters) 
Tulip Festival at Pashley Manor Gardens, Pashley Road, East Sussex, TN5 7HE map

1 April: Great Dixter has opened for the 2025 season
Great Dixter was created by the gardener/garden writer Christopher Lloyd (1921-2006). 
It is now a Charitable Trust led bt head gardener Fergus Garrett who first worked at Great Dixter in 1992.  Shop. Plant sales  Garden open April-October.
Great Dixter, Northiam, East Sussex, TN31 6PH map

27 March: New hotel opens in Alfriston
In 2024 The Signet Collection acquired Deans Place Hotel. It is relaunched this year as The Alfriston with 38 bedrooms, a brasserie, bar, spa and outdoor pool. All with views of the South Downs. The MD is Hector Ross (interview). Originally a manor farmhouse it is Grade II listed. The Alfriston, Seaford Road, Alfriston, BN26 5TW map

March: i360 Tower reopens this month under new owners      
The observation tower stands at more than 450 feet at the landward end of the former West Pier. It is the world’s tallest, moving observation tower and was designed by Marks Barfield Architects of  LondonEye wheel fame. In 2025 it was acquired by Nightcap Ltd a local business.
Brighton i360 Tower, Lower Kings Road, BN1 2LN map

Feb: New restaurant opens in Camber.
Harry’s, a new restaurant opens this month at The Gallivant. The chef is Mathew Harris (ex-head chef at Bibendum). It is named after the owner of The Gallivant Harry Cragoe more info
The Gallivant, New Lydd Road, Camber, Rye, TN31 7RB map

The Grand Eastbourne is 150 years old this year. 
The Grand Hotel opened in 1875 on the seafront with 152 rooms. It is 400 feet wide and designed by Robert Knott Blessley (1833-1923) who was based in Eastbourne. Past visitors include Claude Debussy (in 1905) and Edward Elgar (in 1926).
The Grand, King Edward's Parade, Eastbourne, BN21 4EQ map