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

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