Top things to do on a spa break in Sussex

Sussex is a beautiful part of the UK, blessed with vibrant towns like Brighton as well as an impressive coastline, beautiful countryside and plenty of history. Home to some of the UK's most illustrious wine estates, it's also famous for its white cliffs and its impressive South Downs National Park. With all of that in mind, it's little wonder it's such a popular location for a spa break.

Sussex wine estates

English wine has become a particularly luxurious commodity in recent years, and Sussex is at the forefront of the movement. Known for its limestone chalk soils which result in high-quality grapes for sparkling wine (similarly found in the Champagne region), Sussex is home to a number of the UK's top vineyards and wineries - and yes, you can visit. Amongst them you will find the Albourne Estate, Bolney Wine Estate, Nyetimber, and Oxney Organic Estate - to name a few.

Royal Pavilion

Brighton is a place that's worth a visit all in its own right. The vibrant seaside town has a rich culture and history, whether you fancy a day on the beach or a night on the town. Amongst its attractions is the Royal Pavilion, built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV. It mixes Regency grandeur with the visual style of India and China and is quite something to behold.

Brighton Pier

Another top attraction is Brighton Palace Pier - a feast of food, games and attractions jutting out over the water. Standing at 1,722 ft long, its first iteration was built in 1823 and since then it's washed away a couple of times and been rebuilt. The current pier has been in situ since 1899, gradually adding new attractions over the years, remaining both contemporary and a delicious throwback.

1066 Battle Abbey and Battlefield

Sussex was the site of one of history's most famous and pivotal events, the Battle of Hastings, and visitors to the area can retrace the footsteps of King Harold and William the Conqueror. Walk the battlefield trail, see carved sculptures of Norman and Saxon soldiers and take in the breathtaking ruins of the Abbey built by William shortly after his victory.

Arundel Castle

A restored and remodelled mediaeval castle, Arundel Castle tells a story dating back to 1067. Many of the original features such as the Norman Keep, mediaeval Gatehouse and Barbican survive, while additions were made over the centuries, including an impressive collection of paintings and beautiful gardens. It's all ready and waiting for you to visit.

South Downs National Park

The South Downs National Park spans acres of diverse landscapes, buildings and culture. Currently 25% is managed for nature and there are plans to increase it as part of a #ReNature project. It's inspired writers and artists, is rich in folklore and legend, and is known for its wooded heaths and abundant nature. There's a network of great walking routes, including the South Downs Way, which is a lovely way to explore.

Goodwood Racecourse

Goodwood Racecourse is one of Sussex's most famous attractions. A horse-racing track five miles north of Chichester, it's also known for its annual motorsports events, notably the Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival and Glorious Goodwood. It's not just racing that it's known for however. The Goodwood Estate has been in the Duke of Richmond's family for more than 300 years, and you can explore the estate inside and out, on walking routes or seeing the impressive art collection in the main house, for example.

Seven Sisters

When you head out for a coast walk, don't forget to keep an eye out for the Seven Sisters - not that they're inconspicuous. The series of chalk cliffs on the English Channel coast stand out for their impressive silhouette within the South Downs National Park. Having been eroded by the sea over the years they make for an impressive sight. The name seems to have a fairly obscure origin, but even so, the area is designated and protected as a 'Heritage Coast' and is the finest example of unprotected chalk cliffs in Britain.