Ahh yes, the former Kingdom of Sussex and once the settlement of the Saxons. The natural beauty of South Downs National Park defines the counties (split between East and West) and this is a corner of England you should definitely visit. I am always keen to share places that are not too far from London, so that you can have a day out in the countryside.

There is something magical about beautiful Sussex. Its towns and villages that have survived invasions, conquests, innovation and rebellion. One thing that is worthy of note, is that it is super close to London. If you fancy just a day trip into the countryside, then hop on a train and journey for as little as an hour. Sussex demonstrates a battled history. Left behind are outstanding English heritage sites and breathtaking landscapes, from Norman castles to Iron Age hillforts, and I have listed a few of the best to visit.

Arundel

The medieval town of Arundel cannot be missed. I happened to visit this place when the eye-catching Arundel Castle held a festival honouring the era of knights and middle ages. Traditional music echoed through the air and live demonstrations of historic weaponry were displayed to an awe-inspired crowd.

This delightful town sits on the banks of the River Arun, and the castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Norfolk. Be inspired by the soaring architecture of Arundel Cathedral, soak up local history in the museum, and stretch your legs and wander around Swanbourne Lake. Why not make some new feathered friends and listen to the sounds of nature at the Wetland Centre too?

As if your day couldn't be jam-packed enough, how about a stone’s throw trip to Amberley. I mean, you are already here, right?

*Inside one of the many rooms of Arundel castle.*

Amberley

Perhaps start at Amberley Castle and stand before the two very large turrets built 900 years ago, and once owned by Queen Elizabeth I. It’s now a luxury hotel and restaurant, but non-guests of the hotel can walk around and explore the grounds. The Amberley Museum is a remarkable spot, with so much industrial and transport history. I love museums like this that focus on automotive (I grew up visiting Beamish Museum) and you can learn so much from their exhibitions.

All this walking is thirsty work, and Amberley Village Tearoom sits in the heart of the village. Pop yourself down in this traditional tearoom and enjoy some scones and drinks. Perhaps round off your day with an afternoon visit to the Parham House, one of the country’s finest Elizabethan houses. This beautiful house and gardens have changed very little over the years, and it is settled at the foot of the South Downs, so prepare for fantastic views. Tiny thatched cottages and land rover defenders also await. Every corner you turn offers a picturesque English countryside.

*The Royal Pavilion. At Christmas time, an ice rink is set up.*

Brighton

Known fondly as ‘London-by-the-Sea’ you will find a lot of ex-Londoners have moved here and established businesses or set up a new home. Beyond that, Brighton is a fantastic city to visit, and I am a little biased as I lived there myself for a year.

The street art scene here is incredible, be sure to wander around and marvel at the artistry. The famous Banksy ‘Kissing Coppers’ can also be spotted. Take a stroll over the Victorian Palace Pier and across the famous pebbled beach, which is busy all year round. There is the iconic Royal Pavilion, built in the mid 1790s, as a pleasure palace for King Georg IV. Definitely explore the historic quarter, called the Lanes, with its narrow streets of cottages and independent shops and cafes. There are plenty of amusements to be found by this seaside.

Chichester

Enjoy a wonderful stroll down the Chichester canal and stop by the Bishop’s Palace Gardens along the way. Admire the flowers, maybe even have a picnic there during the warmer months. After which, you could wander through the cloisters which will lead you a short distance to Chichester Cathedral. The impressive architecture is hard to miss and is situated right in the city centre. Similarly to the other places listed, there is an abundance of independent shops and cafes to browse through.

Some other notable spots nearby are Goodwood House, the historic country estate that hosts their iconic revival and speed festivals. Weald and Download Museum is an open-air museum hosting livestock and buildings dating back to 950AD. They also host demonstrations like the spirit of Wassail - the blessing of orchards at the beginning of the year. You can read about my first Wassail here.

Midhurst

In the heart of South Downs lies the market town of Midhurst. If you are looking for various walking trails and guided walks, this is a great base. From hillsides to forest bathing, this is a ramblers’ paradise. Then there is, of course, Cowdray Estate. The estate has been in the same family for generations and offers various activities, from the wellbeing centre to the golf club. You can stay in various sized lodges and cottages. Cowdray House itself can be hired for private parties and as a wedding venue (it’s not open to the public generally).

The Farm Shop is well worth the visit, with seasonal produce available and local meats such as venison, sourced from the farm itself. You’ll end up taking home a bundle of things! Nearby the shop, you can wander around Cowdray ruins, the former Tudor home and then replenish yourselves with afternoon tea at the walled gardens. Close out the day with some exploring of the historic streets.

Petworth

A 10 minute drive from Midhurst, this is another town where you can ease yourself into country living with a nice cup of tea Tiffins Team Room. treat yourself to one of their homemade cakes. Petworth is small and thus walkable everywhere, so you could start at the market square and explore the various cobbled streets filled with boutique and antique shops.

If you do only one thing, then it must be exploring Petworth House and Park. There are over 700 acres of park to roam through and between 700-800 fallow deer that grace the parkland. It has been home to these deer for over 500 years. King Henry VIII reportedly hunted there during his reign. Soak in the history of this grand National Trust house as well.

Rye

If you have made it this far, then I commend you. You must love exploring new places as much as I do. No list of easy commutable towns from London is complete, without a mention of this medieval seaside town.

Mermaid Street is the most notable place to start and I would be remiss if I did not mention the 600-year-old pub, The Mermaid Inn. With its aged wooden beams, cosy nooks and impressive fireplaces, you must dine here. It is most definitely worth the hype. This tiny, quiet village was once a bustling port and there are so many tales of it being a smuggler’s hub too. As you walk through the cobbled streets, you will see hidden nooks and crannies, and plenty of cellars, which would have made it a smuggler’s paradise.

Nearby is Camber Sands, one of England's finest sandy beaches. You can reach there by bus or the 3-mile hike. For my wine lovers, there are plenty of vineyards nearby. Chapel Down is a well-known one and offers guided tours with plenty of wine to wash down after.

Visit each of these beautiful places all year round and even commemorate Sussex Day (16 June), to feel extra connected to the land.

The Kingdom of Sussex