Once in awhile, we’re able to get everything done and take a breather, even for just a bit. During those rare moments, set up a trip to Sussex, England, either with loved ones or just yourself, and start dreaming of what you’ll do while there. There’s a multitude of options, but here’s what to do if you want to experience Sussex like a local.
Lodging
Whether you’re far enough away that you require an airplane to get to Sussex, or just coming down from London, you’ll want to find somewhere comfortable to stay. While hotels are always an option for the typical vacationer, finding accomodations that allow pets can be a challenge. There’s exceptional dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall that would save you from being kicked out of a hotel that doesn’t allow dogs.
You’ll also save money since you won’t be tempted to order room service, and if there’s a person in your party with special dietary needs, you can rest easy knowing that you picked out the food yourselves at the local market and prepared it in a full kitchen.
There’s something to be said for staying in an area that’s not necessarily full of tourists, as well. You can go on early morning walks and see how the locals really live, and you won’t have to fight throngs of families getting their day started, too.
The best way to enjoy a new place is to take your time exploring it. And what better way to get acquainted with Sussex than by staying in an actual home in a residential area?
Landscape
Sussex is home to some of the most beautiful outdoor landscapes in England. Find your way to the South Downs National Park to enjoy it fully and completely. Hike through the Downs themselves while looking out over the coast, or take in the tastings at Breaky Bottom Vineyard.
If you’re looking for a connection to history while out and about, try hiking Monarch’s Way. It’s a gorgeous 990 kilometer/615 mile path that Prince Charles (no, not that Prince Charles) used to escape the country in 1651. Take a picnic along with you, lay out and read a book on that period of England’s vast history, and relax in the sea air.
While everyone else is getting an audio tour through a castle, you can experience what Sussex really has to offer, on your own time and in your own way.
Food
You don’t need to be a foodie or spend an exorbitant amount of money to enjoy your holiday in the south of England. There are plenty of various seaside restaurants to satisfy any craving, but don’t forget the many open markets, food and flea, that Sussex has to offer.
Talk to a vendor about what their offerings are made from, or where they’re grown, to actually experience your meals. While out and about, pop into a pub and order the day’s special, since that’s more likely to have ties to the local area than, say, the cheeseburger on the menu.
If you want to take in the area like two certain people that have Sussex as their namesake, however, get thee to a place like Restaurant Tristan, which has a British and French cuisine guaranteed to make your mouth water. Head to one of the area’s craft breweries after for a night cap, but make sure someone in your party imbibes a little less, to get you back to your cottage with plenty of time to sleep for the round of adventures awaiting you the next day.
