Every May Day weekend, the good folk of Hastings daub themselves with green paint, cover themselves in leaves and take to the streets to celebrate the coming of summer.
There are drummers everywhere, dancing giants, chimney sweeps (?) and processions, all culminating in the ritual killing of the Jack – the main guy in all of this – whose liberated soul releases the spirit of summer. It’s just a bonkers knees-up of course, and a very noisy one at that…
May Day weekend // Hastings
Overnight | Story
With one of the most distinctive skylines in Sussex, picturesque Arundel rises from the landscape like something out of a storybook. But far from a relic of another time, these days this vibrant market town is weaving its own tale, moving to the beat of a new wave of makers, artists and independent businesses
Wine
If you’re looking to visit a Sussex vineyard for a tasting, a tour or a bite to eat, these exceptional wine estates are a great place to start.
Story | Art | Landscape | Wine
There’s a gentle landscape that follows the eastern margin of Sussex. It unfolds across the Weald through ancient woodlands, broadening out to a quiet hinterland, a place defined by its three rivers.
Events | Art
Opening the door on Sussex artists at work.
Wine
Ben Walgate is at the vanguard of regenerative farming in Sussex. His dynamic vineyard and winery, Tillingham— in Peasmarsh near Rye— is the antidote to large-scale winemaking. We meet him at the farm on an autumn day to find out what brought him here—and where Tillingham is going.
Story
Get under the skin of Sussex and uncover its lesser-known stories with these extraordinary experiences and places to visit, as recommended by Secret Sussex author Ellie Seymour.
Wine
Nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Stopham Estate is home to 21,000 vines.
News | Art | Landscape | Wine
Until 29 August, discover six works by Turner Prize-shortlisted Nathan Coley presented in extraordinary places throughout the Sussex landscape.
Art
One of Britain’s most distinctive modern art museums.
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