Things to do in Surrey and Sussex

During your stay at one of our hotels you may be interested to visit some of the following all based in Surrey Sussex and the local area

Sussex Tourism: Sussex means 80 miles of coastline and super beaches for the family; here are lovely gardens, history and heritage; castles, abbeys, priories, stately homes and historic houses. There are family amusement parks and wildlife centres; the nostalgic, the curious and the simply fun, including museums of bygones, steam railways and caves. Sussex boasts numerous theatres and arts festivals, golf courses, horse racing, many ancient churches and buildings plus large Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty over the South Downs and Ashdown Forest, (including the soon-to-be-designated South Downs National Park) - and don't forget the Sussex Pub!

All the above within a scenic drive of London Gatwick Airport.
Sussex by the Sea: Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Arundel offer a unique blend of traditional seaside fun, rural tranquillity and centuries of heritage. The three towns of Sussex by the Sea really do have something to offer everyone, whatever your age, whatever your interests.

The area boasts 14½ miles of beautiful coastline, where the lively resorts of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton have beaches that have consistently won prestigious Seaside Awards for cleanliness and safe swimming. Here, you'll find everything you need for the perfect seaside experience. In contrast, the picturesque town of Arundel, dominated by it's stunning Norman Castle, is the historic heart of the South Downs. Straddling the River Arun, the sleepy little town nestles between the rolling South Downs, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the glistening sea.

Visit the Sussex By the Sea website to find out about great places to visit, all within less than a two hour drive from London Gatwick Airport.
Weald and Downland Open Air Museam: 50 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside is a very special place to wander amongst a fascinating collection of nearly 50 historic buildings dating from the 13th to the 19th century, many with period gardens, together with farm animals, woodland walks and a picturesque lake.

Rescued from destruction, the buildings have been carefully dismantled, conserved and rebuilt to their original form and bring to life the homes, farmsteads and rural industries of the last 500 years.

Demonstrators regularly show their skills and everyone you meet will be happy to talk about how people lived and worked. Discover the skills of the early carpenters, find out about traditional building techniques and learn how we help to conserve rural crafts.

Children will enjoy the freedom to roam in safety and gain hands-on experience of the Museums buildings, gardens and animals.

With such a variety of things to do this is a wonderful day out for all ages!
Bluebell Railway Preservation Society: The volunteer run Bluebell Line was the UK's first preserved standard gauge passenger railway, re-opening part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line of the old London Brighton & South Coast Railway in 1960. Since then it has developed into one of the largest tourist attractions in Sussex, yet it still remains true to its objectives of the preservation for posterity of a country branch line, its steam locomotives, coaches and goods stock, signalling systems, stations and operating practices.
The River Thames Guide: The River Thames Guide - A user friendly guide to what the Thames and its surrounding areas have to offer in the way of boats and boating, entertainment, food and drink, accommodation, corporate entertainment and tourist information.
Horizon Ballooning: Horizon Ballooning organize Champagne hot air balloon flights in the South of England throughout the year, from Spring to Autumn balloons fly just after dawn and about two hours before sunset when the winds are light and the air is stable. In winter months we are often able to fly throughout the day so flying times are a little more sociable. You can also book balloon rides from some of the UK ballooning festivals.

In Surrey hot air balloon rides from from Guildford, Fernhurst and Farnham can be arranged.
East Grinstead: Welcome to the community site for the friendly country town of East Grinstead, West Sussex, England, right next to Winnie the Pooh Country and the Bluebell Railway.
Wey & Arun Canal: The Wey & Arun Canal runs through Surrey and West Sussex in Southern England. Much of the canal is no longer navigable - the Wey & Arun Canal Trust aims to restore the Wey and Arun Canal back to navigation. When it is restored, there will be an inland waterway link from London, via the rivers Wey and Arun, to as far as Littlehampton on the Sussex coast.

This rural waterway is recognised as a national heritage asset, as well as providing a haven for wildlife. Although certain stretches are private, some sections of the towpath are accessible for walks.

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust runs a 50ft trip boat capable of carrying up to 30 passengers, named the Zachariah Keppel, after the contractor originally engaged to build the canal.

The Zachariah Keppel gives cruises on the idyllic Loxwood Link section of the canal on the Surrey/West Sussex border. Public trips take place every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday.