If you’re looking for somewhere to point your motorhome this year, Sussex in the south east of England is a gem. With its sun-kissed coastline, winding country lanes, and more historic spots than you could visit in one trip, it’s the perfect place for touring at your own pace.
No matter whether you’re in the mood for windswept cliff walks, lazy days by the sea, or rummaging around antique shops in pretty market towns, Sussex has you covered.
The South Downs – a motorhome adventurer’s dream
Let’s start with the big one – the South Downs National Park. This glorious stretch of rolling hills and patchwork fields is criss-crossed with footpaths and cycle routes.
The South Downs Way is the big-ticket trail if you fancy a challenge, but there are plenty of shorter, gentler walks with just as many views
Don’t miss Devil’s Dyke – a dramatic, steep-sided valley with breathtaking vistas – or Cuckmere Haven, where a winding river spills into the sea beneath the striking Seven Sisters cliffs.
Towns with character (and great coffee)
Sussex is bursting with towns that are just made for wandering. Lewes is a favourite – all cobbles, bookshops, and history. There’s a castle to climb, a mix of quirky boutiques and old-fashioned pubs, and that laid-back charm that makes you want to stay a while.
Chichester has a different vibe – elegant, compact, and steeped in history. The Cathedral is stunning, and the Pallant House Gallery is a must for art lovers.
And then there’s Brighton – colourful, creative, and buzzing with energy. Between the pier, the maze of lanes, and the wonderfully over-the-top Royal Pavilion, you could happily spend a few days here and still have things left to see.
Coastline that will blow you away
If you love a dramatic coastline, you’re in the right place. The Seven Sisters Country Park is the showstopper – chalk cliffs that seem to glow in the sunlight, especially if you catch them in the golden hour.
For something softer, West Wittering Beach offers wide sands, shallow waters, and plenty of space to breathe.
Over in Hastings, you get a lively Old Town, fishing boats pulled up on the shingle, and a creative scene that’s putting it firmly back on the map.
History at every turn
Sussex wears its history proudly. At Battle Abbey, you can stand on the very ground where the Battle of Hastings took place in 1066.
Arundel’s fairy-tale Castle is another highlight – it’s still home to the Duke of Norfolk and is as impressive inside as it is from the outside.
If you’re into maritime tales, the Shipwreck Museum in Hastings is full of fascinating finds, while the Weald & Downland Living Museum brings centuries of rural Sussex life to life with rescued historic buildings.
Gardens, forests, and a touch of Pooh Bear
Sussex gardens are famous for good reason. Sheffield Park and Garden is a riot of colour in every season, while Wakehurst offers 500 acres of gardens, woodlands, and wildflower meadows.
For something more untamed, Ashdown Forest is magical – literally, as it inspired the Hundred Acre Wood in Winnie-the-Pooh. You can follow a Pooh Walk, visit the famous Poohsticks Bridge, and take in sweeping views over the Weald.
Tastes of Sussex
Touring in a motorhome means you can stock up as you go – and Sussex is bursting with foodie finds. Its vineyards are making a real name for themselves, with places like Rathfinny Wine Estate and Bolney Wine Estate offering tours and tastings.
Down on the coast, buy fresh fish straight from the boats in Hastings or Bognor Regis, and keep an eye out for farmers’ markets for everything from artisan bread to award-winning cheeses.
Wildlife and nature
If you’re a wildlife watcher, Sussex delivers. The RSPB Pulborough Brooks reserve is fantastic for bird spotting, especially in the quieter early morning hours. Pagham Harbour is another coastal gem, rich in birdlife and wildflowers.
Families might enjoy Drusillas Park – small enough to explore in a day but packed with interesting animals and play areas.
The beauty of Sussex in a motorhome
One of the joys of exploring Sussex in a motorhome is the freedom to mix and match – a morning walk on the cliffs, an afternoon in a market town, and dinner with a bottle of local sparkling wine as the sun sets.
Whether you stay a weekend or a fortnight, you’ll never run out of things to see, taste, and experience. And the best part? You can do it all at your own pace, with the open road – and endless Sussex discoveries – ahead of you.
Disclaimer: Details such as attraction opening times, entry fees, and event dates can change. Always check official websites or contact venues directly before travelling to avoid disappointment.