Sussex by the Sea is also home to the beautiful South Downs and its Downland Villages. Over half of our landscape is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a new national park is proposed which will incorporate and protect the South Downs. Wildlife thrives in the beauty of the countryside which includes two nature reserves and the breath-taking River Arun valley.

Away from the beaches and seaside fun, Sussex by the Sea has the most amazing countryside to admire and explore. Whether you drive, ride, walk or cycle, the choice of routes is endless and the scenery glorious.

Visitor Information Centres hold lots of information, including details of Heritage Trails and where to hire mountain and road bikes. Local Horse Riding centres offer South Downs and Beach treks, as well as lessons and Ferring Country Centre caters for adults and children with special needs.

For a visual feast of contemporary style and colour, visit Denman’s Garden - the home and garden of world renowned landscape designer and writer John Brookes.

Another visual feast is the view from the platform at Barnham Mill, a restored windmill and tea rooms. The Arun Valley is home to Amberley Working Museum, a 36-acre working museum with a narrow-gauge railway and vintage bus collection to get you around! Also in Amberley is Amberley Village Pottery, a working studio where pottery is hand-made in the traditional way.

Crafts and local history abound in Sussex by the Sea and Rustington Heritage Exhibition & Craft Centre provides a great little place to find out more about Rustington, the exhibition changes each year. In Aldwick, you will find Rose Green Arts & Craft Centre - a Gallery of Quality Crafts and Paintings, which also offers a wide range of courses and workshops from painting to patchwork and quilting.

Fontwell Park Racecourse is one of the most intimate and friendly steeplechase courses in the country. It is perfect for novice race-goers with its uninterrupted viewing and unique “figure of eight” track.

For peace and tranquillity, head for Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve. The Reserve covers 1,450 acres, about half of which represents the salt marsh and mudflats of the harbour. The remainder consists of farmland, copses, lagoons, reedbeds and shingle beaches. Most of the Reserve is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its nationally important plant and animal communities.

If Golf is your game, Sussex by the Sea can offer some quality courses, including a wonderful seaside Links Course in Littlehampton for the experienced golfer (don’t forget your handicap certificate!).

Fishing is fun and plentiful too – choose between deep sea fishing or river fishing on the River Arun.

Contact any of our Visitor Information Centres for more information.