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Features

Bluey and Bingo mascots greet children in a sunny field at Buggy Park, with kids gathered around and a rustic barn behind.

Spotlight - Sussex Events Guide: September 2026

From Bluey to dinosaurs, concerts and Festivals, there's something for all the family happening in Sussex this September. Check out our monthly guide so you don't miss out!

Girl in red polka-dot swimsuit and green sunglasses relaxing on a rainbow inflatable in a sparkling blue pool.

School's Out! Your Summer Holiday Guide

School holidays offer a chance to slow down, explore somewhere new and make family memories. Thankfully, Sussex is packed with beaches, forests, historic attractions and family-friendly adventures just waiting to be discovered

Medieval-costumed man and woman hold a falcon in a green park, both looking serious.

Spotlight - Sussex Events Guide: August 2026

Discover exciting Sussex events this August 2026! From craft fairs to historical weekends, explore diverse events in Sussex and plan your visit now!

Stone monastery with red dome on a cliff above deep blue sea, with mountains and coastline under a clear sky.

Top Destinations for a European Holiday

From world-class beaches, epic scenery, exceptional gastronomy, historic landmarks and sensational art, Europe has it all. Lisa de Silva offers some of her top destinations

Community News

Six smiling older adults stand arm-in-arm in a sunny tropical garden, wearing colourful casual clothes.

Full of Life Festival Returns to East Sussex

The Full of Life Festival has returned to celebrate ageing in East Sussex. It marks Older People’s Day, which takes place annually on 1 October. A bumper programme of events will run across the county throughout September and October. The line-up includes a wide variety of activities and talks.

Steam train "The Flying Scotsman" moves through a lush, green countryside with trees overhead and a clear blue sky, emitting white smoke.

Volunteering at the Bluebell Railway

The Bluebell Railway is a heritage steam railway in East Sussex, running between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. It operates a fleet of beautifully restored steam locomotives and vintage carriages that travel through the picturesque Sussex countryside, offering a truly nostalgic experience. This is possible with the help of over 1000 volunteers who help run the railway, from restoring carriages to greeting visitors.

Person in a market holding three bunches of asparagus labeled "Bedlam Farms." Background displays colorful fruits and vegetables.

Award Winning Farm Shop

The Seasons Wholefoods Named 2026 Independent Local Shop / Village Store of the Year and South East at the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards

Stone church with arched windows and a tower, surrounded by gravestones on grass. A flag flies atop against a clear blue sky.

HENFIELD - Where History and Countryside Meet

In the heart of West Sussex, Henfield blends centuries of history with rural charm. Timber-framed cottages, scenic countryside and a vibrant community make this picturesque village both a delightful destination and a desirable place to live.

Hidden Membership

Win A Spooky Halloween Experience At Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens

This Halloween, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is transforming into a world of magical quests, spooky celebrations and after-dark dancing, and Hidden's giving you the chance to experience it for yourself with an amazing family package! One lucky winner will receive a Halloween prize package featuring The Potion Master’s Quest, the Spooky Family Silent Disco and the Adults’ Halloween Silent Disco. From 17th October to 1st November, young alchemists can embark on The Potion Master

Win A Two-Night Island Heritage Escape At The Fig Tree Hotel Shanklin!

We've got a pair of tickets worth £800 available for this incredible two-night trip at the stunning Fig Tree in Shanklin as you undertake a journey with Vectis Revealed: Ancient Paths and Island Stories, with all meals and refreshments included! Discover the Isle of Wight through spectacular landscapes, fascinating archaeology and unforgettable heritage. Join landscape archaeologist Kelly Wetherick for an exclusive two-night escape at The Fig Tree Hotel, Shanklin, featuring e

Win A Family VIP Experience To The Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show!

WIN an unforgettable family day out at the Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show! Looking for a brilliant August Bank Holiday day out? We've teamed up with Adrian from Aldabra Giant Tortoises UK to give one lucky family an unforgettable VIP experience at this year's Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show. As well as a family ticket to the Show, you'll enjoy an exclusive meet and greet with Adrian's incredible giant tortoises. Learn how they're cared for, discover what makes thes

NEW: Win A Family Pass To The Autumn Show and Horse Trials 2026

Back for 2026, we've got FIVE family passes to give away to this fantastic family weekend at the South Of England Showground! Taking place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September (9am - 5pm each day), The Autumn Show & Horse Trials 2026 is a thrilling event designed to captivate guests of all ages, including their canine friends. The Autumn Show & Horse Trials brings countryside pursuits and equestrian excitement to life. Watch elite riders compete in the South of England

Stuff We Like!

Top Five Film Franchises That Should Have Stopped at One

There are some films that feel like complete stories. They have a beginning, a middle, an ending and, most importantly, nowhere obvious left to go. That doesn't always stop Hollywood. Once a successful film becomes a hit, the temptation to return to the same characters and world can be difficult to resist. Sometimes the result is a worthy sequel. Other times, it makes you wonder whether the original would have been better left alone. Here are five film franchises where the fi

Top Five Places You Can Visit That Look Like They Belong in a Fantasy Film

Some places are so spectacular, strange or otherworldly that they seem impossible to be real. Towering castles, mist-covered mountains, colourful villages and landscapes that appear to have been created by a computer rather than nature. You don't need a film set or a special effects department to find them. Around the world, there are real places that look as though they've been borrowed from a fantasy story. Here are five destinations where reality might just be stranger tha

Scruffy dog with blue collar sits on pebbles in a sunny garden beside purple flowers, looking alert and calm.

It's a Dog's Life: Beach Days

We dogs like different landscapes, but perhaps our favourite is a beach. People seem quite keen on them too. So it’s handy, with the UK being an island nation, that you are never more than 70 miles from the sea. And Sussex is blessed with a long stretch of coastline offering plenty of walking opportunities for the county’s dogs.

Top Five Movie Endings That Changed How You Saw the Whole Film

There are movie endings that simply wrap up the story, and then there are endings that make you mentally replay everything that came before. A brilliant final reveal can transform a familiar scene, change the meaning of a character's actions, or leave you questioning what you thought you knew. Here are five films whose endings didn't just conclude the story – they changed the way you saw the entire movie - naturally, major spoilers ahead! 1. The Sixth Sense (1999) For most of

Food And Drink

Close-up of crunchy granola bars with oats, seeds, nuts, and dried fruit on a pastel plate, with a warm homemade feel

Recipes: Breakfast Bars

This breakfast bar recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free – make them at the weekend so you are set up for the week with a grab-and-go breakfast snack.

Friends sharing lunch on a sunny rooftop patio, smiling and serving food with wine, salad, and sandwiches among potted plants

A Matter of Taste - Cheese & Wine

Cheese and wine remain one of life’s great pairings – done well, the delicious combinations can transform an ordinary evening into something memorable – here's a basic guide.

Lemon cake dusted with powdered sugar, topped with lemon slices, on a wire rack with knife, sieve, oil, and lemon halves nearby

Recipe: Citrus Yoghurt Cake

This simple but delicious citrus yoghurt cake is a recipe that's ideal to make with children, as it's such an easy bake

Recipe: Chocolate Roulade

This gorgeous chocolate roulade is made without flour, so it’s light as a feather. Add berries to the whipped cream filling to make a delicious gluten-free dessert

Home And Garden

Woman in a straw hat trims pink and white roses on a garden trellis under a bright blue sky

Blooming Times: Tidy Up Time

Scorching weather often reduces gardens (and gardeners!) to a parched, shabby mess, but a targeted programme of watering and cutting back can work wonders

New suburban housing development with white and brick homes, fenced paths, and landscaped gardens under a clear blue sky.

Village Life, Modern Living: Discover Two East Sussex Destinations With Elivia Homes

For those looking to enjoy the best of countryside living without sacrificing convenience, East Sussex has plenty to offer. From the picturesque landscapes of the High Weald to the rolling hills of the South Downs, two Elivia Homes developments are bringing new homes to desirable locations within the county.

Bright green bathroom with a white freestanding tub, potted plants, window blinds, and a white vanity lit by sunlight.

LUXURY LIFESTYLE: Bathroom Sanctuaries

Once regarded as one of the most functional rooms in the house, contemporary bathrooms have evolved into something altogether more indulgent – a personal sanctuary that promotes relaxation and wellbeing

Small tan dog with a blue collar sniffs white roses in a sunny green garden.

It's a Dog's Life: Enjoying the Flowers

As the garden is in full summer bloom, Teddy muses over the variety of flowers and discovers that some have very interesting names, as Helen Stockton, his human translator, explains