This beer festival of cask ales in Hastings' Alexandra Park attracts thousands of beer-loving visitors every year. You can expect to see the very best cover bands too. All profits are donated to charities and good causes.
Available :
Jul 2013 (annual)
Stealing a march on most other bonfires, Hastings Beach is the venue for the Hastings Bonfire Celebrations. The spectacular torchlit procession, starting from The Stade, bonfire and fireworks commemorate the Battle of Hastings, as well as the traditional gunpowder plot.
Available :
Oct 2013 (annual)
The world's top tennis players gather in East Sussex for the traditional Wimbledon curtain-raiser. The AEGON International in Eastbourne is one of the top tennis events in England, attracting professionals eager to get some vital practice on grass.
Available :
Jun 2013 (annual)
The South Coast's biggest free air show, Airbourne attracts almost a million visitors to Eastbourne's seafront. The four-day event includes an RAF show, the Red Arrows, flypasts, aerobatic displays, helicopter flights, a birdman competition, simulators, children's attractions and fireworks.
Available :
Aug 2013 (annual)
This Christmas, families hop on board a steam train at Tenterden Town Station for a fun ride and an important meeting with Santa Claus. Santa's pixie helpers serve refreshments and presents are given out by the big man himself.
Available :
Dec 2013; Weekends only (various dates)
Drusilla's is among the best small zoos in the country and has earned this reputation by creating an environment which is completely animal and child-friendly. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the varied selection of creatures, including meerkats, monkeys, snakes, spiders and sheep.
Available :
Daily
Deep in the heart of the Garden of England, Biddenden Vineyards & Cider Works produces several varieties of wine, cider and apple juice. Walk through the vineyards, learn how they press the apples and of course, sample the local tipple.
Available :
Daily
Pashley Manor Gardens, on the Sussex and Kent border, are quintessentially English in style. Fountains, springs and large ponds complement the beautiful flowers and trees. The Manor itself is a Grade I-listed timber-framed house, dating from 1550.
Available :
Apr - Sep 2013; Tue, Wed, Thu, and Sat only (various dates)
The quintessentially English Pashley Manor Gardens celebrate the tulip. Boasting spectacular displays of 2000 cut blooms in the house and 20,000 bulbs planted throughout the gardens in themed colours, the Tulip Festival is a must-see for any discerning garden-lover.
Available :
Apr - May 2013 (annual)
Explore the 21 kilometres of Bewl Water's shoreline by hiring a bike for the day. Or enjoy a more leisurely tour aboard The Swallow ferry. Kids love the woodland play area. Try out water sports like fly fishing and sailing.
Available :
Daily
Named after the country retreat of the group of artists, writers and intellectuals known as the Bloomsbury Group, the Charleston Festival celebrates a magnificent literary heritage. Go along to workshops and talks from prominent writers and artists, discussions, lectures and performances.
Available :
May - Jun 2013 (annual)
Glyndebourne, since 1934, has been a quintessential part of the English season, with its distinctive mixture of top-class opera and extended al fresco repasts between acts. With six operas each year, from Mozart to modern, there's something for everyone.
Available :
May - Aug 2013 (annual)
Get away from it all in the rolling Sussex countryside. Tucked on the edge of the Ashdown forest, the Rivendell Retreat Centre has been quietening minds and chilling people out for over 15 years.
Available :
Daily
The Assembly Hall Theatre seats 1000 visitors, and has a wide-ranging programme, hosting comedians such as Jimmy Carr and Jim Davidson, Russian classical ballet, ice skating and family events like CBeebies. There are also two bars and catering outlets.
Available :
Daily
The centrally located Trinity theatre hosts around 350 events a year. The Children's Theatre creates a mix of animation, art and puppet shows. Adults can choose from Shakespeare and classical recitals to regular comedy shows, films and visual arts.
Available :
Daily
Kiera Knightley and co filmed Pride and Prejudice in and around the untouched 17th-century moated Groombridge Place manor house. In spring, thousands of flowers carpet the Formal Gardens. The Enchanted Forest has giant swings, giant rabbits, strange plants and playgrounds.
Available :
Mar - Nov 2013 (annual)
Join a guided tour of the Jacobean Godinton House mansion and explore the stunning medieval hall and beautifully restored labyrinth of rooms. The house is surrounded by 12 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds including a rose garden.
Available :
Mar - Nov 2013 (annual)
Delve into Ashford's history at the Ashford Borough Museum, which houses local archaeological and geological artefacts. There's also a fascinating range of black-and-white photography featuring old Ashford, and a special exhibition entitled Ashford at War.
Available :
Mar - Oct 2013; not Sun (annual)
08457 76 76 76
