Macaully Moffat

The Black Horse pub in Rottingdean has been named the UK’s best beer garden after Spiritfilled analyzed TripAdvisor reviews and found 108 five-star garden mentions. The historic pub, which dates to 1513, is also praised for its food, local ales, Sunday roasts and friendly staff. Brighton and Hove’s Signalman and Chichester’s Anglesey Arms also featured in the top 50.

Katherine Hopkins, a 35-year-old from Hove, was hospitalised for a month after contracting cryptosporidiosis following several days of swimming off Hove and Lancing during a heatwave. She suffered severe diarrhoea, dehydration, deteriorating kidney function and significant weight loss, and continues to experience symptoms. Hopkins believes contaminated seawater caused the illness and says she will not swim in the sea again. Brighton and Hove City Council, the Environment Agency and Southern Water said testing found no evidence of water-quality problems or storm-overflow releases near the beaches during the period, and described Hove’s bathing water as excellent. The case comes amid scrutiny of Southern Water after major fines for historic illegal sewage discharges.

Ayton Castle, the Scottish Borders estate purchased by comedian Alan Carr for £3.25 million, is offering luxury glamping on its grounds from August 21 to September 11. Bell & Canvas Co. will provide furnished bell tents sleeping up to four people at £140–£160 per night, with a minimum two-night stay and no pets. Guests can access wellness activities and explore nearby attractions including Coldingham Bay, Eyemouth and North Berwick. Carr's move and plans for the historic castle will also feature in the forthcoming Disney+ series Castle Man.

Runway 4 at Paris Orly Airport is closed for refurbishment until December 17, 2026, affecting around 3,000 flights, including services between Gatwick and Paris Orly. Some flights will be cancelled or transferred to Paris Charles de Gaulle, and passengers are advised to check official airport updates. Separately, Almería Airport in Spain will close for six days in February 2028 during a €29 million renovation project, cancelling all flights during the closure; alternative airports include Granada-Jaén and Málaga.

The Red Arrows will miss the 2026 Eastbourne International Airshow after prolonged poor weather in the northeastern United States delayed their return from a North American tour. RAF officials said safety will determine when the team can resume its UK display season. Eastbourne organisers have added the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Sally B” and France-based Conair Turbo Firecat to the programme, alongside existing military and civilian aviation displays.

Eastbourne International Airshow will run from August 13 to 16, 2026, with flying displays, military and civilian aircraft, family entertainment, tribute shows and a fireworks finale. The Red Arrows have withdrawn after delays returning from a US tour caused by poor weather in Canada, but additional displays have been arranged, including appearances by the RAF Typhoon Display Team, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Red Devils. Viewing is available along the seafront, with premium seating and less crowded locations also offered. Visitors are advised to pre-book parking, plan for traffic and road closures, and consider bus or rail travel.

Amberley Castle in West Sussex has been named one of England’s 13 best castle hotels by The Telegraph, receiving an 8/10 rating. The historic property began as a 12th-century manor, was fortified in 1377, and has operated as a hotel since 1989. It is praised for its historic architecture, fine dining, 12-acre grounds, weddings and special experiences, while Tripadvisor reviews give it 4.5 out of 5 for its atmosphere, rooms, food and attentive service.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across Sussex, with approximately 90% to 96% of the Sun obscured. Recommended viewing locations include Seven Sisters, Ditchling Beacon, Devil’s Dyke, Duncton Hill and west-facing beaches such as West Wittering and Bognor Regis. Viewers are advised to use certified eye protection or indirect viewing methods rather than looking directly at the Sun. A partial lunar eclipse and the Perseid meteor shower will also provide nearby opportunities for stargazing.

Almería Airport will close for six days in February 2028 for runway upgrades, forcing the cancellation of all flights, including year-round easyJet services from Gatwick. The closure is part of a €29 million, 19-month renovation project and follows two decades without major runway work. Night-time flight restrictions will also apply during the project. Because UK passengers account for an estimated 55–70% of the airport’s traffic, travellers are advised to consider Granada-Jaén or Málaga airports as alternatives.

The Basketmakers Arms in Brighton has been included in Time Out’s list of the 22 best pubs in the UK for 2026. The publication praised its cosy traditional character, drinks selection, food—particularly its Branston pickle croquettes—and location near Brighton’s North Laine. The pub holds a 4.4 out of 5 Tripadvisor rating from nearly 400 reviews, with visitors highlighting its beer, service, Sunday roasts and good-value food.

Littlehampton in West Sussex has been included in World Atlas’s list of England’s top 10 retirement towns. Its appeal is attributed to coastal scenery, beaches, community activities at Littlehampton Wave, Mewsbrook Park, and accessible health and care services including Fulford Care and Nursing Home and Bupa Dental Care Wick. Rye in East Sussex was also selected, with its community centre, market and healthcare facilities cited as advantages.

Bosham, a coastal village two miles west of Chichester, has been named the prettiest village in Sussex by The Telegraph, with travel writer Greg Dickinson calling it a standout and potentially the prettiest in the country. The feature highlights its historic links to Roman Britain, the Domesday Book, King Canute and Harold II’s voyage depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, alongside its harbour, sailing culture, village amenities, arts venues and scenic coastal setting. Rising tourism and second-home ownership are noted, with visitors encouraged to come on weekdays or outside peak seasons to experience the village more quietly.

Chichester Cathedral has been included by Which? among the UK's 17 best-rated free attractions, based on a survey of more than 3,000 people. The nearly 1,000-year-old West Sussex cathedral is noted for its medieval spire, historic sculptures, artworks and eight bells, and welcomes visitors through voluntary donations, with £7 suggested. Visitors can also attend services, take tours and seasonal events, while nearby attractions include Chichester's city walls, museums, parks, the South Downs and the Witterings.

Brighton Pride on the Park will take place at Preston Park on August 1 and 2, 2026, as part of Brighton and Hove Pride's 35th anniversary celebrations and fundraising for local LGBTQ+ community groups. RAYE will headline Saturday, supported by Jessie J, Leigh-Anne, Self Esteem and others, while Diana Ross will headline Sunday alongside Five, Holly Johnson, Paris Hilton and Mel C in a DJ set. Gates open at noon on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday, with no re-entry permitted. The festival will also introduce the MELT and Outro stages, with full schedules announced for the Main Stage and several other areas.

Brighton Pride’s 2026 parade will begin at Hove Lawns at about 11am on Saturday, August 1, with roughly 300,000 people expected to attend or watch. The route follows the seafront and central Brighton streets toward Preston Park, but a last-minute change means the parade will finish at Preston Circus, where participants will disperse, while spectators and ticket holders continue toward Preston Road. Numerous roads across Hove and Brighton will close in stages between 9:30am and 4:30pm, with some closures continuing into Sunday or Monday.

The Seven Sisters section of the South Downs Way, a 4.5-mile route between Seaford and Eastbourne, has been included in Which?'s list of the UK's best summer walks. It scored 82% overall, including 5/5 for scenery and 4/5 for tranquillity and waymarking. The route is noted for its chalk cliffs, English Channel views and peaceful surroundings, while Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula Circuit was ranked the UK's best walk overall.

South East Water introduced a Temporary Use Ban across parts of Sussex due to high demand and low rainfall, restricting the use of hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, cleaning vehicles, filling pools, and maintaining ponds or fountains. Violations may lead to prosecution under the Water Industry Act 1991, carrying fines of up to £1,000. The company urges public cooperation and plans to investigate reports of breaches.

Travellers from Gatwick Airport are warned of potential long queues and delays at 13 European airports due to issues with the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, which collects biometric data from non‑EU visitors. Ryanair’s operations chief Neal McMahon states the system is not functioning properly and is causing significant disruption. Airlines including Ryanair and Jet2 are urging the EU to extend temporary flexibilities and postpone full implementation until after the summer peak. Passengers are advised to allow extra time when travelling through affected airports.

Twenty pubs in Sussex were included in The Telegraph’s list of England’s 500 best pubs for 2026, featuring ten each from East and West Sussex, including two newcomers: the Six Bells in Chiddingly and the Coopers Arms in Crowborough. Tripadvisor ratings highlight the Rye Waterworks Micropub and the Snooty Fox as the highest‑rated pubs in East and West Sussex, respectively, with customers praising beer quality, food and welcoming service.

Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex is listed by The Times and The Sunday Times among the UK’s top 50 beaches for 2026, praised for its scenery, iconic cliffs and well-reviewed visitor experience. It ranks among the best in the South of England alongside beaches in the Isle of Wight and Kent, with Shanklin named best in the region and Summerleaze in Cornwall topping the UK. The guide evaluates beaches using a 12-point checklist including cleanliness, accessibility, facilities, safety and water quality, with community engagement added as a new factor this year.

Roger Daltrey, co‑founder and lead vocalist of The Who, has lived at Holmshurst Manor in East Sussex for more than 50 years, valuing the rural landscape and the grounding effect of the home. After purchasing the Jacobean property in the early 1970s, he spent a decade restoring it and later developed the Lakedown Trout Fishery, now run by his son. Daltrey reflects on his modest childhood, his connection to Sussex, and the sanctuary he finds in nature and the local countryside.

Bosham, Rottingdean and West Wittering are highlighted as three of the most attractive coastal villages in Sussex for summer visits, each offering scenic settings, dining options and popular beaches. Bosham is praised for its views and activities, Rottingdean for its seaside attractions and cultural spots, and West Wittering for its well‑known beach and local eateries.

British travellers flying from Gatwick Airport to Spain face updated entry requirements, including higher financial thresholds tied to Spain’s minimum wage and stricter documentation standards. Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms visitors must now show €122.10 per day and at least €1,089.90 in total, with limited acceptable proof of funds. Additional delays are expected due to the EU’s new Entry and Exit System requiring biometric checks, which IATA warns could increase queues to several hours and lead to missed flights, especially at popular destinations such as Alicante and Mallorca.

Petworth in West Sussex is ranked by MSN News as the most underrated town in Sussex and among the top ten in England, praised for its cobbled streets, antique shops, cafés, and historic attractions including Petworth House and its 700‑acre deer park. The town is noted for its independent boutiques, cultural events such as the Petworth Literary Festival, and its use as a filming location for major productions like Bridgerton and Maleficent. Local tourism sources highlight its scenic streets, visitor experiences, and dining options.

Postcode Lottery results for June 2026 list winning postcodes across Sussex and outline how the lottery distributes prize money, with at least a third of ticket revenue supporting charities.