Sussex Area Guide – Griggs Homes
Sussex Area Guide
Located next to Hampshire, Kent and Surrey, Sussex holds a rich diversity of gorgeous coastlines and cosy countryside landscapes.
Usually separated into the two ceremonial counties of East Sussex and West Sussex, both sides have much to offer, West Sussex being officially dubbed by the Met Office as the sunniest county in the U.K, whilst much of East Sussex is protected as a national park, offering unspoilt natural views for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
With protected areas of countryside, a stunning coastline and fascinating historic landmarks, Sussex is a highly sought-after place to live, with a reported population of 858,852 in the West and 554,590 in East.
Sussex as a whole is popular not just for families looking for great local schools and a safe, quaint surrounding area, but also for young professionals who enjoy city life, holding strong connections to London and other urbanised areas.
Properties in Sussex
Boasting a mixture of phenomenal coastlines, charming, cosy villages and buzzing cities, Sussex offers a variety of different environments to live in, all of which is accompanied by a range of different properties. From snug thatched cottages to grand country houses and modern new builds, Sussex holds a fantastic variety of properties to accommodate to a range of different households.
Across both the East and the West, there is little difference in property prices, with the average property price for West Sussex is £380,429 whilst the average property price in East Sussex’s was £359,504. The most and least expensive areas within the two ceremonial counties were reported as follows:
- West Sussex: most expensive area Amberley, £882,857 – least expensive area Three Bridges, £291,522.
- East Sussex: most expensive area Ditchling, £722,266 – least expensive area St Leonards Green, £217,785.
With a wide range of areas, landscapes, property types and prices, Sussex can accommodate to a whole host of different preferences.
Living in Sussex
Those considering the move to Sussex are truly spoilt for choice, with an abundance of vibrant areas, strong communities and beautiful natural surroundings to choose from.
The two ceremonial counties of West and East Sussex, both of which hold districts and boroughs of their own. Below is a list with all of the areas throughout Sussex:
West Sussex:
- Chichester
- Horsham
- Arun
- Worthing
- Adur
- Mid Sussex
- Crawley
East Sussex:
- Eastbourne
- Hastings
- Lewes
- Rother
- Wealden
West Sussex Schools
For those with children, there are a wealth of fantastic schools, some of which are known across the whole of the U.K., and attract students from across the South East.
Roedean School, for example, is both a day and boarding girls school in Brighton, well renowned, with a stunning sea view. Below is a list with just some of the many other excellent schools across the area:
School | Ofsted Rating |
Ashurst CofE Primary School (Primary) | Good |
Heron Way Primary School (Primary) | Outstanding |
Holy Trinity CofE Primary School (Primary) | Good |
St Philip Howard Catholic School (Secondary) | Outstanding |
Millais School (Secondary, Girls) | Outstanding |
St Paul’s Catholic College (Secondary) | Outstanding |
Tanbridge House School (Secondary) | Outstanding |
East Sussex Schools
School | Ofsted Rating |
All Saints’ and St Richard’s Church of England Primary School (Primary) | Good |
Plumpton Primary School (Primary) | Good |
Netherfield CofE Primary School (Primary) | Outstanding |
Seaford Head School (Secondary) | Outstanding |
Claverham Community College (Secondary) | Good |
Beacon Academy (Secondary) | Good |
St Richard’s Catholic College (Secondary) | Outstanding |
Throughout the area also runs a vast network of trainlines and roads, keeping those in Sussex as well connected to both London and the rest of the U.K. In West Sussex, commuters are offered a number of rail options, including The Arun Valley train running from Littlehampton to London Victoria and stopping at many other areas within Sussex along the way.
The East of Sussex also offers superb transport links into the capital and beyond, with direct and indirect train services to London running throughout Eastbourne, as well as services from Plumpton, Lewes and more, providing commutable journeys to those working in the city.
A number of major roads also run throughout the West of Sussex, making the county incredibly accessible. Whilst East Sussex holds no motorways, there are numerous A-roads that keep people connected across the area, and further to the rest of the U.K.
Things To Do in Sussex
Sussex offers a wealth of different activities to explore, with a number of annual events, beautiful country walks and fascinating historic landmarks, available for people of all ages to enjoy. Below is a list with just some of the many fun things to do in Sussex:
Arundel Castle & Gardens: Visitors can explore a truly spectacular area of medieval history by visiting the Arundel Castle & Gardens, dating back to 1067, and home to the Duke of Norfolk family for more than 400 years. The site is open throughout the year, and hosts regular events for visitors. The town of Arundel that surrounds the gardens is also worthy of a visit, with a range of excellent eateries and attractive Victorian architecture to admire.
Country Walks: Sussex also offers a wonderful array of walks through its stunning countryside, including the South Downs the Seven Sisters Country Park and Ashdown Forest to name a few of many.
The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum: this attraction offers visitors an insight into the past amidst a collection of historic buildings, with various different events running throughout, including theatre performances, seasonal markets and more.
Annual Events: Sussex hosts a variety of different events throughout the year, from the Lewes Bonfire Night Celebrations (being renowned across the U.K.) to Eastbourne’s international air show in August and the Goodwood Festival of Speed – a weekend of fast cars and great for all the family to enjoy.
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