Sussex Day: Exploring county from Chichester to Camber Sands

My journey began early and in the far west of the county in Sussex’s oldest city, Chichester, which has its roots in the Roman era some two millennia ago.

After a short stroll past the impressive Chichester Cross, an intricate stone structure dating back to the age of Edward IV, I arrived at the awe-inspiring cathedral.

It dates as far back as 1075, only a few years after William the Conqueror’s victory at the Battle of Hastings at the other end of the county.

Argus reporter Daniel Green with a Sussex flag outside the cathedral (Image: The Argus)

I was fortunate enough to get a tour of this historic place by Jeremy Mudford, one of the cathedral’s experienced guides.

He talked me through how the historic building and its ancient treasures, including part of a Roman mosaic pavement, are complemented by modern works of art, including beautiful stained-glass windows and tapestries.

During my tour of the cathedral, the main organ burst into life, its melody echoing through the chamber.

Chichester Cathedral dates back almost 2,000 years (Image: The Argus)

Leaving the building, I was greeted by a bronze statue of St Richard of Chichester, the former bishop of the city whose feast day is marked by Sussex Day.

He looms over the courtyard, grasping a roped scourge, a symbol of self-discipline, while outstretching his other arm to make the sign of a holy blessing.

The bronze statue of Saint Richard of Chichester (Image: The Argus)

Continuing along the coast on the train, I soon arrived in Worthing and a walk through the town centre took me past the town hall, an array of independent shops along bunting-lined streets and the Dome Cinema, one of the oldest working cinemas in England, dating back to 1911.

Sadly, there was no time to watch a film at this historic site. Instead, I took in the view of the seafront from Worthing Pier and the invigorating sea breeze.

Sunny Worthing did not disappoint but all too soon it was time to move on and head to my next destination.

Worthing Pier (Image: The Argus)

As the train sped along the coast towards Brighton, I was mesmerised by the rolling green fields that passed by the window, along with a small plane taking off from Shoreham Airport.

Soon I arrived at the historic Brighton Station and, after a quick browse through the colourful assortment of stores in North Laine, I was invited into the Royal Pavilion.

The pleasure palace, with its dazzling domes and minarets, is unusual in being situated right in the heart of such a bustling city.

The Royal Pavilion is the gem in Sussex's crown (Image: Newsquest Staff)

Inside visitors are greeted with even more fine detail and craftsmanship, with golden chandeliers decorated with fire-breathing dragons, silver serpents snaking up pillars and opulent furnishings greeting guests in the grand saloon.

The palace also provides a fascinating look into the Pavilion’s use as a military hospital for the Indian Army during the First World War.

By this point, it was lunchtime, and what better meal is there than fish and chips at Shelter Hall on the seafront on a warm summer’s day.

Nothing beats fish and chips along Brighton seafront (Image: The Argus)

Jumping back on the train, I ventured inland to arrive at the charming town of Lewes, steeped in history and home to the Lewes Bonfire celebrations which attract thousands of people every year.

Navigating its narrow and steep streets, I made it to Lewes Castle, a fortress almost 1,000 years old.

From the top, I was treated with stunning panoramic views across the county. It was the perfect place to take in Sussex’s beautiful green and pleasant land.

Argus reporter Daniel Green with the flag of Sussex at Lewes Castle (Image: The Argus)

Jumping back on the train, I soon arrived in Eastbourne, whose seafront is lined with magnificent Victorian hotels, along with a contemporary art gallery, a Napoleonic-era fort and wonderful pier.

Palm trees are dotted along the promenade which, combined with the hot weather, transform the town into a summery paradise.

The Eastbourne Wheel offers dazzling views of the seafront in East Sussex (Image: The Argus)

I was taken to new heights as I boarded the Eastbourne Wheel, open to the public every summer, and was dazzled by the view across the town, as well as over Beachy Head and the English Channel.

I took a quick break from rushing from place to place and relaxed on Eastbourne’s pebble beach to soak up the sun and enjoy the soothing sounds of waves crashing ashore.

Argus reporter Daniel Green with the flag of Sussex at Camber Sands (Image: The Argus)

My last destination of the day required the longest trek, with an hour-long train journey from Eastbourne to Rye and a short hop on a bus to get to my “finishing line” of Camber Sands.

After the bus dropped me off along a remote stretch of road, I walked down a street covered in sand, giving me the feeling of arriving at some tropical resort some thousands of miles away.

The sea soon came into view, with endless sand dunes stretching as far as the eye could see. I was left in awe and with a great appreciation for the county I live in. 

The journey captured the essence of Sussex’s beauty and heritage but I also came to realise that - as enjoyable and jam-packed as my journey across Sussex was - I had barely scratched the surface of what our wonderful county has to offer.

For anyone considering following in my footsteps and exploring Sussex for yourself, you can get your hands on a DaySave rover ticket with just three days’ notice. The ticket allows unlimited off-peak travel on Southern services all day for £23.50.