My friends and I have been debating recently about where to find the best place to eat in Sussex, and it got us thinking about the many advantages of living in this part of the world. One of those advantages concerns the diversity of the various towns, and of course the wonderful Sussex gastropubs that they contain. There is much more to the county, though, including a wonderful range of sporting amenities and some shopping areas that have to be visited to be believed. Here are six towns which are all worth checking out.

 

Brighton

 

If you like eating out when the opportunity arises, you will fall in love with the various good restaurants in Brighton and Hove. Along the iconic waterfront, you will find some incredible eateries, some of which are among the finest gastropubs in Sussex, so when you come to visit be sure to bring your hunger pangs with you. Whether you’re in the mood for a rich, aromatic curry, traditional fish and chips or perhaps some delicious fresh pasta, you will be able to find it with little or no effort.

 

Horsham

 

Located to the north of the county, Horsham is regularly voted one of the best towns in the whole of the UK in which to live. It’s a historic town and is home to a number of beautifully laid out parks and public spaces. There are also some superb watering holes, a few of which are rated among the very best pubs in West Sussex. When we speak about fine dining Brighton is always in our thoughts, of course, but it should be pointed out that Horsham is never too far behind.

 

Crawley

 

A busy and bustling town close to the exceedingly hectic Gatwick Airport, Crawley is easily reached from London thanks to the M23 motorway. Many a highly rated Sussex gastropub can be found here, and there are some exceptional restaurants which are always worthy of further investigation. Thanks perhaps to the proximity of the airport, this is a town that plays host to a substantial number of hotels, so if you’re looking to stay over you are likely to have plenty of options to choose from. No matter where you are in Crawley, the chances are you will never be too far away from a bed for the night.

 

Haywards Heath

 

Billing itself sometimes as the heart of Mid Sussex, Haywards Heath has a central location that’s easily accessible from both London and Brighton. One of the nicest things about living in this town is the chance to relax in the surrounding countryside, which is full of pleasant views and tranquil hiding places. As well as greenery to sigh for, you will also find some incredible Sussex pubs which will welcome you in for wonderful food and refreshing drinks. If you’ve never been to Haywards Heath before, it’s perhaps high time for you to right this wrong.

 

Eastbourne

 

The region is rightly famous for the sheer beauty of its waterfront and the iconography afforded by some wonderful examples of a traditional British seaside resort. Eastbourne is just such a one, located as it is on the waterfront to the east of Brighton and Newhaven. And as you might expect from restaurants and pubs in Sussex and beyond, the local eateries offer the freshest of fresh fish. If you love cod, plaice, skate or sea bream, you may want to set aside at least a long weekend to find out more about the charms of this highly impressive town.

 

Hove

 

The evening dining Brighton is famous for is also echoed in the restaurants and pubs in Hove. This delightful spot is located right next door to Brighton, but it remains fiercely independent of its neighbour. A walk along the famous promenade on a sunny afternoon is all you need to complete a day of sheer delight, especially perhaps if the stroll is accompanied by a mouth-watering ice cream. It’s at times like this when you can settle into a comfy seafront chair and reflect on just how wonderful life can be. We all need happiness, and you can find yours right here.