Sussex is a historic county in South East England, traditionally divided into East Sussex and West Sussex and often extended to include Brighton and Hove as a unitary authority. This guide explains the traditional boundaries, modern local government arrangements and key towns and districts, with reliable references to administrative changes and geography that affect how Sussex is governed today. It is designed as a clear, factual resource for residents, researchers and businesses needing a durable understanding of Sussex.
What is Sussex and where is it located
Sussex is a historic county in South East England, situated on the English Channel coast east of Hampshire and south of Surrey. Its coastal plain faces the English Channel, with the South Downs running across its interior. The historic county traditionally includes the modern counties of East Sussex and West Sussex, together with the city of Brighton and Hove. When people ask where Sussex is, the answer is: a historic county whose coastline, downs and inland towns remain closely connected in culture, transport and local government planning.
Historic counties of East and West Sussex explained
Historically, Sussex was divided into East Sussex and West Sussex, each with its own county town: Lewes for East Sussex and Chichester for West Sussex. These divisions shaped administration, the location of quarter sessions and the development of local identity. Though local government structures have changed, many cultural, ceremonial and institutional references still follow these traditional subdivisions. Understanding East and West Sussex helps explain place names, dialects, archives and services that still reference historic county lines today.
East Sussex overview
East Sussex lies east of the River Adur and includes coastal towns such as Brighton, Hove, Eastbourne and Hastings, alongside inland centres like Lewes and Uckfield. The county town, Lewes, remains the historic administrative and judicial centre for East Sussex. The area combines urban seaside settlements with agricultural land and the chalk downland of the South Downs National Park, creating varied economic and recreational landscapes.
West Sussex overview
West Sussex lies west of the River Adur and includes the cathedral city of Chichester, the market towns of Horsham and Midhurst, and coastal resorts such as Bognor Regis and Worthing. It also covers the Weald, a historic area of clay soils and woodland, and parts of the South Downs. Chichester retains historic links to the county administration and is a centre for civic and cultural life in West Sussex.
Modern local government structure of Sussex
Since the 1974 local government re-organisation and further reforms in the 1990s and 2010s, Sussex is administered through a mix of county councils, district councils and unitary authorities. Brighton and Hove became a unitary authority in 1997, separating from East Sussex County Council for many services. West Sussex, East Sussex County Council, and various district and borough councils share responsibilities for education, highways, social care, planning and waste. These arrangements reflect both historic boundaries and modern delivery of public services.
Notable towns and districts in Sussex
Across Sussex, a network of towns and districts supports distinct local identities while contributing to the wider region. Key towns and their characteristics are summarised in the table below, followed by brief notes on coastal and rural patterns.
| Place | Type | Traditional division | Modern local authority | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton | Large town/city | East Sussex | Brighton and Hove (unitary) | Historic resort and university city; became unitary authority in 1997 |
| Hove | Town | East Sussex | Brighton and Hove (unitary) | Adjoins Brighton; part of the same unitary authority |
| Worthing | Town | West Sussex | Worthing (unitary) | Major coastal resort with early 19th-century planned development |
| Chichester | City | West Sussex | Chichester (district) | County town of West Sussex; cathedral city and port |
| Lewes | Town | East Sussex | East Sussex (county town) | Historic county town of East Sussex; site of county court and archives |
| Horsham | Town | West Sussex | Horsham (district) | Principal town of West Sussex; administrative and market centre |
| Eastbourne | Town | East Sussex | Eastbourne (borough) | Coastal resort backed by the South Downs |
| Bognor Regis | Town | West Sussex | Arun (district) | Seaside resort known for mild climate and recovery from flood risks |
| Hastings | Town | East Sussex | Hastings (district) | Historic fishing town and Cinque Port; faces coastal change pressures |
| Burgess Hill | Town | West Sussex | Mid Sussex (district) | Commuter town with strong transport links to Brighton and London |
Geography and landscape of Sussex
Sussex landscapes range from the dramatic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Brighton’s seafront, to the wooded Weald and the fertile plains near Chichester Harbour. The South Downs National Park spans much of East and West Sussex and shapes recreation, agriculture and urban expansion. Rivers such as the Adur, Ouse and Arun influence settlement patterns and flood risk, while the coast combines tourist economies with natural protection and habitat designations. These geographic factors continue to inform planning, nature conservation and community resilience in Sussex.
Cultural identity and traditions in Sussex
Sussex has a distinct historic identity reflected in its flag, motto and historic celebrations such as Sussex Day on 16 June. Local traditions, dialects and place names often align with the East/West split, though Brighton and Hove have added a more cosmopolitan character. Sussex is also known for its music festivals, independent arts scenes and community initiatives that draw on its rural and coastal heritage. These cultural elements persist alongside modern growth, shaping how residents and businesses view the region.
Transport and connectivity across Sussex
Sussex is well connected by road, rail and coastal routes. The A27 runs along the south coast, linking major towns while the M23 and A23 provide routes to London. Railway lines connect Brighton, Hastings, Eastbourne, Worthing and Chichester to London and beyond, supporting commuting, tourism and freight. Local bus services, cycle routes and footpaths such as the South Downs Way enhance mobility within Sussex, supporting both daily travel and leisure. Continued investment in transport infrastructure remains important for sustainable growth and resilience.
Economy and main industries in Sussex
Sussex hosts a diversified economy with strengths in digital technology, professional services, education, healthcare, tourism and creative industries. Brighton and Hove have a notable tech sector and university-driven innovation, while Worthing and Chichester support finance, retail and advanced manufacturing. Agriculture, fisheries and coastal tourism remain important in rural districts. Public sector employment, including education and health, is significant across both East and West Sussex. This mix helps the region adapt to economic change while sustaining local livelihoods.
Planning a visit or relocation to Sussex
Whether planning a short visit or a longer stay, Sussex offers coastal walks, historic towns, cultural venues and accessible countryside. Consider which part of Sussex suits your needs: Brighton and Hove for urban life and the coast; Eastbourne and Hastings for seaside towns backed by the South Downs; Chichester and Horsham for historic centres with strong local services. Check local planning policies, flood risk maps and transport options, especially if relocating. Engaging with local authorities and community groups can help you make the most of living, working or visiting in Sussex.