As spring unfolds, Sussex awakens with a burst of activity. From outdoor adventures to food festivals, there's something for everyone to enjoy this season.

1. Magnolias in Bloom at Borde Hill Garden

17th-31st March, 2024

Borde Hill features over 180 exquisite magnolia varieties, making it a must-visit destination for magnolia enthusiasts. A self-guided Magnolia Trail showcases an array of early-spring specimens, including the regal Magnolia sprengeri var, ‘Diva’, the towering 60ft Magnolia campbelli, Magnolia dawsoniana, and Magnolia sargentiana var robusta.

These magnificent trees, dating back to the early 1900s, have earned many 'champion' tree titles within the British Isles.

To see Diva and more of the flora and fauna available, visit www.bordehill.co.uk.

2. Bluebell Railway

Spring 2024

Step aboard the historic Bluebell Railway for a scenic journey through the picturesque Sussex countryside, adorned with carpets of bluebells in bloom.

Enjoy the nostalgia of steam train travel as you chug along the tracks between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, with opportunities to alight and explore historic stations along the way.

Visit the website for specific days in spring for when the train will be running.

3. Nibble on Cheese in a Candlelit Cave

On Saturday, April 27th, indulge your taste buds and have a nibble on cheese and sip cool wine to the sound of live music in a candle-lit cave.

For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk.

4. Outdoor Adventures

Lace up your hiking boots and explore the twisting lanes in Brighton or the scenic trails of the South Downs National Park, with breathtaking views of rolling hills, coastal land and city scapes.

Embark on a guided nature walk or wildlife safari at nature reserves such as RSPB Pulborough Brooks or the Seven Sisters Country Park, home to a diverse array of flora and fauna.

To explore Sussex’s walks, hikes and trails, visit www.alltrails.com.

5. Forage and Feast at Stanmer Park

April 27th 2024 - Early Spring Foray - Wild Garlic Trail

Discover the wonders of foraging in Stanmer Park alongside the knowledgeable experts of Urban Forage.

Join the team on an engaging outdoor forage walk where you'll uncover the secrets of wild food, fungi, fruit, berries, and plants. Following the exploration, you’ll have lunch crafted from the very ingredients you’ve gathered during the forage.

The experience includes tips for identification, guidance on harvesting, and inventive recipe ideas together with a cooking demonstration and a satisfying lunch.

This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts while relishing the great outdoors and discovering the bounty of Mother Nature.

To book your space, visit www.urbanforage.me.

6. Foodies Festival, Brighton

4th - May 6th, 2024

Calling all avid foodies; indulge your taste buds at the Foodies Festival in Brighton, featuring a celebration of local cuisine, artisanal producers, and culinary delights.

Enjoy food stalls, chef demonstrations, tastings, and special events throughout the weekend.

Live music includes Scouting for Girls on Friday, 4th May, Sister Sledge on Saturday, 5th and Symphonic Ibiza on May 6th.

For tickets, visit www.foodiesfestical.com.

7. Spring Live! 2024

April 20th - 21st, 2024

Discover the latest trends in gardening and outdoor living at this spring show held at the South of England Showground in Ardingly.

Explore garden displays, shop for plants and garden accessories, and attend expert talks and demonstrations.

Visit www.seas.org for tickets.

8. Arundel Tulip Festival

Early to late April, 2024

Immerse yourself in a sea of tulips at Arundel Castle's annual Tulip Festival.

Wander through the castle gardens and marvel at thousands of tulip blooms in a riot of colors and varieties. Don't miss the opportunity to capture stunning photos amidst the floral displays.

Visit www.arundelcastle.org for exact dates and open times.

9. Charleston Festival

16th-27th May, 2024

Charleston Festival 2024’s first acts have been officially announced.

The event runs from May 16-27 and highlights include Peep Show and Succession creator Jesse Armstrong, artist Es Devlin and Ivor-Novello winning composer Nitin Sawhney.

Charleston Festival brings together today’s most exciting artists, thinkers and changemakers to engage with art and ideas.

For this special 35th edition, the house presents their most ambitious lineup yet, bringing together an array of influential voices to illuminate the world’s stories and disentangle its complexities. Watch the trailer here.

Priority booking  is now open for Friend+, Patron and Benefactor supporters.

Tickets go on general sale at 10am on 29 February 2024 at www.charleston.org.uk.

10. Brighton Fringe Festival

May 3rd - 2nd June 2024

Enjoy a diverse array of performances including theater, comedy, dance, and music at one of the largest fringe festivals in the world. The festival takes place across various venues in Brighton, offering a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture.

For event information, visit www.brightonfringe.org.

April in Sussex offers a cornucopia of events and experiences to delight visitors of all interests. Whether you're a culture vulture, outdoor enthusiast, or foodie at heart, there's no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this enchanting region of southern England.