Explore Sussex Through Channel 5's Jewel of the South Coast

Explore Sussex Through Channel 5's Jewel of the South Coast

28th July 2026

A new five-part Channel 5 TV series, Sussex: Jewel of the South Coast, explores the landscapes, history, food, wildlife and communities that make Sussex one of England's most distinctive destinations.

A new five-part Channel 5 TV series, Sussex: Jewel of the South Coast, explores the landscapes, history, food, wildlife and communities that make Sussex one of England's most distinctive destinations.

Filmed across the county, the series takes viewers from the Sussex coast to the South Downs National Park, uncovering inspiring stories, local businesses and must-visit places along the way.

Experience Sussex has compiled a travel guide to accompany the Sussex TV series, so you can find the places from the Channel 5 show and plan a visit to Sussex.

The new series airs from Saturday 25th July at 8pm on Channel 5. Tune in to see the secret side of Sussex: The Jewel of The South Coast.

Where is Channel 5's The Jewel of the South Coast filmed?

Channel 5's Sussex: Jewel of the South Coast was filmed across East Sussex, Brighton & Hove and West Sussex, including the South Downs National Park, Chichester, Rye, Lewes, Beachy Head, Hastings and the Sussex coast.

The series showcases many of the county's most iconic attractions, landscapes, vineyards, beaches and historic sites.

Discover the Sussex Coast and South Downs National Park

Sussex is a county of green hills and blue coastlines. The South Downs National Park rolls quietly inland, while the coastline stretches for 140 miles, marked by white cliffs at Beachy Head and open skies towards the English Channel. These are familiar images, but the programme approaches them through the people who know them best.

The series meets third-generation fishermen catching lobster, continuing family traditions along the coast. Conservation efforts unfold alongside the everyday routines of the fishermen, reflecting a balance between making a living and caring for the environment. The shoreline at Brighton beach, Pett Level in Hastings and Bognor Regis reveal hidden monuments to the history of the coast.

Further inland, a farming family keep a breed of Sussex cows to protect the lineage of the breed that has grazed on the pastures for centuries. Visit historic gardens including Great Dixter, famous for their stunning variety of plants and floral displays.

Historic places featured in Jewel of the South Coast

History runs deep through much of the Channel 5 series and throughout Sussex. Visit the centuries-old Prince Regent's piano being carefully restored in Brighton, follow Chichester Cathedral as it opens the spire to the public, or see divers investigating the remains of a long-lost 17th century shipwreck off the coast of Eastbourne.

Viewers can discover the birthplace of the first ideas that shaped America's Declaration of Independence, or take a ride on the steam train at Bluebell Railway lovingly preserved for future generations by local volunteers.

Historic towns such as Rye and Lewes are buzzing places to visit, with independent shops, cafés and winding cobbled streets that invite exploration at a slower pace.

Sussex Vineyards, Food producers and local makers

Another thread running through the series is the creative spirit of Sussex. Families and small producers experiment and adapt, whether that is developing a distinctive local cheese, Brewing Brothers, a local brewery creating a new beer from ancient hops at Tibbs Farm, or revisiting traditional recipes with local chefs.

The county's vineyards also feature, marking how Sussex has built a reputation for English wine over recent decades and meeting one of the pioneers of winemaking in the region.

Meet the people and wildlife of Sussex

Throughout the TV series we meet the people who work and live in Sussex. Meet the lifeguards who keep the beaches in Sussex safe, the new Dean bringing hidden corners of the Cathedral to the public, or follow the opening of a new hotel ready to greet new visitors to the area.

Discover the other residents in the county, from rare breeds of sheep in the South Downs to wathcing Dolphins on the Sussex Coast, to a wildlife rescue centre near Hastings. Nature is in abundance in the landscapes of Sussex.

Explore the best of the region

Watching the show? Base yourself at a Historic Sussex Hotel and you're a short drive from most of it.

Channel 5's Sussex: Jewel of the South Coast covers the South Downs, Rye, Lewes, Chichester, Beachy Head and Hastings, and our three properties sit right in the middle of that map.

Stay with us and spend your days experiencing what's on screen instead of just watching it.

Book Online

Booking direct benefits

  • Friendly & helpful service

    We have fantastic reservations teams who will guide you through every room and package until they find the perfect solution for you.

  • Exclusive offers & inspiring packages

    Explore a wide range of imaginative packages and special offers, including dining and spa options.

  • Flexibility

    Easily make any changes, additions or upgrades to your booking. We will always do our best to accommodate you.

  • Best hotel information

    Find the most up-to-date information about our hotels, our spas and our restaurants with live room and table booking availability.

  • No hidden fees

    No credit card charges or any other hidden fees.