This award is for visitor attractions in Sussex that increase footfall into our wonderful county.
The Celebration of Sussex Life Awards are designed to champion, highlight and showcase our outstanding food, drink and hospitality industry. From local producers and suppliers to small farming businesses, restaurants, chefs, pubs and hoteliers, all those shortlisted for awards care about the countryside and the future of our region. The companies featured were nominated by our wonderful readers before being visited or interviewed to determine a worthy winner by our handpicked panel of high-profile judges.
Winner: Weald and Downland MuseumWhat the judges said: This museum, which celebrates its half centenary this year, set in stunning Sussex countryside, is the worthy winner of this award. It exhibits buildings and gardens from many eras throughout history. The museum is run mainly by volunteers whose enthusiasm and knowledge shine through as they talk to adults and children alike. The miller explaining the workings of the water wheel to turn the stones, which grind the corn, the smithy pumping the bellows to keep the fire in the forge blazing and the cook in the Tudor kitchen cooking bread over an open fire – all bring their surroundings to life entrancing visitors of all ages and nationalities. The museum also hosts many events, courses and talks throughout the year. It lives up to its vision of being a centre of excellence for the enjoyment, learning and understanding of the built environment, landscape, rural life and communities of South East England and the South Downs.
Highly commended: Drusillas
Highly commended: Pells Pool
