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With a dazzling coastline and ancient woodland, West Sussex is a great place to both visit and live in if you yearn for sunny days, sea wind and a more tranquil time. Whether you’re an explorer or a traveller seeking leisure, this county offers plenty of activities and a vast area of coastal land for you to explore. But before hiring a car and starting exploring this county, the question is pretty simple, ‘Where is West Sussex actually, or what does it all encompass?’
West Sussex is a ceremonial county on the south coast of England. You’ve come to the right place if you’re interested in learning about this county. Follow us as we take a deep dive into the history of West Sussex, discussing its value and association with nearby areas.
Table Of Contents
Where Is West Sussex Located?
West Sussex is located in South East England. This county borders Hampshire to the west, Surrey to the north and East Sussex to the east. It spans an area of 769 square miles (1,991 sq km) and has a population of 885,055.
West Sussex comprises the districts of Adur, Arun, Chichester, Horsham and Mid Sussex, as well as Crawley and Worthing boroughs. Chichester is the only city in West Sussex, amongst many other settlements, including coastal areas like Bognor Regis and Worthing and other beautiful towns such as Horsham, Haywards and Heath and Crawley.
West Sussex is also popular for being home to known attractions such as Fishers Farm Park, South Downs National Park and Horsham Museum.
Historical Ties Between West Sussex And The Region
West Sussex has always been a part of the South East England region. In fact, their association goes as far back as the formation of the region.
Before we go any further, let’s make it clear that the county of West Sussex did not exist until 1889. It only came to be when the Local Government Act of 1888 caused the Ceremonial County of Sussex to split into the eastern and western divisions. This break-up led to East Sussex and West Sussex as we have them today.
The exact definition of South East England and the area it covers have evolved over time. Still, the historical county of Sussex, which comprises the east and west divisions, has consistently been recognised as a constituent county within the broader region.
Although split into two divisions, East Sussex and West Sussex did not become ceremonial counties until 1974, following the 1972 Local Government Act.
West Sussex County Council is the authority that governs the non-metropolitan county of West Sussex.
West Sussex shares a strong cultural and historical heritage with other counties in South East England, despite being largely independent. Their relationship over the years is evident when you observe the similarities in the building architecture and cultural practices.
Value Of West Sussex For South East England
West Sussex doesn’t just exist in South East England. The county plays an important role in developing various aspects of the region, including its overall economy, cultural heritage and natural beauty.
West Sussex excels in several industries, such as engineering, digital technology and pharmaceuticals, which helps it contribute to South East England’s economy. West Sussex’s GDP was worth as much as £26 billion in 2020. This represents 1.4% of England’s GDP and 8.2% of South East England’s GDP. However, this is not close to the contribution of Hampshire, which you can read about here.
Gatwick Airport, the second busiest airport in all of the UK, is located in West Sussex.
The county’s beautiful landscape and numerous attractions, such as the South Downs National Park and Chichester, also advance the economy through tourism.
West Sussex holds huge value for its cultural heritage. It is home to many historical sites and landmarks like the famous:
- Arundel Castle
- Roman Walls
- Wakehurst
- Petworth House
- Nymans
- Arundel Wetland Centre
- Chichester Cathedral
- West Dean Gardens
Arundel Castle is the most renowned site in the county, but there are many more things to do in Arundel.
Finally, it provides proper balance and quality of life for its residents, combining the advantages of a rural setting with easy access to urban amenities.
SDVH offers superb economy car options, allowing you to travel around West Sussex on a budget. You can also hire one of our prestige cars for a first-class travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Sussex Part Of London?
No, West Sussex is not part of London. West Sussex is a county in South East England that covers a coastal area along the English Channel. In contrast, London is not a county but a city. It’s England’s largest city and its capital. London and its boroughs belong to the county of Greater London.
What Area Of The UK Is West Sussex?
West Sussex is in the south of England in the UK. It is a ceremonial county that lies on the southern coast of England, in the region of South East England. West Sussex borders Hampshire to the west, Surrey to the north and East Sussex to the east.
The county is made up of seven districts, including Adur, Arun, Chichester, Horsham, Mid Sussex and the boroughs of Crawley and Worthing, with Chichester being its administrative centre.
Is West Sussex A Good Place To Live?
Yes, West Sussex is a good place to live. You’ll enjoy living in this county if you fancy being in an area with beautiful landscapes and numerous attractive locations. West Sussex also offers good transport links, with efficient rail and road networks that allow you to access London and other top UK cities easily. To cap it off, the county provides good education and healthcare facilities, and there are diverse employment opportunities for adults.
What Is West Sussex Famous For?
West Sussex is famous for its sunny weather. It is the sunniest county in the UK, averaging 1,902 hours each year. You may have also heard about West Sussex because of its outstanding natural beauty. West Sussex is home to the South Downs National Park, as well as many lovely cities and charming seaside towns. Attractions such as Arundel Castle and Chichester Cathedral are also very famous.
Conclusion
So, where is West Sussex? West Sussex is one of England’s hidden gems, located in the southeastern part of the country. The beautiful coastal villages, parks and beaches make it an attractive spot for any tourist looking to hire a car and tour the most alluring parts of the UK.
