Garden Party 2026

Read our digital edition online!

Enjoy our September issue!

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Features

Smiling schoolgirl with a pink backpack and books on a sunny park path, hair flying, with blurred green trees behind.

New School Year: Helping Children Thrive

A new school year brings fresh opportunities and inevitable nerves. From building confidence to creating healthy routines, try these practical ways to help children thrive both inside and outside the classroom

Bluey and Bingo mascots greet children in a sunny field at Buggy Park, with kids gathered around and a rustic barn behind.

Spotlight - Sussex Events Guide: September 2026

From Bluey to dinosaurs, concerts and Festivals, there's something for all the family happening in Sussex this September. Check out our monthly guide so you don't miss out!

Girl in red polka-dot swimsuit and green sunglasses relaxing on a rainbow inflatable in a sparkling blue pool.

School's Out! Your Summer Holiday Guide

School holidays offer a chance to slow down, explore somewhere new and make family memories. Thankfully, Sussex is packed with beaches, forests, historic attractions and family-friendly adventures just waiting to be discovered

Medieval-costumed man and woman hold a falcon in a green park, both looking serious.

Spotlight - Sussex Events Guide: August 2026

Discover exciting Sussex events this August 2026! From craft fairs to historical weekends, explore diverse events in Sussex and plan your visit now!

Community News

Six smiling older adults stand arm-in-arm in a sunny tropical garden, wearing colourful casual clothes.

Full of Life Festival Returns to East Sussex

The Full of Life Festival has returned to celebrate ageing in East Sussex. It marks Older People’s Day, which takes place annually on 1 October. A bumper programme of events will run across the county throughout September and October. The line-up includes a wide variety of activities and talks.

Steam train "The Flying Scotsman" moves through a lush, green countryside with trees overhead and a clear blue sky, emitting white smoke.

Volunteering at the Bluebell Railway

The Bluebell Railway is a heritage steam railway in East Sussex, running between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. It operates a fleet of beautifully restored steam locomotives and vintage carriages that travel through the picturesque Sussex countryside, offering a truly nostalgic experience. This is possible with the help of over 1000 volunteers who help run the railway, from restoring carriages to greeting visitors.

Person in a market holding three bunches of asparagus labeled "Bedlam Farms." Background displays colorful fruits and vegetables.

Award Winning Farm Shop

The Seasons Wholefoods Named 2026 Independent Local Shop / Village Store of the Year and South East at the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards

Stone church with arched windows and a tower, surrounded by gravestones on grass. A flag flies atop against a clear blue sky.

HENFIELD - Where History and Countryside Meet

In the heart of West Sussex, Henfield blends centuries of history with rural charm. Timber-framed cottages, scenic countryside and a vibrant community make this picturesque village both a delightful destination and a desirable place to live.

Competitions

Win A Spooky Halloween Experience At Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens

This Halloween, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is transforming into a world of magical quests, spooky celebrations and after-dark dancing, and Hidden's giving you the chance to experience it for yourself with an amazing family package! One lucky winner will receive a Halloween prize package featuring The Potion Master’s Quest, the Spooky Family Silent Disco and the Adults’ Halloween Silent Disco. From 17th October to 1st November, young alchemists can embark on The Potion Master

Win A Two-Night Island Heritage Escape At The Fig Tree Hotel Shanklin!

We've got a pair of tickets worth £800 available for this incredible two-night trip at the stunning Fig Tree in Shanklin as you undertake a journey with Vectis Revealed: Ancient Paths and Island Stories, with all meals and refreshments included! Discover the Isle of Wight through spectacular landscapes, fascinating archaeology and unforgettable heritage. Join landscape archaeologist Kelly Wetherick for an exclusive two-night escape at The Fig Tree Hotel, Shanklin, featuring e

Win A Family VIP Experience To The Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show!

WIN an unforgettable family day out at the Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show! Looking for a brilliant August Bank Holiday day out? We've teamed up with Adrian from Aldabra Giant Tortoises UK to give one lucky family an unforgettable VIP experience at this year's Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show. As well as a family ticket to the Show, you'll enjoy an exclusive meet and greet with Adrian's incredible giant tortoises. Learn how they're cared for, discover what makes thes

NEW: Win A Family Pass To The Autumn Show and Horse Trials 2026

Back for 2026, we've got FIVE family passes to give away to this fantastic family weekend at the South Of England Showground! Taking place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September (9am - 5pm each day), The Autumn Show & Horse Trials 2026 is a thrilling event designed to captivate guests of all ages, including their canine friends. The Autumn Show & Horse Trials brings countryside pursuits and equestrian excitement to life. Watch elite riders compete in the South of England

Stuff We Like!

Small scruffy dog sits beside a colourful floral umbrella on sunlit grass in a garden backyard, with a cheerful mood.

It's a Dog's Life: Weather and Walks

Teddy contemplates climate change and how the long, hot summer has an impact on canine routines, as explained by his human translator, Helen Stockton

September Book Reviews

This September, get ready to dive into a delightful mix of stories, from the intriguing insights of a restaurant critic to the whimsical adventures with the Guffalo Granny. There is something captivating waiting for every reader!

Woman in purple yoga wear holds a warrior pose in front of bright window panes, with glowing rainbow chakra lights on her body.

Wellbeing: Hitting a Nerve

The vagus nerve, often referred to as the body's superhighway, plays a crucial role in the parasympathetic nervous system, influencing heart rate, digestion, and overall stress levels.

Top Five Towns Where the Past Is Still Very Much Alive

Some towns preserve history in museums. Others seem to have simply carried on living alongside it. Across Europe, there are places where medieval streets are still part of everyday life, ancient walls still shape the town, and centuries-old buildings aren't just monuments—they're homes, shops, cafés and places of worship. For travellers who love history, these five towns offer something rather special: the chance to experience the past without it feeling like a museum exhibit

Food And Drink

Three dishes on a wooden table: red stew with a spoon in front, cheesy casserole, and a green-topped bowl in the back.

Recipe: Wild Sussex Venison Stew

As the evenings begin to draw in, there's little more comforting than a slow-cooked stew made with locally sourced ingredients. Wild Sussex venison is naturally lean, rich in flavour and an excellent sustainable choice. Sourced from carefully managed local deer populations, it offers an ethical alternative to intensively farmed meat while helping to protect Sussex's woodlands and wildlife habitats.

Close-up of crunchy granola bars with oats, seeds, nuts, and dried fruit on a pastel plate, with a warm homemade feel

Recipes: Breakfast Bars

This breakfast bar recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free – make them at the weekend so you are set up for the week with a grab-and-go breakfast snack.

Friends sharing lunch on a sunny rooftop patio, smiling and serving food with wine, salad, and sandwiches among potted plants

A Matter of Taste - Cheese & Wine

Cheese and wine remain one of life’s great pairings – done well, the delicious combinations can transform an ordinary evening into something memorable – here's a basic guide.

Lemon cake dusted with powdered sugar, topped with lemon slices, on a wire rack with knife, sieve, oil, and lemon halves nearby

Recipe: Citrus Yoghurt Cake

This simple but delicious citrus yoghurt cake is a recipe that's ideal to make with children, as it's such an easy bake

Home And Garden

Dark modern bathroom with lit vanity, arched window, potted tree, bench, and beige rug; calm, minimalist mood.

Homes Extra: Fear of The Dark

For decades, we believed that if you want a room to feel bigger and brighter, paint it white. However, done correctly, darker walls can make a space feel lighter, warmer and far more sophisticated

Woman in a straw hat trims pink and white roses on a garden trellis under a bright blue sky

Blooming Times: Tidy Up Time

Scorching weather often reduces gardens (and gardeners!) to a parched, shabby mess, but a targeted programme of watering and cutting back can work wonders

New suburban housing development with white and brick homes, fenced paths, and landscaped gardens under a clear blue sky.

Village Life, Modern Living: Discover Two East Sussex Destinations With Elivia Homes

For those looking to enjoy the best of countryside living without sacrificing convenience, East Sussex has plenty to offer. From the picturesque landscapes of the High Weald to the rolling hills of the South Downs, two Elivia Homes developments are bringing new homes to desirable locations within the county.

Bright green bathroom with a white freestanding tub, potted plants, window blinds, and a white vanity lit by sunlight.

LUXURY LIFESTYLE: Bathroom Sanctuaries

Once regarded as one of the most functional rooms in the house, contemporary bathrooms have evolved into something altogether more indulgent – a personal sanctuary that promotes relaxation and wellbeing