Kent & Sussex Events to Look Forward to in 2026
Home to a bounty of castles, vineyards, and miles of breathtaking coastline, the counties of Kent and Sussex already offer plenty of activities to keep visitors busy with while on a break. But 2026 brings even more to the calendar, with anniversaries, reopenings, and new cultural experiences – making it an excellent year to visit our little corner of the U.K.
Below, we explore some of the biggest milestone event across Kent & Sussex – perhaps they’ll inspire any staycations you wish to take over the next 12 months…
Winnie-the-Pooh Turns 100
A milestone for one of childhood’s most beloved bears, 2026 marks the centenary of A. A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh. As the inspiration for the books’ setting in Hundred Acre Wood, Ashdown Forest is set to host celebrations and themed events throughout the year, giving families a chance to revisit the world of Poohsticks, Heffalumps, and thoughtful honey-loving companions. A touring exhibition of illustrations, manuscripts, and memorabilia is also due to be hosted at Nymans in Handcross, from February to May.
Battle Abbey’s Biggest-Ever Re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings
The upcoming year marks 960 years since the Battle of Hastings, and Battle Abbey in East Sussex is expecting its largest historical re-enactment yet, bringing hundreds of actors and horses to the very site where Harold and William once clashed. For visitors, there’ll also be living camps to explore and interactive activities to look forward to.
This special anniversary also sees the first UK display of the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum in London, on loan from the Bayeux Museum in France while the building is renovated.
Can’t travel this year? Not to worry – 2027 marks the millennium of William the Conqueror’s birth, and there are already calls for celebrations and exhibitions to mark this as Year of the Normans, with sites across East Sussex expected to participate.
Folkestone’s Leas Lift Returns
Folkestone’s historic Leas Lift – one of only a handful of remaining water-balanced cliff lifts – is set to reopen in spring after a major restoration. The lift allows visitors to the town to explore both the coast and clifftop views with ease, as it is connected with the town’s Victorian heritage once again.
King Charles III England Coast Path
The final sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path are due to open in spring, making it the world’s longest continual seaside hiking route, spanning a whopping 2,700 miles (4,498km) around England’s coast. In Kent and Sussex, walkers can discover some of the most dramatic and wildlife-rich stretches, from chalk cliffs to hidden coves – best accompanied by a stay in one of our coastal holiday homes, of course.
Visiting Kent & Sussex in 2026
Whether families are joining Pooh’s birthday in Ashdown Forest or walkers are taking on brand-new coastal paths, next year brings many reasons to make a holiday out of local exploration. And with plenty of welcoming homes dotted across Kent & Sussex, there’s more than one place to rest after a day of adventure.
To find your perfect 2026 stay with Bloom Stays, get in touch with our team on the phone 01227 903404, on email [email protected], or on WhatsApp.
