A new television series that turns the camera on Sussex’s coastline, countryside and communities will begin on Channel 5 this month. Sussex: Jewel of the South Coast launches on Saturday 25 July at 8pm, running for five episodes that travel the county from coast to downs.
What the series covers
Filmed across both East and West Sussex, the programme aims to capture the county’s natural scenery, traditional trades and historic places. Viewers will see locations including Chichester, Rye, Lewes, Hastings and the dramatic cliffs at Beachy Head, together with more intimate features on people whose livelihoods and projects shape the local area.
- Conservation and fishing: a feature on third-generation lobster fishermen, with attention to conservation measures alongside daily work.
- Farming traditions: a farming family working to protect the lineage of a Sussex cattle breed that has grazed local pastures for centuries.
- Gardens and heritage: visits to well-known gardens such as Great Dixter and to historic sites including the Bluebell Railway.
- Restoration and archaeology: the restoration of the Prince Regent’s piano in Brighton and divers investigating a 17th-century shipwreck.
The series will also follow the public opening of Chichester Cathedral’s spire, offering rare access to a prominent West Sussex landmark.
When to watch
The first episode airs on 25 July at 8pm. Episode two is scheduled for 1 August at 7pm; remaining episodes will continue through August on Saturday evenings. The programme forms part of Channel 5’s 'Jewel of' strand, which has previously included titles such as Isle of Wight: Jewel of the South.
| Episode | Air date | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 July, 8pm | Wildlife release on the shoreline; coastal scenes |
| 2 | 1 Aug, 7pm | Further county stories; farming and preservation |
Local angle and impact
For West Sussex residents the series offers a familiar but potentially fresh view of places many will recognise. Chichester’s inclusion — notably the spire opening — could draw interest from locals and day-trippers alike, while features on vineyards, independent shops and cafés may provide a welcome boost to small businesses that rely on tourism.
With sequences shot on the coast, on the South Downs and in town centres, the programme is likely to appeal to audiences keen on rural conservation, heritage railways, and traditional crafts. Those involved in featured projects may see increased enquiries and visitors following broadcast, so organisations and attractions taking part should prepare for a possible rise in interest.
Channel 5’s decision to profile Sussex in a five-part run underlines the continuing appetite for regional storytelling on national television and offers a reminder of the mix of landscapes and livelihoods that characterise this corner of the South East.
