West Sussex is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in South East England. It was created on 1 April 1974 when the old county of Sussex was divided into East and West under reforms of local government. The county includes a long stretch of English Channel coastline, rural lowlands and chalk downland, and is home to roughly 810,000 residents.

Geography and landscape

The county extends from coastal resorts and fishing ports inland to the ridges of the South Downs National Park. Much of the landscape is agricultural, with areas of woodland and chalk streams. West Sussex borders Hampshire to the west, Surrey to the north, and East Sussex to the east. The county town is Chichester, near the coast.

Administration and population

Local government in West Sussex is organised as a county council with several district and borough councils. Major urban centres include Crawley, Worthing, Horsham and Chichester, each serving as economic or cultural hubs. The presence of Gatwick Airport and associated business parks around Crawley gives the county an important role in regional transport and commerce.

History and heritage

Before the 1974 reorganisation West Sussex was part of the ancient county of Sussex, whose roots go back to Roman and Anglo-Saxon times. The area contains numerous historic sites: Roman remains, medieval castles, and long‑established market towns. Notable heritage locations draw visitors and contribute to the county's character.

Economy, transport and culture

The local economy is a mix of service industries, light manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. Gatwick Airport is a major transport hub with national and international connections. Cultural life includes theatres, festivals and historic estates; sporting and equestrian events are prominent at venues such as Goodwood. Coastal towns rely on tourism in summer months while inland areas support farming and small enterprise.

Distinctive facts and governance

The split of historic Sussex into East and West under the Local Government Act 1972 established the modern administrative county; this change has generally been accepted locally. The neighbouring county of East Sussex shares much of the historic identity but differs in administrative arrangements and some local services. For official information about services, planning and visiting, see local council and tourism pages.

  • Major towns: Crawley, Worthing, Horsham, Chichester
  • Key features: South Downs National Park, coastal resorts, Gatwick Airport
  • Heritage: castles, Roman sites, historic cathedrals and estates

West Sussex combines coastal and rural landscapes with transport links and historical richness, making it an important county within the south‑east of England.

More on Sussex history | Regional context | East Sussex relation | Local Government Act details