Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour on Iconic Vintage London Bus

Discover Sussex’s Sparkling Wines on a Vintage London Bus Tour from Brighton

If you’re visiting Brighton and dreaming of a relaxing day exploring England’s renowned wine country, this Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour offers a delightful blend of scenic countryside, authentic wineries, and a touch of vintage charm. For around $200 per person, you’ll spend about six and a half hours wandering through rolling vineyards, sampling award-winning sparkling wines, and enjoying a picnic amid the vines—all comfortably transported on an iconic Routemaster bus.

Two standout details make this tour particularly appealing. First, the small-group atmosphere ensures you’ll get personalized attention from knowledgeable guides and enjoy a more intimate experience. Second, the combination of guided tours, tastings, and a locally-sourced picnic creates a well-rounded day that’s both educational and delicious.

A possible drawback? The tour starts early and involves a fair bit of walking and sitting—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day outdoors and moderate activity. Still, if you appreciate good wine, charming scenery, and a bit of vintage bus nostalgia, this trip is likely to satisfy.

This experience suits travelers who want a taste of Britain’s up-and-coming wine scene without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy a unique day in Sussex’s countryside, the ease of round-trip transportation and guided visits make it a practical choice.

Key Points

• Convenient transportation from Brighton on a vintage Routemaster bus simplifies logistics.
• Guided tours and tastings at two top Sussex vineyards offer both education and enjoyment.
• A picnic lunch with locally produced goodies adds a relaxed, authentic touch.
• Small-group setting enhances comfort and personalized attention.
• Flexible itinerary with options to purchase wines and stroll around scenic grounds.
• Ideal for visitors seeking a full day of wine, scenery, and vintage charm without planning hassles.

An Authentic Escape into Sussex’s Wine Country

When we think of England’s wine regions, we often picture France or Italy, but Sussex has quietly gained a reputation for producing world-class sparkling wines. This tour makes it easy to experience that reputation firsthand without the stress of arranging transportation or tours yourself.

Starting from Brighton, the tour quickly transports you out of the city and into the lush, rolling landscape that is perfect for vineyards. The round-trip mini-coach isn’t just a ride—it’s part of the experience, with comfortable seating and plenty of room for all participants. The vintage Routemaster bus adds a nostalgic flair that makes the entire journey feel special, especially if you’re a fan of classic British design.

A Day at Court Gardens Farm

Your first stop is Court Gardens Farm, a petite but charming vineyard that offers a full guided tour of their operation. You’ll walk among the vines, getting a close-up look at the quality of Sussex grapes. Your guide will explain the process from grape to glass—an insight that makes the tasting all the more meaningful.

After the tour, you’ll be led to a sun-terrace overlooking the vineyard, where you can sample at least four award-winning sparkling wines in a tutored tasting. Reviewers like Nichola describe it as “fun and interesting,” especially appreciating the chance to enjoy a delicious wine in a beautiful setting.

The highlight here isn’t just the wine—it’s the chance to see English wine-making up close, which is often overshadowed by France or Italy. Many guests find the quality of the sparkling wines surprising—well-made, crisp, and perfect for a celebratory toast.

Picnic in the Vines

What could be better than sipping local wine in the sunshine? Your picnic hamper, carefully curated with locally-produced goodies—quiches, breads, salads, chutneys, and homemade cakes—lets you indulge picnic-style right among the vines. Served with a glass of English wine, this meal perfectly complements the tasting and adds a picnic-day charm that many reviewers rave about.

Wendy mentions how the picnic was “acceptable” and “served in shade,” which is important on warm days, making this a laid-back, memorable lunch experience. You’re encouraged to grab your hamper and find your favorite spot among the vines for a relaxed, delicious break.

Exploring Bluebell Vineyard Estates

In the afternoon, your journey continues to Bluebell Vineyard Estates for a second tasting experience. This stop is praised for its relaxed atmosphere and the variety of wines offered—still and sparkling—giving you a broader taste of Sussex’s wine potential.

Guided through a selection of wines, you’ll learn about the different styles and production methods. Visitors like Chris describe it as “a day you’ll never forget,” noting the quality of the wines and the opportunity to purchase bottles directly from the gift shop. Some take time to stroll the grounds, soaking in the scenic views, which adds to the leisurely vibe.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides who make the vineyard visits engaging and informative without feeling rushed. The small-group size ensures everyone gets attention and can ask questions freely—something you won’t get on larger tours.

The price point of just over $200 might seem high at first glance, but considering the two vineyard visits, tastings, a guided tour, a picnic lunch, and transportation, it’s actually quite good value. Guests like Chris mention the “good value for what you get”, especially when factoring in the quality of wines and the experience.

Another favorite aspect is the vintage Routemaster bus, which adds a nostalgic touch and is surprisingly comfortable for a “bus trip”—plenty of space and a real conversation starter.

Practical Tips and Considerations

While most travelers praise the tour, some note the early start and full schedule might be tiring for those unaccustomed to outdoor activity or a busy day. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as vineyard visits are outdoors.

The tour operates rain or shine, so packing an umbrella or sunhat might be wise. As it’s a small-group tour with a maximum of 30 people, booking well in advance is advisable—most people book about 77 days ahead.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning about wine in a relaxed setting, appreciates scenic countryside, and wants a taste of local Sussex produce, this tour hits the right notes.

Final Thoughts

This Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, authentic wine experiences, and vintage charm. It’s especially suited for those who want to avoid the hassle of planning, as transportation, guides, and tastings are all taken care of, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the day.

The tour’s focus on small-group intimacy and high-quality wine makes it stand out from larger, more commercial offerings. It provides a genuine taste of Sussex’s rising wine reputation, with enough flexibility for visitors to enjoy the scenery or purchase their favorite bottles.

For travelers seeking a fun, educational, and delicious day out that combines British countryside, fine wines, and a bit of nostalgia, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQ

How long is the Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including transport, visits, and lunch.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Leonardo Hotel Brighton and returns there at the end of the day.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Brighton is provided on a comfortable mini-coach, and the vintage Routemaster bus adds to the charm.

What is included in the picnic lunch?
Your picnic hamper contains locally produced goodies like quiches, breads, salads, chutneys, homemade cakes, and a glass of English wine.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to participate, as wine tasting is involved.

Can I buy wine at the vineyards?
Absolutely. Both vineyards have gift shops where you can purchase bottles of the wines you tasted.

What should I wear?
Dress for the weather—comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as vineyard visits are outdoors and weather conditions vary.

In all, this tour offers a well-rounded, authentic slice of Sussex’s burgeoning wine scene, packaged with vintage flair and expert guidance. It’s a memorable way to enjoy the English countryside and discover some of Britain’s best sparkling wines—whether you’re a connoisseur or just curious to try something different.