Start our journey with the impressive fortifications and castles that guarded the borders of West Sussex during the turbulent medieval times.

Our first destination is the National Trust-owned Cissbury Ring, an ancient hilltop fort that, although dating back to the Iron Age, was also used in the Middle Ages. This place offers not only a fascinating history, but also breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Walking along the ramparts, you can imagine what life was like for the guards guarding these lands centuries ago. Cissbury Ring is the perfect place for a family picnic and long walks among the lush countryside.

The next point on our map is Bramber Castle, an impressive Norman fortress whose ruins still tower over the area. Built in the 11th century by William De Braose, the first Lord Bramber, the castle was a key defensive point in the region. Today you can explore the remains of the mighty walls, imagine the life of the medieval garrison and enjoy the panoramic views from the height of the castle hill. This is an ideal place for families with children to let their imagination run wild and feel like little knights or princesses.

For those who want to feel the atmosphere of medieval tournaments, a must-stop is the Loxwood Joust. This unique event, held in the summer, allows you to travel back in time and experience the authentic atmosphere of a medieval festival. Here you can enjoy spectacular displays of knightly combat, learn to shoot a bow, watch falconry demonstrations or participate in craft workshops. Loxwood Joust is not only entertaining, but also a living history lesson that is sure to be memorable for both children and adults.

When comparing the three places, it is worth noting that each offers a slightly different experience. Cissbury Ring is all about getting in touch with nature and panoramic views, perfect for lovers of leisurely strolls. Bramber Castle, on the other hand, allows for a more tangible experience of medieval defensive architecture. Loxwood Joust stands out for its dynamic atmosphere and the opportunity to actively participate in medieval 'life,' making it particularly attractive for families with children. All three sites are relatively easy to access and offer free or inexpensive admission, making them attractive options for different groups of visitors.

In this part of our trip, we will focus on sites that hold many of the secrets and legends of medieval West Sussex.

We will start with Devil's Jumps, a mysterious Bronze Age barrow complex that also played an important role in medieval times. Located in a line on the crest of a hill, these five mounds have captured the imagination of the region's inhabitants for centuries. According to local legends, the devil himself was said to leap from one barrow to another, hence their name. The site offers not only a fascinating history, but also beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. This is an ideal destination for families who enjoy hiking and discovering the mysteries of the past.

The next point on our itinerary is Cowdray Ruins - the impressive remains of one of England's most magnificent Tudor palaces. Although the main part of the building dates back to the 16th century, the site has a rich medieval history. The ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of the English aristocracy over the centuries. Walking among the majestic remains of the walls and towers, you can feel the spirit of bygone eras. Cowdray Ruins is also a picturesque backdrop for numerous cultural events, including polo tournaments, which adds a special charm to the place.

Next we will visit Michelham Priory House & Gardens - a unique combination of a medieval monastery, a Tudor mansion and beautiful gardens. This place offers a fascinating journey through centuries of English history. Here you can see the longest medieval water moat in England, explore the historic interiors and enjoy the tranquility of the picturesque gardens. Michelham Priory is an ideal place for families, offering numerous educational and entertaining activities for visitors of all ages.

When comparing the three places, it is worth noting their diversity and unique character. Devil's Jumps offers the most natural and mysterious experience, perfect for nature and legend lovers. Cowdray Ruins impress with their scale and majesty, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of a medieval and Tudor court. Michelham Priory stands out for having the richest educational and recreational offerings, combining elements of a monastery, manor house and garden.

In terms of accessibility, Devil's Jumps is free and open year-round, but requires good physical fitness due to the need to hike. Cowdray Ruins and Michelham Priory offer more facilities for visitors, including organized tours and events, but involve an entrance fee. Michelham Priory appears to be the most family-friendly for families with young children due to the variety of attractions and amenities.

In the final part of our tour of West Sussex's medieval treasures, we will visit sites that were centers of culture, religion and power in medieval times.

We'll start with Boxgrove Priory, a fascinating example of medieval sacred architecture. This Benedictine abbey, founded in the 12th century, still impresses today with its Romanesque and Gothic beauty. Although most of the monastery's original buildings have not survived to the present day, the surviving Priory Church offers an extraordinary experience for lovers of history and architecture. Here you can admire the elaborate vaulted ceilings, medieval carvings and feel the atmosphere of a place that for centuries was a center of spirituality and learning. Boxgrove Priory is the perfect place for quiet contemplation and learning about medieval sacred art.

Last but not least on our trip is Lewes Castle and Museum. This imposing Norman fortress, built shortly after William the Conqueror conquered England, towers over the town of Lewes and offers a fascinating insight into the region's history. Lewes Castle was not only a powerful fortification, but also an administrative and judicial center. Today, you can climb the castle tower for panoramic views of the area, explore the ruins and visit the museum full of fascinating artifacts related to the history of the castle and the region. This place offers the perfect mix of education and adventure, ideal for families with children of all ages.

When comparing Boxgrove Priory and Lewes Castle, it's worth noting their different characters. Boxgrove Priory offers a more intimate and spiritual experience, focused on sacred architecture and religious history. It is an ideal place for those seeking peace and contemplation. Lewes Castle, on the other hand, presents a more dynamic and comprehensive offering, combining military, administrative and educational elements. This is a great option for families looking for active sightseeing and interactive historical experiences.

In terms of accessibility, both sites are relatively easy to reach and offer amenities for visitors. Boxgrove Priory is free to visit, making it an attractive option for travelers on a budget. Lewes Castle requires an entrance fee, but offers a wider range of attractions and museum displays in return.

To sum up our tour of West Sussex's medieval treasures, it's worth noting how rich and varied the region's history is. From massive fortifications and castles, to mysterious barrows and ruins, to centers of medieval culture and power, each of the sites visited offers a unique experience and allows you to explore different aspects of medieval life. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a family looking for an educational experience, or simply a lover of beautiful scenery and architecture, West Sussex has much to offer. We encourage you to explore these fascinating sites in person and create your own unforgettable memories surrounded by West Sussex's medieval treasures.