With 140 miles of coastline and acres of countryside, there are thousands of things to do in a visit to Sussex, whether you're a thrill-seeker, a shopaholic, a nature lover or a foodie - and since you're never more than an hour from London, the capital's delights can play a part in your stay here.
Sussex is filled with the beautiful South Downs National Park, the High Weald and Chichester Harbour, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB). The whole of Sussex's countryside is a joy to behold, rich with elegant stately homes, fairy-tale castles, colourful gardens and cultural connections. The county links coast and countryside, East Sussex and West Sussex smoothly together.
Get up close and personal with Hastings’ smugglers, Eastbourne's adrenaline junkies, Arundel's antiques, Worthing's natural playground, Chichester's Roman history and Brighton's gastronomy. Discover more about the county's towns and villages using our interactive map of Sussex.
Explore more than 200 of Sussex's tourist attractions - many of which are open all year round, so find something to do today with listings for attractions each showing a map and opening times for your convenience. Or why not browse our events guide to find out what's on in Sussex today or this week in the east and west of the county.
Drusillas Park in East Sussex is widely regarded as the best small zoo in Europe. However, animals are only half the fun; visitors can also explore the large adventure play areas and meet their TV heroes!
The Sussex Guild Shop & Gallery, Lewes is great for those looking for a gift or chance to explore the work of local professional designers. Home to over 100 members, it is located in the imposing Elizabethan house, the Southover Grange.
Visit Arundel with its thousands of years of history, independent shops, art galleries and restaurants. Wander the cobbled streets, explore the riverside or head off road to the South Downs for countryside walks and cycling.
A day out in Sussex can easily be extended to two, three or more days, and luckily Sussex offers an array of hotels, inns, B&Bs and other accommodation that will not only help you extend your stay but enhance it.
For more information about Sussex, including ideas for days out, attractions and events, view the list below for information on things to do and towns and villages within the county. Use the 'map view' button to find something near you.
Number of results: 258
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Alfriston
Make WILD memories and enjoy a great family day out at the award-winning Drusillas Park. Drusillas offers a loving home to over one hundred exotic animals, including sloths and penguins!
Towns & Villages
Brighton & Hove
Rottingdean is an ideal place to spend an afternoon browsing the shops and galleries, relaxing in Rudyard Kipling's gardens or taking tea in a traditional English tearoom.
Towns & Villages
Staplefield is an attractive village three miles north-west of Cuckfield. The former local industry of tanning was carried out in Tanyard Lane, with the pits for soaking the hides at The Grange. The Jolly Tanners Inn reflects this industry.
Beach
Brighton
Saltdean beach is shingle between rock groynes backed by high chalk cliffs and at low tide, you have rock pools to explore. Located approximately 5 miles to the East of Brighton.
Garden
Godalming
Mature woodland garden of over 25 acres. Flowering shrubs and wild flowers especially good in spring and early summer. Fine trees, magnolias, camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons.
Town
Hove
West of Brighton is Hove where the seafront takes on a leisurely feel with the beach huts and seafront lawns overlooked by beautiful Regency architecture.
Climbing / High Ropes
Crawley
Located in South-East Crawley you can find us nestled in popular Tilgate Park. Go Ape Crawley boasts three high ropes courses and our all-terrain Forest Segways.
Historic House / Palace
Lewes
A Tudor house with Georgian additions in downland park setting. Important English and European Old Master paintings, fine furniture and notable Sevres porcelain.
Museum
Brighton
Located in four Victorian cellars under Brighton Railway Station, the Brighton Toy and Model Museum will invoke many childhood memories and dreams.
Towns & Villages
Lewes
The narrow streets of flint knapped cottages do not seem to have changed for centuries. There are lovely walks from the village to Charleston Farmhouse (home of Vanessa Bell and other members of the Bloomsbury Group) and up to Firle Beacon.
Towns & Villages
Landmarks are Treyford Hill at 770ft, and the Shepherd's Church of St Andrews which dates from 1220. The church is always open and is lit only by candles.
Museum
Bexhill-on-Sea
A friendly, local museum with a surprising variety of displays spread over three galleries, lillustrating the geology, natural and local history and archaeology of the area.
Abbey / Priory
Battle
An abbey founded by William the Conqueror on the site of the Battle of Hastings. Battlefield views and new visitor centre with film and interactive exhibition.
Historic House / Palace
Pulborough
Set in the heart of an ancient deer park, Parham House and Gardens is situated below the South Downs. The house and gardens have been lovingly restored by the Pearson family who bought Parham in 1922.
Towns & Villages
Hartfield
Hartfield is famous for being the home of A.A. Milne, author of the Winnie the Pooh books, and the location for the "Poohsticks Bridge".
Animal Collection / Zoo
Lingfield
The British Wildlife Centre is the best place to see and learn about Britain’s own wonderful wildlife, with over forty different species including deer, foxes, otters, badgers, pine martens and red squirrels.
Towns & Villages
Newhaven
Originally a Saxon Settlement, the town of Newhaven is now a thriving harbour town linking the South East Coast of Britain with mainland Europe.
Garden
HAYWARDS HEATH
Stunning photos of magnificent botanic gardens owned by Kew & all you may wish to know prior to a visit including the world's largest wild plant seed bank
Towns & Villages
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent was one of the most fashionable towns of Georgian England, from the discovery of Chalybeate Spring 400 years ago
Towns & Villages
Walk along the riverbank from Lewes via Offham and you will come to the little village of Hamsey. It is said that Hamsey was almost wiped out by plague. All that remains of the village today is the beautiful old church on its grassy knoll overlooking