With 150 kilometres 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.
Most of West Sussex is made up of the beautiful South Downs National Park, but the whole of Sussex's countryside is a joy to behold. There are elegant stately homes, fairytale castles, colourful gardens and cultural connections including Charleston, where the Bloomsbury artists and intellectuals intertwined their lives and loves.
Get up close and personal with Hastings’ smugglers, Eastbourne's adrenaline junkies, Arundel's antiques 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!
A day out in Sussex can easily be extended to two, or 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: 218
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Historic House / Palace
Petworth
The beauty and drama of this 17th century palace inspired the artist JMW Turner time and time again. Petworth became Turner’s favourite retreat and he was a regular guest of the 3rd Earl of Egremont. Today a world famous art collection fills the…
Animal Collection / Zoo
Alfriston
Widely known as the best small zoo in Europe, Drusillas Park offers a fun-tastic day out that includes hundreds of exotic animals, from monkeys and meerkats to penguins and pandas.
Towns & Villages
Denton, a suburb of Newhaven looks out across the harbour and Tide Mills.
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.
Towns & Villages
Newick is a lovely village with many buildings of special architectural and historic importance including an 11th century church. Newick, like many other Sussex villages, has kept its village green.
Theatre
Worthing
The Art Deco Connaught Theatre, Cinema and Studio hosts a wide variety of plays ranging from musicals and thrillers to drama and children’s shows as well as 2D and 3D blockbuster films.
Towns & Villages
The market town of Horsham is set in outstanding parkland and countryside. Find things to do, shopping, restaurants and explore nearby places
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.
Towns & Villages
Bolney
Bolney is a village and civil parish in the Mid Sussex district of West Sussex.
Towns & Villages
Bury is a picturesque village nestling beneath the downs and beside River Arun. There are many attractive old cottages, some thatched and some roofed with Horsham stone.
Towns & Villages
Slaugham is a small village around an attractive green, and its large lake is one of the sources of the River Ouse. The Norman Church has a 13th century tower with a Victorian clock set in its north side.
Vineyard
Polegate
Rathfinny Wine Estate was established in 2010 near Alfriston in the South Downs of Sussex, one of England’s exceptional natural landscapes, with the express intention of producing some of the world’s best sparkling wine.
Access to the Estate is by
Historic Site
Pevensey
A Roman fortress built in 4thC as a defence against Saxon pirates, includes fine west gate. Norman castle built within Roman walls contains remains of unusual keep. Tudor gun. Exhibition.
Castle / Fort
SHOREHAM-BY-SEA
Shoreham Fort built in 1857 is now the last of its kind and definitely worth a visit on event and open days
Conference / Exhibition Centre
Eastbourne
The Congress Theatre is Grade II* listed. Purpose built, the theatre and conference venue has a seating capacity of 1655, and is one of the largest theatres on the south coast.
Museum
Brighton
Brighton Museum has dynamic and innovative galleries - including fashion and style, 20th century art and design, and world art. There is a continuing programme of temporary exhibitions. Also a museum shop and education facilities.
Railway
Hastings
Information about one of Hastings' most recognisable landmarks. East Hill Lift provides easy access to the Country Park. West Hill Lift takes you to the Castle and Adventure Park.
Towns & Villages
Battle is a town most famous for the 1066 Norman Conquest and Battle of Hastings. The Abbey commemorates this and there are plenty of things to do nearby.
Gallery
Eastbourne
Towner, the contemporary art museum, is Eastbourne's new art gallery and centre for the visual arts in the South East.
Cycle/Vehicle Hire
EMSWORTH
• Offering electric mountain bike rental in the South Downs and New Forest, we have meeting points at Amberley Station
• Petersfield Station
• Queen Elizabeth Country Park
• Brockenhurst Station
All of these locations are ideally placed to get…
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