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! 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 located in the imposing Elizabethan house, the Southover Grange.
Visit Arundel with it's thousands of years of history, independant shops, art galleries and restaurants. Wonder 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, 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: 222
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
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…
Village
Lancing, situated between the South Downs and the sea, has a long history dating back to the Stone Age. During the Bronze Age (1500 to 500BC) a sacred place was made near Lancing Ring and an incense cup and fragments of pottery from this spot are…
Theatre
Worthing
Part of Worthing Theatres, the Pavilion Theatre is situated on the promenade at the entrance to Worthing’s pier and hosts a variety of theatre, dance, music and comedy as well as events including craft fairs, children’s workshops and corporate events
Towns & Villages
Ansty is a small settlement about four miles from Haywards Heath. Its village sign, situated at the Ansty Cross was painted by the renowned local artist James Forsyth.
Museum
Eastbourne
An impressive Napoleonic circular brick fortress which provides the perfect home for the largest military museum in the South East.
Towns & Villages
Not to be confused with Telscombe, by the coast, Telscombe Village is an ancient village tucked away in the Downs. It is only accessible by a narrow meandering downland road from the C7 Lewes to Newhaven road. It is quiet and because of this, it is u
Adventure Park / Playground
Loxwood
THE LOXWOOD JOUST – is the UK’s premiere MEDIAEVAL FESTIVAL FUN DAY OUT taking place at the enchanted LOXWOOD MEADOW, LOXWOOD RH14 0AL
Towns & Villages
Chichester
West Wittering is situated on the western coast of the Selsey Peninsula and has a large expanse of firm sand, ideal for children to play and safe for bathing. Portsmouth and the isle of Wight can be seen across the water.
Historic Site
Chichester
Remains of the largest Roman domestic residence in Britain. Beautiful mosaics, museum, audio visual programme. Replanted Roman gardens and Roman gardening museum. Discounts for groups of 20+. Open Daily 1st February - 15th December.
Towns & Villages
Chichester
Selsey is an English seaside town, about 7 miles (11 kilometres) south of Chichester, West Sussex.
Towns & Villages
Plumpton is another village of two halves. The southern end of the village is cut across by the South Downs Way near the site of an Early Bronze Age settlement.
Towns & Villages
Henfield
Henfield is a delightful rural market town dating from 770AD. Its rural setting, ancient commons and friendly shops and pubs make a great destination.
Horsham Visitor Information Centre
Tel: +44 01403 211661
//www.horsham.gov.uk/leisure_and_tou
Theatres & Cinemas
Chichester
Situated between the South Downs and the sea, Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the country’s most loved and lively theatres. Come and visit!
Towns & Villages
On the edge of Ashdown Forest, historic East Grinstead is a lively market town with a charter dating from as long ago as 1221. Until the 18th Century, East Grinstead flourished as an assize and market town and as the centre of the surrounding agricul
Historic Site
Steyning
An enchanting historic 15th century timber-framed house, with magnificent gardens, in the picturesque award-winning downland village of Bramber, West Sussex ... a place of fascination and mystery. Many thousands of visitors have admired its…
Vineyard
Staplecross, Robertsbridge
England’s oldest Organic vineyard (Est. 1979) offers pop-in ‘Vineyard & Woodland Nature Trail + Wine Tasting’ for individuals, and guided tours by arrangement for groups 7 days/week Easter to Christmas. Also a range of Tour for Two’ vouchers. See 3 v
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.
Towns & Villages
Lodsworth parish is in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It comprises Lodsworth village, the hamlet of Lickfold and part of Selham, with a population of some 60.
Business Institution
Chiddingly, Lewes
Top attractions in Sussex – many in the new South Downs National Park. We boast historic houses, castles and gardens, steam railways, wildlife centres, Roman villas, the Royal Pavilion at Brighton, family fun and water activities and many others.
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