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.
Sightseeing
Brighton
Take to the skies to see Brighton and the South Coast as you have never seen them before!
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.
Garden
Chichester
West Dean College is the home of expert teaching in an inspirational setting, with an award-winning garden, a host of garden events and an excellent gardens restaurant. Nestling in the South Downs National Park, close to Chichester in West Sussex.
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.
Science Centre
Hailsham
The Observatory Science Centre is one of the leading "hands-on" science centres with over 100 exhibits. As the former home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, with its domes and telescopes, visitors can savour its unique atmosphere.
Towns & Villages
West Chiltington
West Chiltington, with sunken tree lined lanes and the attractive, unaltered 12th Century church of St Mary's with an oak shingle covered spire and ancient wall paintings
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
Concert Hall
Brighton
The Brighton Centre is the largest purpose built events venue on the South Coast.
Beach
Hastings
Hastings' main beach backs right onto the seafront of this established seaside resort town so you are never far away from the town's facilities and attractions.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
RYE
Housed in a converted Victorian sail loft at the foot of Mermaid Street, Rye Heritage Centre is the home of the unique ‘Story of Rye’ Town Model Sound and Light Show- a delightful scale model of the town that plays a 20 minute show bringing the…
Towns & Villages
This little village is home to McBeans the world famous orchid grower.
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
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
The 13th century parish church is at the heart of Chailey, one of the largest parishes in the district.
Towns & Villages
Handcross, is a Victorian village close to the A23 main London to Brighton road. Nearby are the 30 acres of Nymans Gardens run by the National Trust, as well as the 20 acres of woodland and water gardens at The High Beeches.
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Horsham
Leechpool is an ancient woodland covering 53 acres and includes Oak, Ash, Hazel, Hawthorn, Holly, Blackthorn, Sweet Chestnut and Scots Pine.
Vineyard
Ditchling, Hassocks
Ridgeview was established in 1995 and is renowned as a pioneer in emerging English sparkling wine industry. We offer tours, tastings and corporate hire at our state of the art winery, which overlooks the South Downs National Park.
Gallery
HASTINGS
The Jerwood Gallery is now closed. On 6 July 2019 it relaunches as Hastings Contemporary. Providing a platform for exhibitions by some of the world's most celebrated artists, first up are Tal R and Roy Oxlade, plus works by David Bomberg & Sir…
Sports Ground
Lewes
Plumpton Racecourse is one of the most successful smaller jump racecourses in the country, staging sixteen National Hunt meetings from September to May.
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.
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