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, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB) now known as National Landscape. 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, Chichester's Roman history, Littlehampton's harbour, Brighton's gastronomy, Rye's cobbled citadel, Bognor Regis sunshine, East Grinstead character. 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. Browse our events guide to find out what's on in Sussex today or this week and plan your next visit to the east and west of the county.
Free time this weekend? Head to the historic town of Lewes and wander its narrow streets that nestle in the heart of the South Downs. Pay a visit to Sussex Guild Shop & Gallery, 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.
Don't miss the chance to explore the charming town of Arundel with its thousands of years of history, independent shops, art galleries and restaurants. Wander the cobbled streets, explore the riverside, visit the famous castle or head off road to the South Downs for countryside walks and cycling. Head along in August for the fantastic free Arundel Festival of Arts which runs for 10-days within the town.
Dive into a nostalgic visit with time in Bexhill-on-Sea, a creative hotstop, with vintage shops, independant cafe's and plenty of sea air and sea views to enjoy. Take in the stunning seaviews across the bay to Eastbourne and Beachy Head or Galley Hill and Hastings.
Explore the stunning natural beauty of Mid Sussex from the world famous gardens of Wakehurst to the breathtaking Ouse Valley Viaduct. Take a wander along one of the the recently mapped 'About the Place' walking trails which cover 40 miles in 7 circular walks across the district.
Looking for a gardeners paradise Gravetye Manor, five-star luxury by the sea The Grand, an award-winning campsite Stubcroft Farm, a South Downs retreat Tottington Manor or a last-minute holiday Daish's Imperial Hotel, you'll find a place thats right for you. It is easy to extend a day out in Sussex into two, three or more days with so much to do, 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: 261
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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.
Historic Site
Steyning
An enchanting historic c1470 timber-framed house, with magnificent gardens, and a tearoom, in the picturesque award-winning downland village of Bramber, West Sussex ... a place of fascination and mystery.
Garden
Chichester
Bishop's Palace Gardens is situated within the City Walls, next to the Cathedral. And it has now been developed by the council to offer a peaceful retreat for all to enjoy.
Craft Centre
Brighton
Get arty while you party at this Paint & Sip studio located in Brighton’s North Laines, right in the heart of the city. Creativity flows like a fine wine, and we encourage you to join us solo, together or meet someone new to sip, dip, splash, slosh…
Village
Herstmonceux
Herstmonceux is a village and civil parish in the Wealden District of East Sussex.
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.
Town
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…
Rural Destinations
Ashdown Forest, six and a half thousand acres of enchanted forest and heathland, is one of England's surviving primeval wonders.
Town
Horsham
The market town of Horsham is set in outstanding parkland and countryside. Find things to do, shopping, restaurants and explore nearby places
Museum
Brighton
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is located in the Royal Pavilion garden, at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter.
Village
Tudor houses, Georgian homes, village pond and mediaeval church set on the green. This is the picture postcard village of Ditchling.
Fishing
Lancing
Passies Pond is a day ticket fishery with a second lake for matches. Corporate days and junior teachings. We have been awarded centre of excellence status by the angling trades association for juniors.
Village
Turners Hill village stands on a steep ridge line at one of the highest points, (600 feet above sea level), of the Sussex Weald where two historically important routes, the B2110 and B2028, cross. There are impressive views from the centre of the vil
Garden
Hastings
A 10 minute walk from Hastings town centre, this Grade II Listed Victorian park is one of the finest to be found anywhere in the country.
Village
Hassocks
Hassocks is a attractive village situated just to the north of the South Downs in Sussex, some 7 miles from Brighton. It is ideally situated, having links by both road and rail to London and the Sussex Coast, and direct access to the South Downs. The
Castle / Fort
Hastings
Images and views of the remains of Norman Castle built after William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings. 1066 Story interpretation centre in siege tent
Live Music Venue
Brighton Marina Village, BRIGHTON
An intimate cocktail bar just a stone's throw from the incredible UV mini golf and games experience, GLOBALLS, The Great GLOBALLS cocktail bar offers a luxurious treat. Already a firm favourite with Brightonians, this recently opened hidden gem…
Forest
Crowborough
"A hidden treat". A unique 61 acre family-run working woodland, where you can still see traditional coppicing. Fascinating and beautiful at all seasons, with miles of paths and tracks to explore, including springtime bluebell walk.
Village
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.