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Things To Do in Sussex

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Towns & Villages Search

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Towns & Villages Search

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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.

Places to visit in Sussex

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.

Top 10 things to do in Sussex

Things to do in Sussex this weekend

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.

Accommodation

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.

List of things to do & places to visit for days out in Sussex

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.

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Number of results: 261

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Birling Gap

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    Towns & Villages

    Situated at the base of the chalk cliffs called the Seven Sisters. Shingle giving way to sand with areas of rock pools.

  2. Arundel

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    Town

    Arundel

    Arundel is a charming, stylish market town famous for its landmarks, Arundel Castle and Arundel Cathedral. Find things to do and places to visit nearby

  3. Grand Central Brighton

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    Pub/Inn

    Brighton

    Centrally located in near Brighton train station, Grand Central stands tall as one of the city's best-loved establishments. With British-inspired menus, you'd be spoilt for choice featuring refined pub classics crafted from fresh, seasonal…

  4. East Wittering

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    Village

    Chichester

    East Wittering lies on the same shore of the Selsey Peninsular and provides a sandy beach at low tide, pebbly at high tide.

  5. West Dean Gardens

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    Garden

    Chichester

    Creatively inspired by its rich heritage and South Downs setting, West Dean Gardens is brimming with features to enjoy. The gardens include a Walled Kitchen Garden and 13 working Victorian glasshouses, extensive and richly planted grounds including…

  6. West Dean College

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    Arts Centre

    Chichester

    West Dean College of Arts and Conservation is an internationally recognised centre of arts and craft education for all levels, welcoming students for beginner one day courses, to Masters degrees.

  7. Lodsworth

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    Village

    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.

  8. The Long Man of Wilmington

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    Historic Site

    Polegate

    See how the Long Man of Wilmington is a striking image on the Sussex hillside. Europe’s largest human representation cut into the South Downs, it's baffled historians for hundreds of years

  9. Herstmonceux Castle Estate

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    Garden

    Hailsham

    Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificent moated castle, set in 550 acres of glorious parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens.

  10. Amberley

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    Village

    Amberley

    Amberley is set on the River Arun with many flint walled, thatched cottages, a medieval castle (now a hotel) and a fascinating Industrial Museum.

  11. Royal Pavilion

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    Historic House / Palace

    Brighton

    The Royal Pavilion is an exotic palace in the centre of Brighton with a colourful history. Built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, this historic house mixes Regency grandeur with the visual style of India and China.

  12. Hurstpierpoint

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    Village

    Hustpierpoint is a village in the centre of Sussex which was mentioned in the Doomsday book. It stands out with its unique blend of historical allure, scenic landscapes, and a lively community spirit.

  13. Littlehampton - Coastguard Station Beach

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    Beach

    Littlehampton

    Littlehampton - Coastguard Station Beach

  14. Chailey

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    Towns & Villages

    The 13th century parish church is at the heart of Chailey, one of the largest parishes in the district.

  15. Bognor Regis

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    Town

    Famous for long hours of sunshine, royal visits and Billy Butlin, Bognor Regis is a popular traditional seaside holiday resort on England’s south coast.

  16. Wakehurst

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    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

  17. Highdown Gardens

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    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    Worthing

    A unique and beautiful garden on downland countryside overlooking the sea. The Chalk Garden is the achievement of Sir Frederick and Lady Stern who worked for 50 years to prove that plants would grow on chalk. Green Flag Award winner.

  18. Lancing

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    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…

  19. Rye

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    Towns & Villages

    Rye's ancient medieval streets are clustered around a sandstone hillside, over River Rother and Romney Marsh. Find things to do and places to visit nearby.

  20. Egerton Park

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    Country / Royal Park

    Bexhill

    Enjoy a game of tennis on one of the outdoor courts, try your hand at bowls or take a boat out on the lake. Children of all ages will love the play-zone with a range of exciting equipment including a zip-wire, climbing unit with tree house and sand…