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
, currently showing 241 to 260.
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.
Forest
CRANBROOK
The National Pinetum is a world-class collection of dramatic conifers and a beautiful setting for a country walk in all seasons.
Adventure Park / Playground
Eastbourne
At the heart of the park lies a large artificial lake, frequently used by two resident clubs for racing model yachts and powerboats. The lake is home to numerous swans and other bird species, including some rare migratory visitors.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Hartfield
Pooh Corner is a gift shop specialising in Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends. The timber frame building is some 300 years old and has low ceilings - so you may have to duck your head to cross the threshold.
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Brighton
With its beautiful woodland walks and extensive open lands, Stanmer Park is just as perfect for a family picnic as it is for a kick about with your friends or those looking for a bracing walk over the Downs
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…
Towns & Villages
Bolney
Bolney is a village and civil parish in the Mid Sussex district of West Sussex.
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.
Towns & Villages
The 13th century parish church is at the heart of Chailey, one of the largest parishes in the district.
Town
Hove
West of Brighton is Hove where the seafront takes on a leisurely feel with the beach huts and seafront lawns overlooked by beautiful Regency architecture.
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
Town
Steeped in History and set against the inspiring landscape of the South Downs, Steyning is one of the most picturesque towns in Sussex.
Garden
Haywards Heath
High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden is a beautiful, tranquil and historic garden of some 27 acres. It was begun more than 100 years ago and is full of rare and important plants and trees.
Cities
Brighton
Vibrant, colourful and creative - three words that describe Brighton & Hove, one of the UK’s favourite seaside cities.
Cycle/Vehicle Hire
Brighton
Brighton & Hove bike hire allows you to ride a bike safely for 15 miles without crossing any busy roads as we’re the only cycle hire service right on the seafront cycle lane.
Museum
Bexhill-on-Sea
A friendly, local museum with a surprising variety of displays spread over three galleries, lillustrating the geology, natural and local history and archaeology of the area.
Towns & Villages
Polegate
The civil Parish of Arlington comprises two villages. Arlington dates from Roman times and has a Saxon church. Upper Dicker village further north, developed in the late 19th century when Horatio Bottomley built and extended a cottage here.
Theme Park
Newhaven
From plants to play, Paradise Park has something for all generations of the family to enjoy a unique and exciting day out. Visit Planet Earth Museum, Sussex Plant House, Sussex History Trail, themed gardens and extensive indoor and outdoor play…
Towns & Villages
Tenterden
Tenterden, known as the ‘Jewel of the Weald’, offers the best of all worlds; fascinating history, a wealth of architecture and excellent shopping.
Museum
Tenterden
The Colonel Stephens Railway Museum
Recording the Career of Holman Fred Stephens, Light RailwayPromoter,
Engineer and Manager, His Family, His Railways and His Successors.
''A Quart of a Museum in a Pint pot'' - Old Glory Magazine