Aerial of Ouse Viaduct taken from Borde Hill Gardens, Credit Experience West Sussex

Ouse Valley Viaduct, Mid Sussex

Between Haywards Heath and Balcombe

Things To Do in Sussex

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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

Whether you're ooking for a gardeners paradise at 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: 256

, currently showing 81 to 100.

  1. Wivelsfield

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    Type:

    Village

    Wivelsfield

    On the border of East and West Sussex just north east of Burgess Hill, is the large village of Wivelsfield.

  2. Stansted Park

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    Historic House / Palace

    Stansted Park is home to stunning weddings, forest walks, afternoon teas and some of the best events in the south! Visit the Mansion for a real sense of a bygone era.

  3. Arlington

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    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.

  4. Bodiam

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    Type:

    Village

    Bodiam, nestled in the picturesque East Sussex countryside, is a charming village renowned for its iconic medieval castle and idyllic surroundings. A wonderful collection of attractions creates a tapestry of historical, leisure and nostalgic…

  5. Gravetye Manor Restaurant

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    Restaurants

    East Grinstead

    Gravetye's award-winning Michelin Star restaurant provides uninterrupted views of its glorious gardens. They hold a Michelin Star and were awarded two Michelin Keys by the Michelin Guide in 2024.

  6. Roebuck Estates

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    Type:

    Experiences

    Petworth

    Roebuck Estates was founded in 2013 with the intention of crafting exceptional vintage sparkling wine.

    You can experience Roebuck Estates Wines for yourself at The View, our idyllic sparkling wine tasting area perched at the top of the vineyard…

  7. Knockhatch Adventure Park

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    Adventure Park / Playground

    Hailsham

    Exciting family rides
    Amazing indoor & outdoor play
    Zoo, Daily Owl Displays & much more!

  8. Borde Hill Garden

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    Garden

    Haywards Heath

    A historical formal Garden, woodlands, lakes, parkland and adventure playground.

    Event days. Café & restaurant, art gallery, gift shop. Dogs permitted

  9. Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

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    Museum

    Brighton

    Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is located in the Royal Pavilion garden, at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter.

  10. Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest

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    Forest

    CRANBROOK

    The National Pinetum is a world-class collection of dramatic conifers and a beautiful setting for a country walk in all seasons.

  11. Passies Pond

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    Type:

    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.

  12. Gatwick

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    Town

    With the villages of Horley and Copthorne and the town of Crawley close by there's more to Gatwick than the international airport.

  13. West Beach Bar & Kitchen

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    Bar

    Brighton

    Located on Brighton beach, at the base of Brighton i360, West Beach is a casual dining restaurant with spectacular sea views. It has one of the city’s largest beachfront terraces, perfect for an alfresco meal or drinks.

  14. Brighton Toy and Model Museum

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    Type:

    Museum

    Brighton

    Located in four Victorian cellars under Brighton Railway Station, the Brighton Toy and Model Museum will invoke many childhood memories and dreams.

  15. Chichester Festival Theatre

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    Type:

    Theatres & Cinemas

    Chichester

    Chichester Festival Theatre creates inspiring experiences and exceptional stories that inspire, delight and bring people together – on and off the stage. We connect inventive artists with imaginative audiences. We bring theatre to schools and youth…

  16. Cliff Railways - East Hill

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    Railway

    Hastings

    East Hill Lift provides easy access to the Country Park

  17. Twineham

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    Village

    Twineham lies in the Adur valley with several attractive houses, including Twineham Place Farm dating from 1620. St Peter's Church is early Tudor, made of mellow red brick with a Horsham slate roof. There are covered pews, a gallery under the tower,

  18. Hartfield

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    Towns & Villages

    Hartfield

    Hartfield is famous for being the home of A.A. Milne, author of the Winnie the Pooh books, and the location for the "Poohsticks Bridge".

  19. Winchelsea

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    Town

    Once one of England’s most thriving ports, now landlocked, this tranquil hilltop town sits upon a honeycomb of hidden cellars.

  20. Rottingdean Beach

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    Beach

    Brighton

    Rottingdean Beach is a shingle beach located in the charming coastal village of Rottingdean, near Brighton, offering a gentler pace than its busier neighbour.