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 1 to 20.
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.
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!
Beach
Bognor Regis
Bognor Regis East Beach is the most popular beach in Bognor Regis due to its close proximity to the town centre as well as the Foreshore Office and the food and drink stands on the promenade.
Railway
Hastings
Information about one of Hastings' most recognisable landmarks. East Hill Lift provides easy access to the Country Park. West Hill Lift takes you to the Castle and Adventure Park.
Parkland / Woodland Garden
CHICHESTER
The Aldingbourne Country Centre is a ‘Great day out’ in West Sussex.
Visit their open farm, woodland walk, castle playground, maze, sand & water play area, ride on tractors, and indoor soft play. With their own onsite café, they also have a…
Cycling
One of the best ways to discover the Living Coast a UNESCO World Biosphere is by bike and to help you explore discover a series of tried and tested bike routes and rides to enjoy. The rides are graded easy, medium and hard, so no matter your ability…
Towns & Villages
The 13th century parish church is at the heart of Chailey, one of the largest parishes in the district.
Town
Official guide to things to do, events and places to visit near the seaside town of Worthing, boasting five miles of promenade and beach.
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.
Town
Crawley
Sitting midway between the colourful city of Brighton and the sprawl of London, Crawley is perfectly placed to explore South East England and offers dozens of attractions and accommodation providers.
Walking
Discover 40 miles of newly waymarked walking trails that criss-cross the mid-Sussex countryside including Lindfield, Handcross, East Grinstead, Balcombe and West Hoathly
Serves Local Produce
Whether it's seafood caught fresh from the sea or vegetables from a Sussex farm, drinks from one of the local Sussex vineyards or perhaps a spirit from a local distillery, you're to be able to enjoy some 'made in Sussex' or 'made in Brighton'…
Golf Course
Horsham
With breathtaking views and stunning landscapes, Leonardslee Wine Estate is home to a 37-acre vineyard, following sustainable practices, with the first release of wine in June 2024. The estimated production of 125,000 bottles of sparkling wine…
Gallery
Chichester
Pallant House Gallery is one of the UK’s most distinctive public galleries, exploring new perspectives on Modern art through critically acclaimed exhibitions, adventurous installations and engaging displays of its world-class collection.
Cafes & Tea Rooms
Haywards Heath
Whether it is a catch up with friends on the terrace when the sun is shining, Sunday lunch, a romantic dinner, business lunch to impress, wedding or special celebration or event, Jeremy's Restaurant at Borde Hill is the perfect venue.
Towns & Villages
Billingshurst
Wisborough Green lies in the northwest corner of West Sussex, astride the A272 east-west main road. The River Arun and its flood plain to the east and the heavily wooded high ground to the west maintain the essentially rural nature of the Parish and
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.
Restaurant
Eastbourne
The stunning Bistrot and terrace, Bistrot Pierre, located right on the seafront near Eastbourne Pier, is a modern and picturesque building that’s easy to spot. With sweeping panoramic views of the sea and the iconic chalk cliffs of Beachy Head, it…
Adventure Park / Playground
Littlehampton
Home to the sea, beach, riverside, picnic greens and buckets of laughs. A must do for any family planning a fun day out!
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…