Credit Visit Eastbourne
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: 260
, 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!
Town
Storrington
Storrington, once the home of a flourishing 1930s artistic community based around the Roman Catholic Priory, now a bustling place ideal for using as a base for exploring the South Downs. Storrington Museum
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
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.
Beach
Chichester
West Wittering is situated on the western coast of the Selsey Peninsula and has a large expanse of firm sand, ideal for children to play and safe for bathing.
Family Fun & Activities
Angmering , Littlehampton
Welcome to Out Of Bounds! Have fun and experience exciting indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.
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".
Towns & Villages
Situated at the base of the chalk cliffs called the Seven Sisters. Shingle giving way to sand with areas of rock pools.
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.
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.
Village
Albourne
Albourne, a small village with a population of about 600, is situated in the low Weald and Mid Sussex, just north of the South Downs.
Restaurant
Haywards Heath
Wood fired pizzeria & wine bar based in Haywards Heath, Sussex. Along with fresh pizza, made using homemade, slow proved dough and local ingredients the wine bar also boasts a great selection of interesting and local wines, cocktails and craft beer.
Town
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
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.
Town
A charming town steeped in history and bustling with boutiques, nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Petworth is a perfectly preserved market town within easy reach of London. Renowned for its independent shops and awarded "Best…
Farm
Lancing
In Coombes, near Lancing, West Sussex, England UK where the Passmore family have been farming for 5 generations since 1901.
Towns & Villages
Piddinghoe was once at the heart of Sussex Smuggling. It is also famous for having the only remaining bottle-shaped brick kiln in the country.
Historic House / Palace
Lewes
Farley House offers you a warm welcome in the spirit of its former Surrealist occupants, the photographer Lee Miller and the painter and biographer of Picasso, Roland Penrose.
Towns & Villages
Plumpton is another village of two halves. The southern end of the village is cut across by the South Downs Way near the site of an Early Bronze Age settlement.
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