Stunning view taken by paragliders over Eastbourne seafront.

Discover Eastbourne

Credit Visit Eastbourne

Things To Do in Sussex

Share this with

x

  • Towns & Villages Search

Towns & Villages Search

Type:
Keyword:

Towns & Villages Search

Type:
Keyword:

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.

Number of results:

Number of results: 260

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Forest

    CRANBROOK

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

  2. Gatwick

    Type

    Type:

    Town

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

  3. Preston Manor & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Brighton

    A delightful manor house which belonged to the Stanford family for over 200 years and which still has the atmosphere of an Edwardian country house.

  4. Horsham

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Horsham

    The market town of Horsham is set in outstanding parkland and countryside. Find things to do, shopping, restaurants and explore nearby places

  5. East Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Whatever your choice, East Sussex is a unique mix of beautiful market towns, laid-back beach life and unspoilt countryside.

  6. Rodmell

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Lewes

    Rodmell is a small, quiet and charming village nestling in some of the finest scenery of the South Downs. It lies in the lower valley of the Ouse some four miles south of Lewes, the County Town of East Sussex, and a similar distance north of the…

  7. Pevensey Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Pevensey

    A Roman fortress built in 4thC as a defence against Saxon pirates, includes fine west gate. Norman castle built within Roman walls contains remains of unusual keep. Tudor gun. Exhibition.

  8. Lodsworth

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  9. Sompting

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    The western end and northern parts of the parish of Sompting remain mainly rural with an abundance of flint walls, older houses and cottages. The church of St Mary's was built around 1000 and features a fine Saxon tower with a Rhenish Helm (the last…

  10. Best views of the Seven Sisters

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    The Seven Sisters are part of a magnificent stretch of coastline between Seaford and Eastbourne, including Beachy Head beauty spot.

  11. Marina St Leonards Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    St Leonards-On-Sea

    Marina St Leonards Beach

  12. Worthing Museum and Art Gallery

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Worthing

    Varied collections including art, costume, toys, archaeology and local history. Exciting programme of rotation exhibitions throughout the year. Garden hosts changing sculpture exhibitions.

  13. Hastings Museum and Art Gallery

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Hastings

    Visit Hastings’ family-friendly and diverse Museum and Art Gallery for an exploration of art, heritage and history from around the world.

  14. Eastbourne

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Eastbourne

    Stroll along three miles of pristine palm-lined promenade, take in a show at the elegant art-deco inspired Bandstand, admire the views from the iconic Victorian Pier or simply admire the breath-taking beauty of the coastal landmarks at Beachy Head…

  15. Bistrot Pierre

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  16. Shoreham-by-Sea

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Shoreham-by-Sea, is a historic town with a centre which reflects the architecture of its fishing history. There are old cottages, houses and some beautiful churches. Yet the town is vibrant and well worth a visit.

  17. Seven Sisters Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Seaford

    Situated in the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Seven Sisters Country Park comprises 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland.

  18. South Downs National Park

    Type

    Type:

    National Park


    The South Downs, now a newly designated National Park are easily accessible from Worthing.  The South Downs Way runs from Winchester to Eastbourne and can be accessed at several points around Worthing or Adur.

    Discovery ticket:

    The new…

  19. Mucky Duck Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Pub/Inn

    Rudgwick, Horsham

    A traditional Sussex country pub /restaurant with superior en-suite accommodation in a separate building.Family garden with children's play area and adult beer garden with giant chess board.

  20. Bognor Regis

    Type

    Type:

    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.