Sunset over Littlehampton Beach

Sunset over Littlehampton Seafront

West Sussex

Things To Do in Sussex

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Towns & Villages Search

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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

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.

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Number of results: 260

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Brighton Centre

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    Live Music Venue

    Brighton

    The Brighton Centre is the largest purpose built events venue on the South Coast.

  2. Horley

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    Towns & Villages

    Horley is a small but busy town of over 20,000 people situated almost half way between London and Brighton on the south coast.

  3. High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden

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    Type:

    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.

  4. Heathfield

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    Town

    Heathfield is a small market town with a big view. Standing on a ridge, it is surrounded by beautiful, rolling Sussex countryside and has magnificent vistas to the south from the High Street. Heathfield is 16 miles from the coastal town of…

  5. 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.

  6. Staplefield

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    Village

    Staplefield is an attractive village three miles north-west of Cuckfield. The former local industry of tanning was carried out in Tanyard Lane, with the pits for soaking the hides at The Grange. The Jolly Tanners Inn reflects this industry.

  7. The Living Coast By Bike

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    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…

  8. Cliff Railways - East Hill

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    Railway

    Hastings

    East Hill Lift provides easy access to the Country Park

  9. Amberley Museum

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    Tea Room/Coffee Shop

    Arundel

    Visit Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the South East’s industrial heritage.

  10. Wakehurst

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    Garden

    HAYWARDS HEATH

    Stunning photos of magnificent botanic gardens owned by Kew & all you may wish to know prior to a visit including the world's largest wild plant seed bank

  11. 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.

  12. Emsworth

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    Towns & Villages

    Emsworth

    Emsworth, with its narrow streets, Georgian houses and walled gardens, is a picturesque fishing village popular with sailors, artists, naturalists and walkers.

  13. Hastings Castle & 1066 Story

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    Castle / Fort

    Hastings

    Images and views of the remains of Norman Castle built after William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings. 1066 Story interpretation centre in siege tent

  14. Bates Green Garden

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    Garden

    Polegate

    This naturalistic garden in a rural setting provides a peaceful space to relax and appreciate the selection of unusual plants including mature trees and shrubs. The garden is divided into 3 distinct areas offering a sensory experience with plants…

  15. Alexandra Park

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    Garden

    Hastings

    A 10 minute walk from Hastings town centre, this Grade II Listed Victorian park is one of the finest to be found anywhere in the country.

  16. Alfriston

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    Towns & Villages

    Alfriston is a must-visit village. On the banks of the Cuckmere River, at the foot of the beautiful South Downs and now situated within the boundaries of the new National Park, there is so much here to interest visitors.

  17. Royal Tunbridge Wells

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    Towns & Villages

    Royal Tunbridge Wells

    Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent was one of the most fashionable towns of Georgian England, from the discovery of Chalybeate Spring 400 years ago

  18. Devil's Dyke

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    Natural Feature

    Brighton

    Devil’s Dyke, part of National Tust is just five miles north of Brighton, offers stunning panoramas, a record breaking valley, a curious history and England’s most colourful habitat.

  19. Cuckfield

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    Village

    Explore the enchanting village of Cuckfield, a charming village in Mid Sussex, Take a wander along the High Street lined with attractive 16th-century houses; shops selling specialist goods, places to eat, and many pubs associated with this old major…

  20. Warninglid

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    Village

    WARNINGLID or Warninglyth, as it was known in the 1300s, has Saxon origins with medieval iron-industry connections. In the last 25 years it has won the Best Kept Village competition three times and been runner-up on six other occasions. Its centre wa