Between Haywards Heath and Balcombe
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.
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.
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: 259
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Historic House / Palace
Petersfield
A tranquil 17th-century house set within intimate gardens and woodland.
Family Fun & Activities
Worthing
A smalltown mystery is a digital activity where you read a story, search for clues around Worthing, answer questions and solve a mystery. This fun way to explore the town on foot takes around an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a…
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.
Theatre
Hastings
Hastings White Rock is home to some of the best live entertainment in East Sussex. It’s one of the county’s largest venues with 1066 seats and a standing capacity of over 1800. It hosts live music, comedy, musicals, dance, family shows, talk shows,…
Family Fun & Activities
Brighton
A smalltown mystery is a digital activity where you read a story, search for clues around Brighton, answer questions and solve a mystery. This is a fun way to explore the city. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve…
Gallery
Hastings
The Jerwood Gallery is now closed. On 6 July 2019 it relaunches as Hastings Contemporary. Providing a platform for exhibitions by some of the world's most celebrated artists, first up are Tal R and Roy Oxlade, plus works by David Bomberg & Sir…
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…
Towns & Villages
Denton, a suburb of Newhaven looks out across the harbour and Tide Mills.
Cathedral / Minister
Chichester
In the heart of Chichester, a magnificent Cathedral with treasures ranging from medieval stone carvings to world famous 20th Century artworks. Entry free, donations welcome. Suggested donation £7.00 per person. Exhibitions, concerts and special…
Leisure / Swimming Pool
Eastbourne
The Sovereign Centre is the ultimate destination for fitness and family fun, all in one place!
Garden
Haywards Heath
A historical formal Garden, woodlands, lakes, parkland and adventure playground.
Event days. Café & restaurant, art gallery, gift shop. Dogs permitted
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.
Museum
Brighton
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is located in the Royal Pavilion garden, at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter.
Forest
CRANBROOK
The National Pinetum is a world-class collection of dramatic conifers and a beautiful setting for a country walk in all seasons.
Greek
Hove
The award winning Nostos is a place where a nostalgic feeling of the past meets a delightful smell of the present and a grateful smile for the future.
Village
Hassocks
Hassocks is a attractive village situated just to the north of the South Downs in Sussex, some 7 miles from Brighton. It is ideally situated, having links by both road and rail to London and the Sussex Coast, and direct access to the South Downs. The
Gallery
Brighton
Having earned itself an international reputation over the last few years for its stunning and original street artwork dotted around the city, Brighton & Hove is certainly a mecca for the creative.
Farm
Horsham
This 90 acre (36 ha) farm is managed as a livestock farm, with numerous footpaths around the site, incorporating grassland, the River Arun, wet meadow, ancient hedgerows, and access to the greater countryside.
Marina / Harbour
Eastbourne
Opened in 1993, Sovereign Harbour is the largest composite marina complex in northern Europe, featuring four interconnected harbours and the bustling Waterfront development, home to a variety of shops and restaurants.
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.
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