Aerial of Ouse Viaduct taken from Borde Hill Gardens, Credit Experience West Sussex

Ouse Valley Viaduct, Mid Sussex

Between Haywards Heath and Balcombe

Things To Do in Sussex

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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

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.

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: 257

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  1. Drusillas Park

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    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!

  2. Rottingdean

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    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.

  3. Uppark House and Gardens

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    Historic House / Palace

    Petersfield

    A tranquil 17th-century house set within intimate gardens and woodland.

  4. Smalltown Mysteries Brighton

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    Family Fun & Activities

    Brighton

    A smalltown mystery is a digital activity where you read a story, search for clues, answer questions and solve a mystery. You walk in the town centre for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…

  5. Smalltown Mysteries Worthing

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    Family Fun & Activities

    Worthing

    A smalltown mystery is a digital activity where you read a story, search for clues, answer questions and solve a mystery. You walk in the town center for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…

  6. Hastings

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    Towns & Villages

    Hastings

    Set in the heart of 1066 Country and the remains of William the Conqueror's first English castle, Hastings is an historic town with many points of interest, events and things to do.

  7. Tenterden

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    Towns & Villages

    Tenterden

    Tenterden, known as the ‘Jewel of the Weald’, offers the best of all worlds; fascinating history, a wealth of architecture and excellent shopping.

  8. Atelier Beside the Sea

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    Arts Centre

    Brighton & Hove

    Atelier Beside the Sea is an art gallery, shop and makers workshop situated on Brighton Beach and was established by Jon Tutton and Sarah Young, organisers of the much loved MADE London and MADE Brighton Design and Crafts fairs as well as Brighton…

  9. Preston Manor & Gardens

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    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.

  10. Church of The Holy Sepulchre

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    Church / Chapel

    Ashington

    A country gem from a gentler era.....

    The setting of this 13th-century sandstone church – with splendid views across to the Iron Age fort of Chanctonbury Ring on the South Downs – is lovely, but the building itself surpasses all expectations.

    T

  11. GLOBALLS

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    Golf Course

    Brighton Marina Village, BRIGHTON

    Globalls has it’s very own 12-hole indoor golf course, this is a unique games experience. Based on an aquatic, carnival or tropicana theme you can play amongst life size neon sculptures and wall art.

  12. Harbour Park

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    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!

  13. Worthing Museum and Art Gallery

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    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.

  14. Denton

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    Towns & Villages

    Denton, a suburb of Newhaven looks out across the harbour and Tide Mills.

  15. Worthing Leisure Centre

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    Leisure / Swimming Pool

    Worthing

    Worthing Leisure Centre welcomes all ages to its very varied facility. From Creches to Climbing walls; classes to conferences; this is a multi purpose venue where fun and fitness are keywords.

  16. Royal Hippodrome

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    Theatre

    Eastbourne

    Theatre featuring variety shows, comedy and musicals.

  17. Lodsworth

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    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.

  18. Brighton Toy and Model Museum

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    Museum

    Brighton

    Located in four Victorian cellars under Brighton Railway Station, the Brighton Toy and Model Museum will invoke many childhood memories and dreams.

  19. Piddinghoe

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    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.