Sunset over Littlehampton Beach

Sunset over Littlehampton Seafront

West Sussex

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: 261

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Rottingdean

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  2. Drusillas Park

    Type

    Type:

    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!

  3. Eastbourne Bandstand

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Eastbourne

    1930's Bandstand which hosts concerts from Tribute Bands to Traditional Concerts through-out the year from May to September plus special Easter, Christmas and Boxing Day concerts.

  4. Chichester

    Type

    Type:

    Cities

    Chichester

    West Sussex’s only city, Chichester is a contrast of ancient and modern, from Roman walls and the striking Chichester Cathedral to modern art at Pallant House Gallery.

  5. Bates Green Garden

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  6. 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…

  7. Lewes

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Lewes

    Nestled amongst the beautiful South Downs, the impressive county town of Lewes is steeped in history & heritage with a thriving cultural scene & much to do

  8. Colonel Stephens Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Tenterden


    The Colonel Stephens Railway Museum
     
    Recording the Career of Holman Fred Stephens, Light RailwayPromoter,
    Engineer and Manager, His Family, His Railways and His Successors.
     
    ''A Quart of a Museum in a Pint pot'' - Old Glory Magazine
     

  9. Royal Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    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

  10. Winter Gardens Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Eastbourne

    The Winter Garden consists of the Floral Hall, Gold Room and Devonshire Halls, used for functions, music, shows, conferences, exhibitions and comedy clubs.

  11. Tenterden

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  12. Newhaven Ferry Port

    Type

    Type:

    Boat

    Newhaven

    Newhaven ferry port is the easiest and closest link to France via Dieppe. 

  13. Haywards Heath

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    In the heart of mid Sussex is Haywards Heath, which owes much of its growth to the railway. The town has an impressive collection of Victorian and Edwardian houses, many situated in mature grounds surrounding the Conservation Area of Muster Green.

  14. Petworth House & Park

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Petworth

    The beauty and drama of this 17th century palace inspired the artist JMW Turner time and time again. Petworth became Turner’s favourite retreat and he was a regular guest of the 3rd Earl of Egremont. Today a world famous art collection fills the…

  15. Ansty

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Ansty is a small settlement about four miles from Haywards Heath. Its village sign, situated at the Ansty Cross was painted by the renowned local artist James Forsyth.

  16. Devonshire Park Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Eastbourne

    The Devonshire Park Theatre is a Grade II listed building designed by Henry Currey, built in 1884 and further improved by celebrated Theatre Architect Frank Matcham in 1903.
    The theatre has a seating capacity of 936.

  17. Hove Museum of Creativity

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Hove

    Hove Museum of Creativity is one of the most family friendly and accessible museums in the south east.

  18. Bexhill Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Bexhill-on-Sea

    A friendly, local museum with a surprising variety of displays spread over three galleries, lillustrating the geology, natural and local history and archaeology of the area.

  19. Arundel

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Arundel

    Arundel is a charming, stylish market town famous for its landmarks, Arundel Castle and Arundel Cathedral. Find things to do and places to visit nearby

  20. Brighton Local Produce

    Type

    Type:

    Serves Local Produce

    Whether it's seafood caught fresh from the sea or vegetables from a Sussex farm, drinks from one of the local Sussex vineyards or perhaps a spirit from a local distillery, you're to be able to enjoy some 'made in Sussex' or 'made in Brighton'…