Sunset over Brighton West pier, an icon on Brighton beachfront, only a short walk from Brighton Palace pier, one of the many piers you can visit along the South Coast.

Brighton Beach West Pier

Credit Visit Brighton, East 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

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: 260

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Rottingdean

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    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. Smalltown Mysteries Brighton

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    Type:

    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…

  3. Hastings White Rock Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    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,…

  4. Smalltown Mysteries Worthing

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  5. Uppark House and Gardens

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    Historic House / Palace

    Petersfield

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

  6. Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trail

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    Nature Reserve

    Arlington

    Enjoy vistas of bluebells in 23 acres of ancient woodland. Walks and trails through three farms. Countryside exhibition. One walk is wheelchair friendly.

  7. Colonel Stephens Railway

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    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
     

  8. West Beach Bar & Kitchen

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    Bar

    Brighton

    Located on Brighton beach, at the base of Brighton i360, West Beach is a casual dining restaurant with spectacular sea views. It has one of the city’s largest beachfront terraces, perfect for an alfresco meal or drinks.

  9. Museum of Gardening and South Downs Heritage Centre

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    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Brighton Road, Hassocks

    Independent British artists, designers and makers regularly showcase their work to the public at this unique visitor attraction in a stunning oak-framed barn. The South Downs Heritage Centre is the perfect stop to explore, discover, shop and enjoy…

  10. Worthing

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    Town

    Official guide to things to do, events and places to visit near the seaside town of Worthing, boasting five miles of promenade and beach.

  11. The Urchin Brewery & Shellfish Pub

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    Pub/Inn

    HOVE

    Enjoy a plate of oysters with a pint of stout by the sea as The Urchin Brewery & Shellfish is keeping the dockyard spirit alive! With craft beer brewed on site and a selection of wine, there won't ever be any shortages of top class beverages as you…

  12. Marina St Leonards Beach

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    Type:

    Beach

    St Leonards-On-Sea

    Marina St Leonards Beach

  13. Petworth House & Park

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    Historic House / Palace

    Petworth

    The beauty and drama of this 17th century mansion inspired the artist JMW Turner time and time again. Petworth became one of Turner’s favourite retreats, and he was a regular guest of the 3rd Earl of Egremont. Today, Petworth is home to a…

  14. Herstmonceux

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    Village

    Herstmonceux

    Herstmonceux is a village and civil parish in the Wealden District of East Sussex.

  15. Cliff Railways - West Hill

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    Railway

    Hastings

    Information about one of Hastings' most recognisable landmarks. East Hill Lift provides easy access to the Country Park. West Hill Lift takes you to the Castle and Adventure Park.

  16. Knockhatch Adventure Park

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    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Hailsham

    Exciting family rides
    Amazing indoor & outdoor play
    Zoo, Daily Owl Displays & much more!

  17. Hawkhurst

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    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Cranbrook

    The ancient Wealden village of Hawkhurst is widely known for its beautiful surroundings and long history.

  18. Chichester

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    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.

  19. GLOBALLS - Cocktail Bar

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    Live Music Venue

    Brighton Marina Village, BRIGHTON

    An intimate cocktail bar just a stone's throw from the incredible UV mini golf and games experience, GLOBALLS, The Great GLOBALLS cocktail bar offers a luxurious treat. Already a firm favourite with Brightonians, this recently opened hidden gem…

  20. Devonshire Park Tennis

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    Type:

    Sports Ground

    Eastbourne

    Eastbourne’s oldest park probably dating from around 1873 or 1874 when the Devonshire Park Company was set up