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
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Towns & Villages
Plumpton is another village of two halves. The southern end of the village is cut across by the South Downs Way near the site of an Early Bronze Age settlement.
Cities
Brighton
Voted one of the top 10 city beach break destinations in the world, Brighton & its beachfront are legendary. But there is so much more to Brighton than just the beach and if you are spending time in the city, make time to head out and explore the…
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…
Coastal Destinations
Beachy Head
Beachy Head, with its dramatic white cliffs and gently undulating downs, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and tranquillity.
Pub/Inn
East Grinstead
The Cat Inn is a 16th century free house set in the picturesque village of West Hoathly, a hilltop village set in the heart of the Sussex countryside. It is in within easy distance from the towns of East Grinstead and Haywards Heath.
Town
Burgess Hill
Burgess Hill is a small town, just a few miles from Haywards Heath. The shopping facilities are very good for a small town, with an 'out of town' supermarket which includes a petrol station and restaurant/coffee shop.
Town
Bexhill
Renowned for its bracing and equable climate since Victorian times, there are plenty of things to do in the seaside town Bexhill & the surrounding area.
Country / Royal Park
Seaford
Situated in the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Seven Sisters Country Park comprises 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland.
Beach
Worthing
The Pier offers plenty of opportunity to stop and watch the world go by and enjoy all that the seaside has to offer.
Historic House / Palace
Stansted Park is home to forest walks, afternoon teas and stunning weddings, plus some of the best events in the south! Visit the historic house for a real sense of a bygone era.
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…
Country / Royal Park
Bexhill
Enjoy a game of tennis on one of the outdoor courts, try your hand at bowls or take a boat out on the lake. Children of all ages will love the play-zone with a range of exciting equipment including a zip-wire, climbing unit with tree house and sand…
Towns & Villages
Wadhurst
Wadhurst lies 6 miles south east of Tunbridge Wells, at the crossroads of the B2100 and the B2099. It has a long High Street of tile-hung cottages. At one time it was of great importance as a hub of the Wealden Iron Industry .
Restaurants
East Grinstead
Gravetye's award-winning Michelin Star restaurant provides uninterrupted views of its glorious gardens. They hold a Michelin Star and were awarded two Michelin Keys by the Michelin Guide in 2024.
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.
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.
Towns & Villages
Walk along the riverbank from Lewes via Offham and you will come to the little village of Hamsey. It is said that Hamsey was almost wiped out by plague. All that remains of the village today is the beautiful old church on its grassy knoll overlooking
Towns & Villages
Cranbrook
The ancient Wealden village of Hawkhurst is widely known for its beautiful surroundings and long history.
Village
Chichester
West Wittering is situated on the western coast of the Selsey Peninsula and has a large expanse of firm sand, ideal for children to play and safe for bathing. Portsmouth and the isle of Wight can be seen across the water.
Village
Handcross, is a Victorian village close to the A23 main London to Brighton road. Nearby are the 30 acres of Nymans Gardens run by the National Trust, as well as the 20 acres of woodland and water gardens at The High Beeches.