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: 254
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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…
Restaurant
PULBOROUGH
Awarded Winery of the Year 2018, the beautiful family-run Wiston Estate offers Wine Tours by appointment from their vineyard nestled in the heart of the rolling South Downs in West Sussex. Each tour concludes with a guided tasting of their English…
Town
The famous ruins at Cowdray opened to the public again in 2007 after an extensive refurbishment.
Vineyard
Albourne
Set deep in the glorious Sussex countryside overlooking the South Downs, yet just 8 miles from Brighton. Visitors are warmly welcome at our vineyard as well as in our Tasting Room to sample our award-winning wines.
Theme Park
Newhaven
From plants to play, Paradise Park has something for all generations of the family to enjoy a unique and exciting day out. Visit Planet Earth Museum, Sussex Plant House, Sussex History Trail, themed gardens and extensive indoor and outdoor play…
Village
Billingshurst
Wisborough Green lies in the northwest corner of West Sussex, astride the A272 east-west main road. The River Arun and its flood plain to the east and the heavily wooded high ground to the west maintain the essentially rural nature of the Parish and
Towns & Villages
Lewes
A short distance from the county town of Lewes is the world renowned Glyndebourne Festival Opera, which runs from May to August.
National Park
The South Downs, now a newly designated National Park are easily accessible from Worthing. The South Downs Way runs from Winchester to Eastbourne and can be accessed at several points around Worthing or Adur.
Discovery ticket:
The new…
Town
With the villages of Horley and Copthorne and the town of Crawley close by there's more to Gatwick than the international airport.
Historic House / Palace
Lewes
Farley House offers you a warm welcome in the spirit of its former Surrealist occupants, the photographer Lee Miller and the painter and biographer of Picasso, Roland Penrose.
Towns & Villages
Not to be confused with Telscombe, by the coast, Telscombe Village is an ancient village tucked away in the Downs. It is only accessible by a narrow meandering downland road from the C7 Lewes to Newhaven road. It is quiet and because of this, it is u
Village
Beacon Hill is 793ft, one of the highest points on the South Downs. Just to the south is Uppark, an elegant mansion built in 1680. HG Wells' mother worked at the house, and the author spent time there, using the extensive library.
Towns & Villages
Polegate
The civil Parish of Arlington comprises two villages. Arlington dates from Roman times and has a Saxon church. Upper Dicker village further north, developed in the late 19th century when Horatio Bottomley built and extended a cottage here.
Beach
Brighton
Rottingdean Beach is a shingle beach located in the charming coastal village of Rottingdean, near Brighton, offering a gentler pace than its busier neighbour.
Sightseeing
Brighton
Glide up to 138 metres high to enjoy 360° views of the sea, the sky, the South Downs, and the buzz of the city below.
Village
Lancing, situated between the South Downs and the sea, has a long history dating back to the Stone Age. During the Bronze Age (1500 to 500BC) a sacred place was made near Lancing Ring and an incense cup and fragments of pottery from this spot are…
Towns & Villages
Newick is a lovely village with many buildings of special architectural and historic importance including an 11th century church. Newick, like many other Sussex villages, has kept its village green.
Café
CHICHESTER
Visit the Café on the Park at Chichester Festival Theatre where you can find barista coffee, home-made cakes and pizza, a quiet corner to plug in and work with free Wi-Fi or spaces to have fun with the family with beanbags, books in the nooks, fancy…
Towns & Villages
Situated at the base of the chalk cliffs called the Seven Sisters. Shingle giving way to sand with areas of rock pools.
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!
© Visit South East England 2025. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
