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.
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.
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
, currently showing 81 to 100.
Towns & Villages
Battle is a town most famous for the 1066 Norman Conquest and Battle of Hastings. The Abbey commemorates this and there are plenty of things to do nearby.
Cycle/Vehicle Hire
Brighton
Brighton & Hove bike hire allows you to ride a bike safely for 15 miles without crossing any busy roads as we’re the only cycle hire service right on the seafront cycle lane.
Town
Horsham
The market town of Horsham is set in outstanding parkland and countryside. Find things to do, shopping, restaurants and explore nearby places
Beach
Brighton & Hove
Bustling Brighton & Hove promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll where you can relax on the beach or try one of the activities available. Or why not visit one of the cafes, restaurant and bars
History and Heritage
Arundel
Arundel captures the essence of heritage, urban chic and country pursuits, all within a stone’s throw of London. Experience our market town and you will discover more than you’d expect.
Town
With the villages of Horley and Copthorne and the town of Crawley close by there's more to Gatwick than the international airport.
Street/Area
Eastbourne
Little Chelsea is a charming area in Eastbourne, known for its vibrant independent shops, boutiques, cafes, and galleries. Located just a short walk from the town center, it’s often described as Eastbourne’s “shopping village” because of its…
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.
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
Restaurant
Brighton
The New Club is an American styled restaurant, café and bar located on Brighton Seafront where you will experience the taste and feel of New York City.
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…
Adventure Park / Playground
Littlehampton
At Harbour Park we have a fantastic soft play, which provides endless fun for children up to 9 years of age. With a variety of experiences including separate role playrooms, light tunnels, huge interactive gaming screen and so much more!
No need to…
Coastal Destinations
Beachy Head
Beachy Head, with its dramatic white cliffs and gently undulating downs, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and tranquillity.
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.
Theatre
Eastbourne
Theatre featuring variety shows, comedy and musicals.
Village
Ferring, Worthing
A lively Sussex seafront village, between Worthing and Littlehampton.
Towns & Villages
Some of the street names of Ringmer refer to its past. Springett Avenue is named after Ringmer resident, Gulielma Springett who married William Penn (the founder of Pennsylvania in the USA), whilst Sadlers Way and Harvard Road are named after Anne Sa
Towns & Villages
Alfriston is a must-visit village. On the banks of the Cuckmere River, at the foot of the beautiful South Downs and now situated within the boundaries of the new National Park, there is so much here to interest visitors.
Restaurant
Haywards Heath
Wood fired pizzeria & wine bar based in Haywards Heath, Sussex. Along with fresh pizza, made using homemade, slow proved dough and local ingredients the wine bar also boasts a great selection of interesting and local wines, cocktails and craft beer.
Arts Centre
Chichester
West Dean College of Arts and Conservation is an internationally recognised centre of arts and craft education for all levels, welcoming students for beginner one day courses, to Masters degrees.