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: 260
, currently showing 121 to 140.
Rural Destinations
The High Weald is a medieval rural landscape at the heart of South East England, celebrated for its rolling hills, abundant woods and hedges, scattered farmsteads and sunken lanes.
Village
Bodiam, nestled in the picturesque East Sussex countryside, is a charming village renowned for its iconic medieval castle and idyllic surroundings. A wonderful collection of attractions creates a tapestry of historical, leisure and nostalgic…
Village
Amberley
Amberley is set on the River Arun with many flint walled, thatched cottages, a medieval castle (now a hotel) and a fascinating Industrial Museum.
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
Seaford
Between the beautiful South Downs and the English Channel lies the bustling town of Seaford. With its impressive coastal scenery and maritime history, Seaford is a beautiful destination.
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.
Museum
Arundel
Arundel Museum is the south coast’s newest museum, revealing the story of the historic town of Arundel.
Church / Chapel
Ashington
A country gem from a gentler era.....
The setting of this 13th-century sandstone church – with splendid views across to the Iron Age fort of Chanctonbury Ring on the South Downs – is lovely, but the building itself surpasses all expectations.
T
Natural Feature
Hastings
A fabulous nature reserve with stunning coastal scenery situated within the High Weald National Landscape.
Towns & Villages
The Seven Sisters are part of a magnificent stretch of coastline between Seaford and Eastbourne, including Beachy Head beauty spot.
Town
Famous for long hours of sunshine, royal visits and Billy Butlin, Bognor Regis is a popular traditional seaside holiday resort on England’s south coast.
Garden
Ticehurst, Wadhurst
One of the finest gardens in England' Pashley Manor Gardens offers a sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings and fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds.
Museum
Brighton
Located in four Victorian cellars under Brighton Railway Station, the Brighton Toy and Model Museum will invoke many childhood memories and dreams.
Walking
Discover 40 miles of newly waymarked walking trails that criss-cross the mid-Sussex countryside including Lindfield, Handcross, East Grinstead, Balcombe and West Hoathly
Beach
Chichester
The beach provides sandy beach at low tide, pebbly at high tide. Ideal for a family day out offering great paddling, good swimming, sandcastle building, coastal walks with its natural rugged feel.
Village
Chichester
East Wittering is a West Sussex seaside village that lies on the same shore of the Selsey Peninsular and provides a sandy beach at low tide, pebbly at high tide.
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Hassocks
The Barn Coffee Shop and Restaurant at South Downs Heritage Centre
Serves Local Produce
New Romney
Romney Marsh’s food and drink scene reflects the landscape itself: simple, fresh, and rooted in local produce. Coastal and village eateries offer a mix of casual dining and refined experiences, appealing to both families and food enthusiasts.
Gallery
Hastings
The Jerwood Gallery is now closed. On 6 July 2019 it relaunches as Hastings Contemporary. Providing a platform for exhibitions by some of the world's most celebrated artists, first up are Tal R and Roy Oxlade, plus works by David Bomberg & Sir…
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.
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