Aerial of Ouse Viaduct taken from Borde Hill Gardens, Credit Experience West Sussex

Ouse Valley Viaduct, Mid Sussex

Between Haywards Heath and Balcombe

Things To Do in Sussex

Share this with

x

  • Towns & Villages Search

Towns & Villages Search

Type:
Keyword:

Towns & Villages Search

Type:
Keyword:

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.

Number of results:

Number of results: 254

, currently showing 141 to 160.

  1. Alfriston

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  2. Slaugham

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Slaugham is a small village around an attractive green, and its large lake is one of the sources of the River Ouse. The Norman Church has a 13th century tower with a Victorian clock set in its north side.

  3. Best views of the Seven Sisters

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    The Seven Sisters are part of a magnificent stretch of coastline between Seaford and Eastbourne, including Beachy Head beauty spot.

  4. Amberley Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Tea Room/Coffee Shop

    Arundel

    Visit Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the South East’s industrial heritage.

  5. Leonardslee Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside, Parks & Gardens

    Horsham

    One of the finest gardens in Britain, Leonardslee will reopen to the public in March 2018. The Grade 2 listed Italianate style ropery will house dining facilities and become a local attraction for wedding groups and events.

  6. Singleton

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Chichester

    Singleton is a village and civil parish in the Chichester district of West Sussex, England. It lies in the Lavant valley, north of Chichester on the A286 road to Midhurst.

  7. Bosham

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    A small attractive village on one of the small inlets of Chichester harbour, Bosham (pronounced 'Bozzum') has played an important part in the history of this country over the centuries.

  8. Ansty

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Ansty is a small settlement about four miles from Haywards Heath. Its village sign, situated at the Ansty Cross was painted by the renowned local artist James Forsyth.

  9. East Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Whatever your choice, East Sussex is a unique mix of beautiful market towns, laid-back beach life and unspoilt countryside.

  10. Field Place & Arts Complex

    Type

    Type:

    Event Venue

    Worthing

    A popular facility offering bowls, petanque, a centre for artists and potters, the Barn Theatre, and other activities. There are lovely grounds with childrens play area and the Model Engineers miniature railway (see events).

  11. Highdown Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    Worthing

    A unique and beautiful garden on downland countryside overlooking the sea. The Chalk Garden is the achievement of Sir Frederick and Lady Stern who worked for 50 years to prove that plants would grow on chalk. Green Flag Award winner.

  12. Southease

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    One of the prettiest of the Ouse Valley villages, Southease is a collection of cottages surrounding a little church. The church, which was mentioned in the Saxon charter of King Edgar in 966, was much larger than the building you see today.

  13. The Urchin Brewery & Shellfish Pub

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  14. Horsham

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Horsham

    The market town of Horsham is set in outstanding parkland and countryside. Find things to do, shopping, restaurants and explore nearby places

  15. Leonardslee Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Golf Course

    Horsham

    With breathtaking views and stunning landscapes, Leonardslee Wine Estate is home to a 37-acre vineyard, following sustainable practices, with the first release of wine in June 2024. The estimated production of 125,000 bottles of sparkling wine…

  16. Storrington

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Storrington

    Storrington, once the home of a flourishing 1930s artistic community based around the Roman Catholic Priory, now a bustling place ideal for using as a base for exploring the South Downs. Storrington Museum

  17. Amberley

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  18. GLOBALLS

    Type

    Type:

    Golf Course

    Brighton Marina Village, BRIGHTON

    Globalls has it’s very own 12-hole indoor golf course, this is a unique games experience. Based on an aquatic, carnival or tropicana theme you can play amongst life size neon sculptures and wall art.

  19. GLOBALLS - Cocktail Bar

    Type

    Type:

    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…