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

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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.

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Number of results: 260

, currently showing 141 to 160.

  1. The Star, Alfriston

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    Serves Local Produce

    Polegate

    The Star is a 15th century inn owned by Olga and Alex Polizzi in the pretty village of Alfriston. The all day dining menu showcases simple modern British cooking with an Italian influence, using seasonal Sussex produce. The Restaurant has a…

  2. Brighton Local Produce

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    Serves Local Produce

    Whether it's seafood caught fresh from the sea or vegetables from a Sussex farm, drinks from one of the local Sussex vineyards or perhaps a spirit from a local distillery, you're to be able to enjoy some 'made in Sussex' or 'made in Brighton'…

  3. Amberley Museum

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    Museum

    Arundel

    Find out why Amberley Museum is growing in popularity and information prior to your visit with a focus on industrial and transport history, with over 40 buildings.

  4. Paradise Park

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    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…

  5. Aldingbourne Country Centre

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    Farm

    CHICHESTER

    The Aldingbourne Country Centre is a ‘Great day out’ in West Sussex.

    Visit their open farm, woodland walk, castle playground, maze, sand & water play area, ride on tractors, and indoor soft play. With their own onsite café, they also have a…

  6. Battle

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    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.

  7. Lewes

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    Town

    Lewes

    Nestled amongst the beautiful South Downs, the impressive county town of Lewes is steeped in history & heritage with a thriving cultural scene & much to do

  8. East Sussex

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    Towns & Villages

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

  9. Selsey

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    Town

    Chichester

    Basking in more sunshine hours than anywhere else in the UK, Selsey is a haven for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This charming seaside town, nestled on the southern tip of the Manhood Peninsula in West Sussex, offers a delightful escape for…

  10. Seven Sisters Country Park

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    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.

  11. Hove

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    Town

    Hove

    West of Brighton is Hove where the seafront takes on a leisurely feel with the beach huts and seafront lawns overlooked by beautiful Regency architecture.

  12. Stanmer Park

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    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    Brighton

    With its beautiful woodland walks and extensive open lands, Stanmer Park is just as perfect for a family picnic as it is for a kick about with your friends or those looking for a bracing walk over the Downs

  13. Denton

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    Towns & Villages

    Denton, a suburb of Newhaven looks out across the harbour and Tide Mills.

  14. Turners Hill

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    Village

    Turners Hill village stands on a steep ridge line at one of the highest points, (600 feet above sea level), of the Sussex Weald where two historically important routes, the B2110 and B2028, cross. There are impressive views from the centre of the vil

  15. Horley

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    Towns & Villages

    Horley is a small but busy town of over 20,000 people situated almost half way between London and Brighton on the south coast.

  16. Leonardslee Wine Estate

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    Vineyard

    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…

  17. Princes Park

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    Adventure Park / Playground

    Eastbourne

    At the heart of the park lies a large artificial lake, frequently used by two resident clubs for racing model yachts and powerboats. The lake is home to numerous swans and other bird species, including some rare migratory visitors.

  18. Bexhill

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    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.

  19. Eastbourne

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    Town

    Eastbourne

    Stroll along three miles of pristine palm-lined promenade, take in a show at the elegant art-deco inspired Bandstand, admire the views from the iconic Victorian Pier or simply admire the breath-taking beauty of the coastal landmarks at Beachy Head…

  20. Alfriston

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    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.