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, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB). 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, Worthing's natural playground, Chichester's Roman history and Brighton's gastronomy. 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. Or why not browse our events guide to find out what's on in Sussex today or this week in the east and west of the county.
Drusillas Park in East Sussex is widely regarded as the best small zoo in Europe. However, animals are only half the fun; visitors can also explore the large adventure play areas and meet their TV heroes!
The Sussex Guild Shop & Gallery, Lewes is 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.
Visit Arundel with its thousands of years of history, independent shops, art galleries and restaurants. Wander the cobbled streets, explore the riverside or head off road to the South Downs for countryside walks and cycling.
A day out in Sussex can easily be extended to two, three or more days, 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: 258
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Abbey / Priory
Battle
An abbey founded by William the Conqueror on the site of the Battle of Hastings. Battlefield views and new visitor centre with film and interactive exhibition.
Towns & Villages
Leaving the cities behind and heading for the sea, where the wooded hills of the Sussex Weald stretch down to England’s south coast, you find 1066 Country.
Activity Organiser
Romney Marsh
Fancy an adrenalin fix? Action Watersports has an amazing Inflatable Aqua Park along with, Water-skiing, Wakeboarding, Jet Skiing, Flyboarding, Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Fun Rides.
Village
Albourne
Albourne, a small village with a population of about 600, is situated in the low Weald and Mid Sussex, just north of the South Downs.
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.
Parkland / Woodland Garden
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…
Garden
Hastings
A 10 minute walk from Hastings town centre, this Grade II Listed Victorian park is one of the finest to be found anywhere in the country.
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.
Towns & Villages
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.
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.
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Arundel
Visit Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the South East’s industrial heritage.
Towns & Villages
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.
Towns & Villages
Ardingly is a parish of attractive wooded scenery in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village sign was erected as a memorial to Viscountess Wolseley, and marks the site of the original tollgate.
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.
Nature Reserve
Arlington
Enjoy vistas of bluebells in 23 acres of ancient woodland. Walks and trails through three farms. Countryside exhibition. One walk is wheelchair friendly.
Town
Arundel
Arundel is a charming, stylish market town famous for its landmarks, Arundel Castle and Arundel Cathedral. Find things to do and places to visit nearby
Museum
Arundel
Arundel Museum is the south coast’s newest museum, revealing the story of the historic town of Arundel.
Nature Reserve
ARUNDEL
A stunning nature reserve with guided boat trips through reedbeds, secluded spots to watch wildlife and a collection wildfowl from around the world.
Rural Destinations
Ashdown Forest, six and a half thousand acres of enchanted forest and heathland, is one of England's surviving primeval wonders.
Theatre
Worthing
The largest of the town’s entertainment venues, hosting live bands; Worthing Symphony Orchestra and the Wurlitzer Organ, ideal for music, comedy and events.