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: 259
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Towns & Villages
Brighton & Hove
Rottingdean is an ideal place to spend an afternoon browsing the shops and galleries, relaxing in Rudyard Kipling's gardens or taking tea in a traditional English tearoom.
Theatre
Hastings
Hastings White Rock is home to some of the best live entertainment in East Sussex. It’s one of the county’s largest venues with 1066 seats and a standing capacity of over 1800. It hosts live music, comedy, musicals, dance, family shows, talk shows,…
Animal Collection / Zoo
Alfriston
Make WILD memories and enjoy a great family day out at the award-winning Drusillas Park. Drusillas offers a loving home to over one hundred exotic animals, including sloths and penguins!
Family Fun & Activities
Brighton
A smalltown mystery is a digital activity where you read a story, search for clues, answer questions and solve a mystery. You walk in the town centre for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…
Family Fun & Activities
Worthing
A smalltown mystery is a digital activity where you read a story, search for clues, answer questions and solve a mystery. You walk in the town center for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…
Historic House / Palace
Petersfield
A tranquil 17th-century house set within intimate gardens and woodland.
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.
Village
Hustpierpoint is a village in the centre of Sussex which was mentioned in the Doomsday book. It stands out with its unique blend of historical allure, scenic landscapes, and a lively community spirit.
Restaurant
BRIGHTON
The Walrus, situated on the historic Ship Street at the heart of Brighton's famous Lanes, each has it''s own unique designs to the rooms with endless winding passageways.
Village
Pulborough is a rural village lying across the line of the Roman Stane Street (the A29) which historically connects London and the north to important south coast ports and towns.
Restaurants
Brighton
Metropole Bar & Terrace is a stylish seafront restaurant and bar in Brighton, located within the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. Overlooking Brighton Beach, with views of the iconic West Pier and Brighton i360, it serves all-day dining,…
Museum
Arundel
Arundel Museum is the south coast’s newest museum, revealing the story of the historic town of Arundel.
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
Chichester
Goodwood House, home to the Dukes of Richmond and Gordon for over 300 years, together with the Goodwood Motor Circuit and Racecourse, hotel and Sculpture Park are the main landmarks of this charming village and area of the downs.
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…
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.
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
Theatre
Eastbourne
The Winter Garden consists of the Floral Hall, Gold Room and Devonshire Halls, used for functions, music, shows, conferences, exhibitions and comedy clubs.
Boat
Newhaven
Newhaven ferry port is the easiest and closest link to France via Dieppe.
Town
On the edge of Ashdown Forest, historic East Grinstead is a lively market town with a charter dating from as long ago as 1221. Until the 18th Century, East Grinstead flourished as an assize and market town and as the centre of the surrounding…
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