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: 260

, currently showing 201 to 220.

  1. Wivelsfield

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Wivelsfield

    On the border of East and West Sussex just north east of Burgess Hill, is the large village of Wivelsfield.

  2. Stansted Park

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Stansted Park is home to forest walks, afternoon teas and stunning weddings, plus some of the best events in the south! Visit the historic house for a real sense of a bygone era.

  3. Gravetye Manor Restaurant

    Type

    Type:

    Restaurants

    East Grinstead

    Gravetye's award-winning Michelin Star restaurant provides uninterrupted views of its glorious gardens. They hold a Michelin Star and were awarded two Michelin Keys by the Michelin Guide in 2024.

  4. Sussex by the Sea

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Discover the rich heritage of Arundel surrounded by the beautiful South Downs or enjoy the family fun at the seaside resorts of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

  5. Piddinghoe

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Piddinghoe was once at the heart of Sussex Smuggling. It is also famous for having the only remaining bottle-shaped brick kiln in the country.

  6. Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trail

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  7. Pashley Manor Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  8. The Cat Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Pub/Inn

    East Grinstead

    The Cat Inn is a 16th century free house set in the picturesque village of West Hoathly, a hilltop village set in the heart of the Sussex countryside. It is in within easy distance from the towns of East Grinstead and Haywards Heath.

  9. Beachy Head

    Type

    Type:

    Coastal Destinations

    Beachy Head

    Beachy Head, with its dramatic white cliffs and gently undulating downs, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and tranquillity.

  10. Hove Museum of Creativity

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Hove

    Hove Museum of Creativity is one of the most family friendly and accessible museums in the south east.

  11. Goodwood

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  12. Exploring Brighton & Hove

    Type

    Type:

    Cities

    Brighton

    Voted one of the top 10 city beach break destinations in the world, Brighton & its beachfront are legendary. But there is so much more to Brighton than just the beach and if you are spending time in the city, make time to head out and explore the…

  13. Arundel

    Type

    Type:

    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

  14. Pelham Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Hastings


    Hastings' main beach backs right onto the seafront of this established seaside resort town so you are never far away from the town's facilities and attractions.

  15. 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

  16. 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.

  17. Winter Gardens Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  18. Princes Park

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  19. John Lewis Horsham

    Type

    Type:

    Department Store

    Horsham

    John Lewis Horsham offers two floors of the best in fashion, beauty, home, giftware, technology and electrical items. Pop in and ask a Partner about our upcoming workshops, tasters and classes.

  20. Plumpton

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Plumpton is another village of two halves. The southern end of the village is cut across by the South Downs Way near the site of an Early Bronze Age settlement.