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: 254

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  1. Polegate

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    Town

    Polegate

    Polegate lies on the Roman road which runs from Pevensey Castle (Anderida) to Lewes.

  2. Crowborough

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    Towns & Villages

    Crowborough

    Crowborough is the largest and highest inland town in East Sussex, set within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and bordering the Ashdown Forest, a site of European significance for birds and heathland.

  3. Haywards Heath

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    Town

    In the heart of mid Sussex is Haywards Heath, which owes much of its growth to the railway. The town has an impressive collection of Victorian and Edwardian houses, many situated in mature grounds surrounding the Conservation Area of Muster Green.

  4. Royal Hippodrome

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    Type:

    Theatre

    Eastbourne

    Theatre featuring variety shows, comedy and musicals.

  5. Brighton Undercliff Walk

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    Walking

    Brighton

    The Undercliff Walk at Brighton is perfect for all the family as it offers not only a host of stops along the way, but its flat wide walkways make it suitable for prams, bikes and wheelchairs.  The 3-mile uninterrupted walkway runs between Brighton…

  6. Borde Hill Garden

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    Type:

    Garden

    Haywards Heath

    A historical formal Garden, woodlands, lakes, parkland and adventure playground.

    Event days. Café & restaurant, art gallery, gift shop. Dogs permitted

  7. St Mary's House & Gardens

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    Historic Site

    Steyning

    An enchanting historic c1470 timber-framed house, with magnificent gardens, and a tearoom, in the picturesque award-winning downland village of Bramber, West Sussex ... a place of fascination and mystery.

  8. West Beach Bar & Kitchen

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    Bar

    Brighton

    Located on Brighton beach, at the base of Brighton i360, West Beach is a casual dining restaurant with spectacular sea views. It has one of the city’s largest beachfront terraces, perfect for an alfresco meal or drinks.

  9. Sovereign Harbour

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    Marina / Harbour

    Eastbourne

    Opened in 1993, Sovereign Harbour is the largest composite marina complex in northern Europe, featuring four interconnected harbours and the bustling Waterfront development, home to a variety of shops and restaurants.

  10. Ringmer

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    Towns & Villages

    Some of the street names of Ringmer refer to its past. Springett Avenue is named after Ringmer resident, Gulielma Springett who married William Penn (the founder of Pennsylvania in the USA), whilst Sadlers Way and Harvard Road are named after Anne Sa

  11. Forest Row

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    Towns & Villages

    Forest Row

    Forest Row is at the northern tip of both East Sussex County Council and Wealden District Council. The outlying areas of the parish border three other counties - West Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

  12. Pashley Manor Gardens

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    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.

  13. Hurstpierpoint

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    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.

  14. High Weald

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    Rural Destinations

    The High Weald is a medieval rural landscape at the heart of South East England, celebrated for its rolling hills, abundant woods and hedges, scattered farmsteads and sunken lanes.

  15. Seaford

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    Towns & Villages

    Seaford

    Between the beautiful South Downs and the English Channel lies the bustling town of Seaford. With its impressive coastal scenery and maritime history, Seaford is a beautiful destination.

  16. Brighton Toy and Model Museum

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    Museum

    Brighton

    Located in four Victorian cellars under Brighton Railway Station, the Brighton Toy and Model Museum will invoke many childhood memories and dreams.

  17. The Barn Coffee Shop and Restaurant at South Downs Heritage Centre

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    Café

    Hassocks

    The Barn Coffee Shop and Restaurant at South Downs Heritage Centre

  18. West Dean Gardens

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    Type:

    Garden

    Chichester

    West Dean Gardens on the A286 near Singleton, although begun at an earlier date, are a real Edwardian period piece with extensive ornamental grounds, herbaceous borders & bedding, rare specimens and a splendid 300 ft pergola.

  19. Nice Work

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    Type:

    Activity Organiser

    Rye

    Nice Work delivers exceptional running events, managing over 150 races a year across the South East and beyond. We provide comprehensive support, from race management to bespoke medals and ensure a fun, inclusive experience for all.

  20. 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…