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: 255
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Cities
Chichester
West Sussex’s only city, Chichester is a contrast of ancient and modern, from Roman walls and the striking Chichester Cathedral to modern art at Pallant House Gallery.
Nature Trail / Watching
Polegate
The Cuckoo Trail is 11 miles long joining three of the district’s towns, Heathfield, Hailsham and Polegate. It also passes through the villages of Horam and Hellingly.
Towns & Villages
Walk along the riverbank from Lewes via Offham and you will come to the little village of Hamsey. It is said that Hamsey was almost wiped out by plague. All that remains of the village today is the beautiful old church on its grassy knoll overlooking
Towns & Villages
Denton, a suburb of Newhaven looks out across the harbour and Tide Mills.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Brighton Road, Hassocks
A unique visitor attraction in a stunning oak-framed barn. Independent British artists, designers and makers regularly showcase their work to the public.
Fishing
Lancing
Passies Pond is a day ticket fishery with a second lake for matches. Corporate days and junior teachings. We have been awarded centre of excellence status by the angling trades association for juniors.
Towns & Villages
Hastings
Set in the heart of 1066 Country and the remains of William the Conqueror's first English castle, Hastings is an historic town with many points of interest, events and things to do.
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Horsham
Leechpool is an ancient woodland covering 53 acres and includes Oak, Ash, Hazel, Hawthorn, Holly, Blackthorn, Sweet Chestnut and Scots Pine.
Castle / Fort
Hastings
Images and views of the remains of Norman Castle built after William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings. 1066 Story interpretation centre in siege tent
Café
Hassocks
The Barn Coffee Shop and Restaurant at South Downs Heritage Centre
History and Heritage
Haywards Heath
Located between Haywards Heath and Balcombe, the Ouse Valley Viaduct offers a dramatic view. A structural marvel, the viaduct was originally built in 1838 to carry the London-Brighton line over the River Ouse.
Village
Hassocks
Hassocks is a attractive village situated just to the north of the South Downs in Sussex, some 7 miles from Brighton. It is ideally situated, having links by both road and rail to London and the Sussex Coast, and direct access to the South Downs. The
Historic Site
Polegate
See how the Long Man of Wilmington is a striking image on the Sussex hillside. Europe’s largest human representation cut into the South Downs, it's baffled historians for hundreds of years
Event Venue
Worthing
A popular facility offering bowls, petanque, a centre for artists and potters, the Barn Theatre, and other activities. There are lovely grounds with childrens play area and the Model Engineers miniature railway (see events).
Farm
Lancing
In Coombes, near Lancing, West Sussex, England UK where the Passmore family have been farming for 5 generations since 1901.
Village
West Chiltington, with sunken tree lined lanes and the attractive, unaltered 12th Century church of St Mary's with an oak shingle covered spire and ancient wall paintings
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Hartfield
Pooh Corner is a gift shop specialising in Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends. The timber frame building is some 300 years old and has low ceilings - so you may have to duck your head to cross the threshold.
Pub/Inn
Nr Horsham
Award winning country pub with rooms. Family owned and run free house offering well kept local ales, homemade food, two self catering cottages, pub garden plus front patio overlooking the village green. Dog friendly.
Restaurant
PULBOROUGH
Awarded Winery of the Year 2018, the beautiful family-run Wiston Estate offers Wine Tours by appointment from their vineyard nestled in the heart of the rolling South Downs in West Sussex. Each tour concludes with a guided tasting of their English…
Towns & Villages
Lewes
A short distance from the county town of Lewes is the world renowned Glyndebourne Festival Opera, which runs from May to August.