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: 256

, currently showing 201 to 220.

  1. Out of Bounds

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    Type:

    Family Fun & Activities

    Angmering , Littlehampton

    Welcome to Out Of Bounds! Have fun and experience exciting indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.

  2. Bates Green Garden

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    Type:

    Garden

    Polegate

    The naturalistic garden is spread over a 7-acre site, comprising of 1.5 acres of ornamental garden and 5.5 acres of managed Wildflower Meadow.

  3. Newhaven Ferry Port

    Type

    Type:

    Boat

    Newhaven

    Newhaven ferry port is the easiest and closest link to France via Dieppe. 

  4. Firle Place

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Lewes

    A Tudor house with Georgian additions in downland park setting. Important English and European Old Master paintings, fine furniture and notable Sevres porcelain.

  5. Hailsham

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    Type:

    Town

    Hailsham

    The town centre is a delightful mixture of the old and new, having two modern shopping precincts yet retaining some of the character of its past heritage with St Mary’s Church, Fleur de Lys and other buildings dating back to the sixteenth century.

  6. Bosham

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    Village

    A small attractive village on one of the small inlets of Chichester harbour, Bosham (pronounced 'Bozzum') has played an important part in the history of this country over the centuries.

  7. Pelham Beach

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    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.

  8. Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve

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    Natural Feature

    Hastings

    A fabulous nature reserve with stunning coastal scenery situated within the High Weald National Landscape.

  9. Congress Theatre

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    Conference / Exhibition Centre

    Eastbourne

    The Congress Theatre is Grade II* listed. Purpose built, the theatre and conference venue has a seating capacity of 1655, and is one of the largest theatres on the south coast.

  10. Horsham

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    Town

    Horsham

    The market town of Horsham is set in outstanding parkland and countryside. Find things to do, shopping, restaurants and explore nearby places

  11. Bexhill

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    Type:

    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.

  12. Go Ape Crawley

    Type

    Type:

    Climbing / High Ropes

    Crawley

    Located in South-East Crawley you can find us nestled in popular Tilgate Park. Go Ape Crawley boasts two high ropes courses.

  13. Grand Central Brighton

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    Type:

    Pub/Inn

    Brighton

    Centrally located in near Brighton train station, Grand Central stands tall as one of the city's best-loved establishments. With British-inspired menus, you'd be spoilt for choice featuring refined pub classics crafted from fresh, seasonal…

  14. Crowborough

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  15. Museum of Gardening

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    Type:

    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.

  16. Hastings Castle & 1066 Story

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    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

  17. Bexhill Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Bexhill-on-Sea

    A friendly, local museum with a surprising variety of displays spread over three galleries, lillustrating the geology, natural and local history and archaeology of the area.

  18. Bishop's Palace Gardens

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    Type:

    Garden

    Chichester

    Bishop's Palace Gardens is situated within the City Walls, next to the Cathedral. And it has now been developed by the council to offer a peaceful retreat for all to enjoy.

  19. 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

  20. Ditchling

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    Village

    Tudor houses, Georgian homes, village pond and mediaeval church set on the green. This is the picture postcard village of Ditchling.