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: 255

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  1. Exploring Brighton & Hove

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    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…

  2. Bishop's Palace Gardens

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    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.

  3. Ashdown Forest

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    Rural Destinations

    Ashdown Forest, six and a half thousand acres of enchanted forest and heathland, is one of England's surviving primeval wonders.

  4. 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…

  5. 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

  6. The Cat Inn

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    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.

  7. Ferring

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    Village

    Ferring, Worthing

    A lively Sussex seafront village, between Worthing and Littlehampton.

  8. 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.

  9. Close Encounter - Lemur Experience

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    Nature and Wildlife

    Polegate

    Experience the chance to get up and close to the inquisitive and friendly Lemurs at Drusillas Park near Eastbourne.

  10. Passies Pond

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    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.

  11. Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest

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    Forest

    CRANBROOK

    The National Pinetum is a world-class collection of dramatic conifers and a beautiful setting for a country walk in all seasons.

  12. Lindfield

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    Village

    Situated to the north of Haywards Heath, Lindfield has four ingredients traditionally required for an attractive Sussex village - a historic church, a picturesque High Street, (once one of the coaching routes to Brighton), a tranquil pond and large…

  13. River Adur - Coastal Link & Sculpture Trail

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    Natural Feature

    Shoreham-by-Sea

    The River Adur, an important trade route since Roman times, derives its name from the Celtic word 'Dwyr', meaning 'water'. It gives its name to the Adur District dividing it roughly in half.

  14. Winchelsea

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    Town

    Once one of England’s most thriving ports, now landlocked, this tranquil hilltop town sits upon a honeycomb of hidden cellars.

  15. 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.

  16. Preston Manor & Gardens

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    Historic House / Palace

    Brighton

    A delightful manor house which belonged to the Stanford family for over 200 years and which still has the atmosphere of an Edwardian country house.

  17. Amberley Museum

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    Museum

    Arundel

    Find out why Amberley Museum is growing in popularity and information prior to your visit with a focus on industrial and transport history, with over 40 buildings.

  18. Leonardslee Gardens

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    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.

  19. Harbour Park – Indoor Soft Play

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    Adventure Park / Playground

    Littlehampton

    At Harbour Park we have a fantastic soft play, which provides endless fun for children up to 9 years of age. With a variety of experiences including separate role playrooms, light tunnels, huge interactive gaming screen and so much more!
    No need to…