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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Towns & Villages Search

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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: 260

, currently showing 201 to 220.

  1. Pulborough

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    Type:

    Village

    Pulborough is a rural village lying across the line of the Roman Stane Street (the A29) which historically connects London and the north to important south coast ports and towns.

  2. Rottingdean Beach

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    Beach

    Brighton

    Rottingdean Beach is a shingle beach located in the charming coastal village of Rottingdean, near Brighton, offering a gentler pace than its busier neighbour.

  3. River Adur - Coastal Link & Sculpture Trail

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  4. Slindon

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    Village

    Arundel

    Slindon village is charming and unspoilt, with brick and flint houses surrounded by beech woods, farms and open downland with many of the houses in the care of the National Trust

  5. Herstmonceux Castle Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Hailsham

    Herstmonceux Castle Estate is a unique visitor attraction with over 600 acres of woodland, wildflower meadows, and formal gardens. Access to the Castle interior is available through guided Castle tours, which take place on Mondays, Wednesdays,…

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. Hassocks

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    Type:

    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

  9. Rother Wine Triangle

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    Vineyard

    The Rother Wine Triangle is the first official trail for Sussex Winelands based in the heart of 1066 Country. The trail connects six award-winning vineyards between Rye, Hastings, and Flimwell, in the Rother Valley region of East Sussex. Find great…

  10. Albourne Estate Vineyard

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard

    Albourne

    Set deep in the glorious Sussex countryside overlooking the South Downs, yet just 8 miles from Brighton. Visitors are warmly welcome at our vineyard as well as in our Tasting Room to sample our award-winning wines. 

  11. Sussex by the Sea

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    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.

  12. Newtimber

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    Village

    Newtimber, a small, scattered village with a population of about 75, lies just off the London to Brighton road. The Church of St John the Evangelist, a small 13th century building with interesting memorials, has been considerably restored.

  13. Rodmell

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    Type:

    Village

    Lewes

    Rodmell is a small, quiet and charming village nestling in some of the finest scenery of the South Downs. It lies in the lower valley of the Ouse some four miles south of Lewes, the County Town of East Sussex, and a similar distance north of the…

  14. The Living Coast By Bike

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    Cycling

    One of the best ways to discover the Living Coast a UNESCO World Biosphere is by bike and to help you explore discover a series of tried and tested bike routes and rides to enjoy. The rides are graded easy, medium and hard, so no matter your ability…

  15. Petworth House & Park

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    Historic House / Palace

    Petworth

    The beauty and drama of this 17th century mansion inspired the artist JMW Turner time and time again. Petworth became one of Turner’s favourite retreats, and he was a regular guest of the 3rd Earl of Egremont. Today, Petworth is home to a…

  16. West Beach Bar & Kitchen

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    Type:

    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.

  17. Chichester Cathedral

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    Type:

    Cathedral / Minister

    Chichester

    In the heart of Chichester, a magnificent Cathedral with treasures ranging from medieval stone carvings to world famous 20th Century artworks. Entry free, donations welcome. Suggested donation £7.00 per person. Exhibitions, concerts and special…

  18. The Safari Pizza Co

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    Type:

    Restaurant

    Haywards Heath

    Wood fired pizzeria & wine bar based in Haywards Heath, Sussex. Along with fresh pizza, made using homemade, slow proved dough and local ingredients the wine bar also boasts a great selection of interesting and local wines, cocktails and craft beer.

  19. Kent & East Sussex Railway

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    Type:

    Steam Railway

    Tenterden

    Images of this picturesque line weaveing between Tenterden and Bodiam. England's finest rural light railway enables visitors to experience travel & service from a bygone age aboard beautifully restored Victorian coaches and locomotives.

  20. 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