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. Sompting

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    Type:

    Village

    The western end and northern parts of the parish of Sompting remain mainly rural with an abundance of flint walls, older houses and cottages. The church of St Mary's was built around 1000 and features a fine Saxon tower with a Rhenish Helm (the last…

  2. Brighton Local Produce

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    Type:

    Serves Local Produce

    Whether it's seafood caught fresh from the sea or vegetables from a Sussex farm, drinks from one of the local Sussex vineyards or perhaps a spirit from a local distillery, you're to be able to enjoy some 'made in Sussex' or 'made in Brighton'…

  3. Southease

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    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    One of the prettiest of the Ouse Valley villages, Southease is a collection of cottages surrounding a little church. The church, which was mentioned in the Saxon charter of King Edgar in 966, was much larger than the building you see today.

  4. Staplefield

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    Village

    Staplefield is an attractive village three miles north-west of Cuckfield. The former local industry of tanning was carried out in Tanyard Lane, with the pits for soaking the hides at The Grange. The Jolly Tanners Inn reflects this industry.

  5. Telscombe Village

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    Towns & Villages

    Not to be confused with Telscombe, by the coast, Telscombe Village is an ancient village tucked away in the Downs. It is only accessible by a narrow meandering downland road from the C7 Lewes to Newhaven road. It is quiet and because of this, it is u

  6. Polegate

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    Town

    Polegate

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

  7. Lime Squeezy

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    Restaurant

    Brighton

    Head to Lime Squeezy, Brighton for fast Thai food, cooked fresh and served in a welcoming environment.  Located on Jubilee Street, you can tuck into a Green Curry or a Pad Thai, enjoy a selection of vegetarian, vegan and even gluten free dishes…

  8. 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.

  9. Farleys House and Gallery

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    Historic House / Palace

    Lewes

    Farley House offers you a warm welcome in the spirit of its former Surrealist occupants, the photographer Lee Miller and the painter and biographer of Picasso, Roland Penrose.

  10. Pavilion Theatre

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    Type:

    Theatre

    Worthing

    Part of Worthing Theatres, the Pavilion Theatre is situated on the promenade at the entrance to Worthing’s pier and hosts a variety of theatre, dance, music and comedy as well as events including craft fairs, children’s workshops and corporate events

  11. The Crown Inn Dial Post

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    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.

  12. Amberley Castle

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    Type:

    Restaurant

    Arundel

    Amberley Castle has a long-held reputation for delivering outstanding cuisine.
    Our dining, enjoyed on the first floor of the castle in either the magnificent Queen's Room, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling dating back to the 12th century and open fire…

  13. Hamsey

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    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

  14. The New Club

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    Type:

    Restaurant

    Brighton

    The New Club is an American styled restaurant, café and bar located on Brighton Seafront where you will experience the taste and feel of New York City.

  15. 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…

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. Stanmer Park

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    Type:

    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    Brighton

    With its beautiful woodland walks and extensive open lands, Stanmer Park is just as perfect for a family picnic as it is for a kick about with your friends or those looking for a bracing walk over the Downs

  19. Hassocks

    Type

    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

  20. Newhaven

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Newhaven

    Originally a Saxon Settlement, the town of Newhaven is now a thriving harbour town linking the South East Coast of Britain with mainland Europe.