Sunset over Brighton West pier, an icon on Brighton beachfront, only a short walk from Brighton Palace pier, one of the many piers you can visit along the South Coast.

Brighton Beach West Pier

Credit Visit Brighton, East Sussex

Things To Do in Sussex

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  • Towns & Villages Search

Towns & Villages Search

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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.

Number of results:

Number of results: 259

, currently showing 201 to 220.

  1. Turners Hill

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    Type:

    Village

    Turners Hill village stands on a steep ridge line at one of the highest points, (600 feet above sea level), of the Sussex Weald where two historically important routes, the B2110 and B2028, cross. There are impressive views from the centre of the vil

  2. 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,…

  3. Bosham

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  4. 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.

  5. Sissinghurst

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    Towns & Villages

    Sissinghurst

    Sissinghurst is a small village in the county of Kent and was originally called Milkhouse Street before changing its name in the 1850s.

  6. High Weald

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    Rural Destinations

    The High Weald is a medieval rural landscape at the heart of South East England, celebrated for its rolling hills, abundant woods and hedges, scattered farmsteads and sunken lanes.

  7. Uckfield

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    Type:

    Town

    Uckfield

    Uckfield is an attractive market town combining classic values of strong community spirit and
    friendliness with all the modern necessities of life. It is situated on the southern boundary of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

  8. Worthing Museum and Art Gallery

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    Type:

    Museum

    Worthing

    Varied collections including art, costume, toys, archaeology and local history. Exciting programme of rotation exhibitions throughout the year. Garden hosts changing sculpture exhibitions.

  9. Seaford

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    Towns & Villages

    Seaford

    Between the beautiful South Downs and the English Channel lies the bustling town of Seaford. With its impressive coastal scenery and maritime history, Seaford is a beautiful destination.

  10. John Lewis Horsham

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    Type:

    Department Store

    Horsham

    John Lewis Horsham offers two floors of the best in fashion, beauty, home, giftware, technology and electrical items. Pop in and ask a Partner about our upcoming workshops, tasters and classes.

  11. Princes Park

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Eastbourne

    At the heart of the park lies a large artificial lake, frequently used by two resident clubs for racing model yachts and powerboats. The lake is home to numerous swans and other bird species, including some rare migratory visitors.

  12. Aldingbourne Country Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Farm

    CHICHESTER

    The Aldingbourne Country Centre is a ‘Great day out’ in West Sussex.

    Visit their open farm, woodland walk, castle playground, maze, sand & water play area, ride on tractors, and indoor soft play. With their own onsite café, they also have a…

  13. Handcross

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    Type:

    Village

    Handcross, is a Victorian village close to the A23 main London to Brighton road. Nearby are the 30 acres of Nymans Gardens run by the National Trust, as well as the 20 acres of woodland and water gardens at The High Beeches.

  14. Sea Lanes

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    Type:

    Outdoor

    Brighton & Hove

    This autumn a brand new National Open Water Swimming Centre of Excellence will open in Brighton.   Located on Madeira Drive the Sea Lanes development will include a 50m outdoor swimming pool. The first stage of construction should be completed by…

  15. 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…

  16. Petworth House & Park

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    Type:

    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…

  17. St Mary's House & Gardens

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    Type:

    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. 1066 Country

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    Towns & Villages

    Leaving the cities behind and heading for the sea, where the wooded hills of the Sussex Weald stretch down to England’s south coast, you find 1066 Country.

  19. Barcombe

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    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Barcombe is three villages in one. There is the original community which surrounds the church, Barcombe Cross where villagers fled to escape the Black Death and Barcombe Mills, a popular fishing spot.

  20. The Long Man of Wilmington

    Type

    Type:

    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