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: 260

, currently showing 241 to 260.

  1. 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…

  2. Cooksbridge

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    Towns & Villages

    This little village is home to McBeans the world famous orchid grower.

  3. 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.

  4. Worthing Pier

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    Beach

    Worthing

    The Pier offers plenty of opportunity to stop and watch the world go by and enjoy all that the seaside has to offer.

  5. Ouse Valley Viaduct

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    History and Heritage

    Haywards Heath

    Located between Haywards Heath and Balcombe, the Ouse Valley Viaduct offers a dramatic view. A structural marvel, the viaduct was originally built in 1838 to carry the London-Brighton line over the River Ouse.

  6. Midhurst

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    Town

    The famous ruins at Cowdray opened to the public again in 2007 after an extensive refurbishment.


  7. Petworth

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    Town

    A charming town steeped in history and bustling with boutiques, nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Petworth is a perfectly preserved market town within easy reach of London. Renowned for its independent shops and awarded "Best…

  8. Ferring

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    Village

    Ferring, Worthing

    A lively Sussex seafront village, between Worthing and Littlehampton.

  9. Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

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    Museum

    Brighton

    Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is located in the Royal Pavilion garden, at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter.

  10. Egerton Park

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    Country / Royal Park

    Bexhill

    Enjoy a game of tennis on one of the outdoor courts, try your hand at bowls or take a boat out on the lake. Children of all ages will love the play-zone with a range of exciting equipment including a zip-wire, climbing unit with tree house and sand…

  11. 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

  12. Rye

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    Towns & Villages

    Rye's ancient medieval streets are clustered around a sandstone hillside, over River Rother and Romney Marsh. Find things to do and places to visit nearby.

  13. Pevensey

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    Town

    Pevensey

    With so many notable attractions in Sussex it often happens that the quirky and unusual things escape notice.

  14. Herstmonceux

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    Village

    Herstmonceux

    Herstmonceux is a village and civil parish in the Wealden District of East Sussex.

  15. Cranbrook

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    Towns & Villages

    Cranbrook

    Cranbrook, known as the Capital of the Weald, is a pretty town with a medieval layout of streets and alleys – many buildings dating from the 15th century through to the 19th century.

  16. 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.

  17. Out of Bounds

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    Family Fun & Activities

    Angmering , Littlehampton

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

  18. Battle

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    Towns & Villages

    Battle is a town most famous for the 1066 Norman Conquest and Battle of Hastings. The Abbey commemorates this and there are plenty of things to do nearby.

  19. Worthing

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    Town

    Official guide to things to do, events and places to visit near the seaside town of Worthing, boasting five miles of promenade and beach.

  20. Hartfield

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    Towns & Villages

    Hartfield

    Hartfield is famous for being the home of A.A. Milne, author of the Winnie the Pooh books, and the location for the "Poohsticks Bridge".