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

Share this with

x

  • Towns & Villages Search

Towns & Villages Search

Type:
Keyword:

Towns & Villages Search

Type:
Keyword:

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 241 to 259.

  1. Saltdean Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Brighton

    Saltdean beach is shingle between rock groynes backed by high chalk cliffs and at low tide, you have rock pools to explore. Located approximately 5 miles to the East of Brighton.

  2. East Wittering

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Chichester

    East Wittering is a West Sussex seaside village that lies on the same shore of the Selsey Peninsular and provides a sandy beach at low tide, pebbly at high tide.

  3. The Cat Inn

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  4. Little Chelsea

    Type

    Type:

    Street/Area

    Eastbourne

    Little Chelsea is a charming area in Eastbourne, known for its vibrant independent shops, boutiques, cafes, and galleries. Located just a short walk from the town center, it’s often described as Eastbourne’s “shopping village” because of its…

  5. Stanmer Park

    Type

    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

  6. Brighton Local Produce

    Type

    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'…

  7. Forest Row

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Forest Row

    Forest Row is at the northern tip of both East Sussex County Council and Wealden District Council. The outlying areas of the parish border three other counties - West Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

  8. Brighton & Hove Seafront

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Brighton & Hove

    Bustling Brighton & Hove promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll where you can relax on the beach or try one of the activities available. Or why not visit one of the cafes, restaurant and bars

  9. Action Watersports

    Type

    Type:

    Activity Organiser

    Romney Marsh

    Fancy an adrenalin fix? Action Watersports offers a huge range of watersports on a private freshwater lake, something for all water lovers from 6 to 80+

  10. Shoreham-by-Sea

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Shoreham-by-Sea, is a historic town with a centre which reflects the architecture of its fishing history. There are old cottages, houses and some beautiful churches. Yet the town is vibrant and well worth a visit.

  11. Cliff Railways - West Hill

    Type

    Type:

    Railway

    Hastings

    Information about one of Hastings' most recognisable landmarks. East Hill Lift provides easy access to the Country Park. West Hill Lift takes you to the Castle and Adventure Park.

  12. 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

  13. Burgess Hill

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Burgess Hill

    Burgess Hill is a small town, just a few miles from Haywards Heath. The shopping facilities are very good for a small town, with an 'out of town' supermarket which includes a petrol station and restaurant/coffee shop.

  14. The Barn Coffee Shop and Restaurant at South Downs Heritage Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Café

    Hassocks

    The Barn Coffee Shop and Restaurant at South Downs Heritage Centre

  15. Congress Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Eastbourne

    The Congress Theatre is Grade II* listed purpose built theatre and conference venue with a seating capacity of 1689, making it is one of the largest theatres on the south coast.

  16. Best views of the Seven Sisters

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    The Seven Sisters are part of a magnificent stretch of coastline between Seaford and Eastbourne, including Beachy Head beauty spot.

  17. Hastings Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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

  18. 1066 Country

    Type

    Type:

    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. Leonardslee Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard

    Horsham

    With breathtaking views and stunning landscapes, Leonardslee Wine Estate is home to a 37-acre vineyard, following sustainable practices, with the first release of wine in June 2024. The estimated production of 125,000 bottles of sparkling wine…