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: 256

, currently showing 241 to 256.

  1. 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

  2. Ouse Valley Viaduct

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  3. Parham House & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Pulborough

    Set in the heart of an ancient deer park, Parham House and Gardens is situated below the South Downs. The house and gardens have been lovingly restored by the Pearson family who bought Parham in 1922.

  4. Camber

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Camber

    Camber is renowned for its expansive and breathtaking beach, Camber Sands. Stretching out along the East Sussex coastline, a short distance from Rye, Camber Sands is a haven for beach enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

  5. Hastings Museum and Art Gallery

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Hastings

    Visit Hastings’ family-friendly and diverse Museum and Art Gallery for an exploration of art, heritage and history from around the world.

  6. Close Encounter - Lemur Experience

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    Polegate

    Experience the chance to get up and close to the inquisitive and friendly Lemurs at Drusillas Park near Eastbourne.

  7. West Beach Bar & Kitchen

    Type

    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.

  8. Hove Lawns Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Hove

    Hove seafront begins at Hove Lawns and stretches right along to Hove Lagoon, near Portslade. There is a stunning walk along the seafront, especially just as the sun rises or sets, from the West Pier onwards.

  9. Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Reserve

    Arlington

    Enjoy vistas of bluebells in 23 acres of ancient woodland. Walks and trails through three farms. Countryside exhibition. One walk is wheelchair friendly.

  10. Didling

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Landmarks are Treyford Hill at 770ft, and the Shepherd's Church of St Andrews which dates from 1220. The church is always open and is lit only by candles.

  11. Pevensey

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Pevensey

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

  12. Amberley Museum

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  13. Gatwick

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    With the villages of Horley and Copthorne and the town of Crawley close by there's more to Gatwick than the international airport.

  14. Arundel Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Arundel

    Arundel Museum is the south coast’s newest museum, revealing the story of the historic town of Arundel.

  15. Ardingly

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Ardingly is a parish of attractive wooded scenery in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village sign was erected as a memorial to Viscountess Wolseley, and marks the site of the original tollgate.

  16. Cuckfield

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Explore the enchanting village of Cuckfield, a charming village in Mid Sussex, Take a wander along the High Street lined with attractive 16th-century houses; shops selling specialist goods, places to eat, and many pubs associated with this old major…