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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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. Littlehampton

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Home to superb sandy beaches, a bustling marina & harbour and stunning contemporary architecture, there are many things to do in the town of Littlehampton

  2. South Downs National Park

    Type

    Type:

    National Park


    The South Downs, now a newly designated National Park are easily accessible from Worthing.  The South Downs Way runs from Winchester to Eastbourne and can be accessed at several points around Worthing or Adur.

    Discovery ticket:

    The new…

  3. Albourne Estate Vineyard

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard

    Albourne

    Set deep in the glorious Sussex countryside overlooking the South Downs, yet just 8 miles from Brighton. Visitors are warmly welcome at our vineyard as well as in our Tasting Room to sample our award-winning wines. 

  4. Slindon

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Arundel

    Slindon village is charming and unspoilt, with brick and flint houses surrounded by beech woods, farms and open downland with many of the houses in the care of the National Trust

  5. Singleton

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Chichester

    Singleton is a village and civil parish in the Chichester district of West Sussex, England. It lies in the Lavant valley, north of Chichester on the A286 road to Midhurst.

  6. East Wittering Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Chichester

    The beach provides sandy beach at low tide, pebbly at high tide. Ideal for a family day out offering great paddling, good swimming, sandcastle building, coastal walks with its natural rugged feel.

  7. Beachy Head

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    Type:

    Coastal Destinations

    Beachy Head

    Beachy Head, with its dramatic white cliffs and gently undulating downs, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and tranquillity.

  8. Colonel Stephens Railway

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    Type:

    Museum

    Tenterden


    The Colonel Stephens Railway Museum
     
    Recording the Career of Holman Fred Stephens, Light RailwayPromoter,
    Engineer and Manager, His Family, His Railways and His Successors.
     
    ''A Quart of a Museum in a Pint pot'' - Old Glory Magazine
     

  9. Brighton Beach Bikes

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    Type:

    Cycle/Vehicle Hire

    Brighton

    Brighton & Hove bike hire allows you to ride a bike safely for 15 miles without crossing any busy roads as we’re the only cycle hire service right on the seafront cycle lane.

  10. Gatwick

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    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.

  11. Highdown Gardens

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    Type:

    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    Worthing

    A unique and beautiful garden on downland countryside overlooking the sea. The Chalk Garden is the achievement of Sir Frederick and Lady Stern who worked for 50 years to prove that plants would grow on chalk. Green Flag Award winner.

  12. West Chiltington

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    Type:

    Village

    West Chiltington, with sunken tree lined lanes and the attractive, unaltered 12th Century church of St Mary's with an oak shingle covered spire and ancient wall paintings

  13. Congress Theatre

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    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.

  14. 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.

  15. Albourne

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    Type:

    Village

    Albourne

    Albourne, a small village with a population of about 600, is situated in the low Weald and Mid Sussex, just north of the South Downs.

  16. Cooksbridge

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    Type:

    Towns & Villages

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

  17. Emsworth

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    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Emsworth

    Emsworth, with its narrow streets, Georgian houses and walled gardens, is a picturesque fishing village popular with sailors, artists, naturalists and walkers.

  18. 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…

  19. 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…

  20. West Wittering

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Chichester

    West Wittering is situated on the western coast of the Selsey Peninsula and has a large expanse of firm sand, ideal for children to play and safe for bathing. Portsmouth and the isle of Wight can be seen across the water.