Between Haywards Heath and Balcombe
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 256
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Historic House / Palace
Brighton
The Royal Pavilion is an exotic palace in the centre of Brighton with a colourful history. Built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, this historic house mixes Regency grandeur with the visual style of India and China.
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.
Family Fun & Activities
Angmering , Littlehampton
Welcome to Out Of Bounds! Have fun and experience exciting indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.
Gallery
Hastings
The Jerwood Gallery is now closed. On 6 July 2019 it relaunches as Hastings Contemporary. Providing a platform for exhibitions by some of the world's most celebrated artists, first up are Tal R and Roy Oxlade, plus works by David Bomberg & Sir…
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.
Arts Centre
Brighton & Hove
Atelier Beside the Sea is an art gallery, shop and makers workshop situated on Brighton Beach and was established by Jon Tutton and Sarah Young, organisers of the much loved MADE London and MADE Brighton Design and Crafts fairs as well as Brighton…
Museum
Brighton
This fascinating museum houses exhibits that include hundreds of British birds displayed in recreated natural settings, insects from butterflies to beetles, a killer whale skeleton and dinosaur bones
Café
Hassocks
The Barn Coffee Shop and Restaurant at South Downs Heritage Centre
Village
Ferring, Worthing
A lively Sussex seafront village, between Worthing and Littlehampton.
Village
The western end and northern parts of the parish of Sompting remain mainly rural with an abundance of flint walls, older houses and cottages. The church of St Mary's was built around 1000 and features a fine Saxon tower with a Rhenish Helm (the last…
Boat
Newhaven
Newhaven ferry port is the easiest and closest link to France via Dieppe.
Museum
Arundel
Arundel Museum is the south coast’s newest museum, revealing the story of the historic town of Arundel.
Gallery
Eastbourne
Towner, the contemporary art museum, is Eastbourne's new art gallery and centre for the visual arts in the South East.
Village
Beacon Hill is 793ft, one of the highest points on the South Downs. Just to the south is Uppark, an elegant mansion built in 1680. HG Wells' mother worked at the house, and the author spent time there, using the extensive library.
Beach
Brighton
Rottingdean Beach is a shingle beach located in the charming coastal village of Rottingdean, near Brighton, offering a gentler pace than its busier neighbour.
Garden
Haywards Heath
High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden is a beautiful, tranquil and historic garden of some 27 acres. It was begun more than 100 years ago and is full of rare and important plants and trees.
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