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Things To Do in Sussex

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Towns & Villages Search

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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 21 to 40.

  1. River Adur - Coastal Link & Sculpture Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Natural Feature

    Shoreham-by-Sea

    The River Adur, an important trade route since Roman times, derives its name from the Celtic word 'Dwyr', meaning 'water'. It gives its name to the Adur District dividing it roughly in half.

  2. Rodmell

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Lewes

    Rodmell is a small, quiet and charming village nestling in some of the finest scenery of the South Downs. It lies in the lower valley of the Ouse some four miles south of Lewes, the County Town of East Sussex, and a similar distance north of the…

  3. Stansted Park

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    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Stansted Park is home to forest walks, afternoon teas and stunning weddings, plus some of the best events in the south! Visit the historic house for a real sense of a bygone era.

  4. South Downs National Park

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    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…

  5. Nostos

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    Type:

    Greek

    Hove

    The award winning Nostos is a place where a nostalgic feeling of the past meets a delightful smell of the present and a grateful smile for the future.

  6. South of England Rare Breeds Centre

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    Farm

    Woodchurch

    Large collection of rare farm breeds on a working farm with children's play activities. Home to the 'Tamworth Two'. Woodland walks.

  7. West Dean Gardens Kitchen

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    Type:

    Café

    Chichester

    West Dean Garden Kitchen is a garden-to-plate restaurant near Chichester in West Sussex, serving seasonal dishes inspired by produce grown on the West Dean Estate. Combining fresh local ingredients, sustainable dining and beautiful garden…

  8. West Dean Gardens

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    Type:

    Garden

    Chichester

    West Dean Gardens near Singleton in West Sussex is one of the South East’s most inspiring historic gardens, featuring beautifully restored Edwardian landscapes, colourful herbaceous borders, rare plant collections and a striking 300-foot pergola.…

  9. 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.

  10. Alfriston

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    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Alfriston is a must-visit village. On the banks of the Cuckmere River, at the foot of the beautiful South Downs and now situated within the boundaries of the new National Park, there is so much here to interest visitors.

  11. Bishop's Palace Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Chichester

    Bishop's Palace Gardens is situated within the City Walls, next to the Cathedral. And it has now been developed by the council to offer a peaceful retreat for all to enjoy.

  12. Pashley Manor Gardens

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    Type:

    Garden

    Ticehurst, Wadhurst

    One of the finest gardens in England' Pashley Manor Gardens offers a sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings and fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds.

  13. Sovereign Harbour

    Type

    Type:

    Marina / Harbour

    Eastbourne

    Opened in 1993, Sovereign Harbour is the largest composite marina complex in northern Europe, featuring four interconnected harbours and the bustling Waterfront development, home to a variety of shops and restaurants.

  14. Arundel

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    Type:

    Town

    Arundel

    Arundel is a charming, stylish market town famous for its landmarks, Arundel Castle and Arundel Cathedral. Find things to do and places to visit nearby

  15. John Lewis Horsham

    Type

    Type:

    Department Store

    Horsham

    John Lewis Horsham offers two floors of the best in fashion, beauty, home, giftware, technology and electrical items. Pop in and ask a Partner about our upcoming workshops, tasters and classes.

  16. Bosham

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    Type:

    Village

    A small attractive village on one of the small inlets of Chichester harbour, Bosham (pronounced 'Bozzum') has played an important part in the history of this country over the centuries.

  17. Out of Bounds

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    Type:

    Family Fun & Activities

    Angmering , Littlehampton

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

  18. Bognor Regis East Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Bognor Regis

    Bognor Regis East Beach is the most popular beach in Bognor Regis due to its close proximity to the town centre as well as the Foreshore Office and the food and drink stands on the promenade.

  19. Museum of Gardening and South Downs Heritage Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Brighton Road, Hassocks

    Independent British artists, designers and makers regularly showcase their work to the public at this unique visitor attraction in a stunning oak-framed barn. The South Downs Heritage Centre is the perfect stop to explore, discover, shop and enjoy…

  20. Plumpton

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Plumpton is another village of two halves. The southern end of the village is cut across by the South Downs Way near the site of an Early Bronze Age settlement.