Aerial of Ouse Viaduct taken from Borde Hill Gardens, Credit Experience West Sussex

Ouse Valley Viaduct, Mid Sussex

Between Haywards Heath and Balcombe

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: 261

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Denton

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    Towns & Villages

    Denton, a suburb of Newhaven looks out across the harbour and Tide Mills.

  2. Amberley Castle

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    Restaurant

    Arundel

    Amberley Castle has a long-held reputation for delivering outstanding cuisine.
    Our dining, enjoyed on the first floor of the castle in either the magnificent Queen's Room, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling dating back to the 12th century and open fire…

  3. 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.

  4. Princes Park

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    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Eastbourne

    At the heart of the park lies a large artificial lake, frequently used by two resident clubs for racing model yachts and powerboats. The lake is home to numerous swans and other bird species, including some rare migratory visitors.

  5. 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.

  6. Ditchling

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    Village

    Tudor houses, Georgian homes, village pond and mediaeval church set on the green. This is the picture postcard village of Ditchling.

  7. Heathfield

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    Town

    Heathfield is a small market town with a big view. Standing on a ridge, it is surrounded by beautiful, rolling Sussex countryside and has magnificent vistas to the south from the High Street. Heathfield is 16 miles from the coastal town of…

  8. Kew Wakehurst

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    Garden

    Haywards Heath

    Have a day out like no other at Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden. With over 500 acres to discover, Wakehurst is home to a dramatic and diverse landscape, ranging from ornamental gardens to temperate woodlands, wildflower meadows and the Loder…

  9. Devonshire Park Tennis

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    Sports Ground

    Eastbourne

    Eastbourne’s oldest park probably dating from around 1873 or 1874 when the Devonshire Park Company was set up

  10. Arundel

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    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

  11. Leonardslee Gardens

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    Type:

    Countryside, Parks & Gardens

    Horsham

    One of the finest gardens in Britain, Leonardslee will reopen to the public in March 2018. The Grade 2 listed Italianate style ropery will house dining facilities and become a local attraction for wedding groups and events.

  12. Goodwood

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    Village

    Chichester

    Goodwood House, home to the Dukes of Richmond and Gordon for over 300 years, together with the Goodwood Motor Circuit and Racecourse, hotel and Sculpture Park are the main landmarks of this charming village and area of the downs.

  13. West Beach Bar & Kitchen

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    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.

  14. East Wittering Beach

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    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.

  15. Sissinghurst

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    Towns & Villages

    Sissinghurst

    Sissinghurst is a small village in the county of Kent and was originally called Milkhouse Street before changing its name in the 1850s.

  16. Go Ape in the South East

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    Climbing / High Ropes

    South East England is home to a host of Go Ape's challenging Treetop and Adventure courses. Why not zip your way along to one and have a go!

  17. The Cuckoo Trail

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    Nature Trail / Watching

    Polegate

    The Cuckoo Trail is 11 miles long joining three of the district’s towns, Heathfield, Hailsham and Polegate. It also passes through the villages of Horam and Hellingly.

  18. West Chiltington

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    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

  19. Piddinghoe

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    Towns & Villages

    Piddinghoe was once at the heart of Sussex Smuggling. It is also famous for having the only remaining bottle-shaped brick kiln in the country.

  20. Passies Pond

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    Fishing

    Lancing

    Passies Pond is a day ticket fishery with a second lake for matches. Corporate days and junior teachings. We have been awarded centre of excellence status by the angling trades association for juniors.