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

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: 254

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Sompting

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  2. Volk's Electric Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Railway

    Brighton

    Britain's oldest electric railway built in 1883, running for one and a quarter miles along the top of the beach from the Aquarium Station near Brighton Pier to the Marina. Trains every 15 mins. Cafe and toilets opposite.

    Please note - Due to…

  3. West Wittering Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    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.

  4. 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.

  5. West Chiltington

    Type

    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

  6. Worthing Museum and Art Gallery

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Worthing

    Varied collections including art, costume, toys, archaeology and local history. Exciting programme of rotation exhibitions throughout the year. Garden hosts changing sculpture exhibitions.

  7. High Weald

    Type

    Type:

    Rural Destinations

    The High Weald is a medieval rural landscape at the heart of South East England, celebrated for its rolling hills, abundant woods and hedges, scattered farmsteads and sunken lanes.

  8. Haywards Heath

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    In the heart of mid Sussex is Haywards Heath, which owes much of its growth to the railway. The town has an impressive collection of Victorian and Edwardian houses, many situated in mature grounds surrounding the Conservation Area of Muster Green.

  9. Shoreham-by-Sea

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Shoreham-by-Sea, is a historic town with a centre which reflects the architecture of its fishing history. There are old cottages, houses and some beautiful churches. Yet the town is vibrant and well worth a visit.

  10. Borde Hill Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Haywards Heath

    A historical formal Garden, woodlands, lakes, parkland and adventure playground.

    Event days. Café & restaurant, art gallery, gift shop. Dogs permitted

  11. Egerton Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Bexhill

    Enjoy a game of tennis on one of the outdoor courts, try your hand at bowls or take a boat out on the lake. Children of all ages will love the play-zone with a range of exciting equipment including a zip-wire, climbing unit with tree house and sand…

  12. Chichester Festival Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatres & Cinemas

    Chichester

    Chichester Festival Theatre creates inspiring experiences and exceptional stories that inspire, delight and bring people together – on and off the stage. We connect inventive artists with imaginative audiences. We bring theatre to schools and youth…

  13. The Sussex Guild Shop & Gallery

    Type

    Type:

    Speciality Shop

    LEWES

    A group of highly-skilled designer makers. The Sussex Guild aims to inspire and encourage public appreciation of fine craftsmanship at its HQ Shop & Gallery and annual contemporary craft show programme at a variety of Sussex venues.

  14. Birling Gap

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Situated at the base of the chalk cliffs called the Seven Sisters. Shingle giving way to sand with areas of rock pools.

  15. Worthing

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Official guide to things to do, events and places to visit near the seaside town of Worthing, boasting five miles of promenade and beach.

  16. The Cuckoo Trail

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  17. The Living Coast By Bike

    Type

    Type:

    Cycling

    One of the best ways to discover the Living Coast a UNESCO World Biosphere is by bike and to help you explore discover a series of tried and tested bike routes and rides to enjoy. The rides are graded easy, medium and hard, so no matter your ability…

  18. Brighton & Hove Seafront

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Brighton & Hove

    Bustling Brighton & Hove promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll where you can relax on the beach or try one of the activities available. Or why not visit one of the cafes, restaurant and bars

  19. Petworth

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    A charming town steeped in history and bustling with boutiques, nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Petworth is a perfectly preserved market town within easy reach of London. Renowned for its independent shops and awarded "Best…

  20. East Dean & Friston

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Eastbourne

    East Dean & Friston villages, including the smaller hamlets of Birling Gap and Crowlink, are situated within the South Downs National Park on the dramatic and beautiful coastline of Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters