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Things To Do in Sussex

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  • Towns & Villages Search

Towns & Villages Search

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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: 255

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Selsey

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    Town

    Chichester

    Basking in more sunshine hours than anywhere else in the UK, Selsey is a haven for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This charming seaside town, nestled on the southern tip of the Manhood Peninsula in West Sussex, offers a delightful escape for…

  2. Ouse Valley Viaduct

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    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.

  3. Chichester Cathedral

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    Cathedral / Minister

    Chichester

    In the heart of Chichester, a magnificent Cathedral with treasures ranging from medieval stone carvings to world famous 20th Century artworks. Free entry and free guided tours. Exhibitions, concerts and special trails for children.

  4. Rye

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    Towns & Villages

    Rye's ancient medieval streets are clustered around a sandstone hillside, over River Rother and Romney Marsh. Find things to do and places to visit nearby.

  5. Eastbourne

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    Town

    Eastbourne

    Stroll along three miles of pristine palm-lined promenade, take in a show at the elegant art-deco inspired Bandstand, admire the views from the iconic Victorian Pier or simply admire the breath-taking beauty of the coastal landmarks at Beachy Head…

  6. Rother Wine Triangle

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    Vineyard

    The Rother Wine Triangle is the first official trail for Sussex Winelands based in the heart of 1066 Country. The trail connects six award-winning vineyards between Rye, Hastings, and Flimwell, in the Rother Valley region of East Sussex. Find great…

  7. Paradise Park

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    Theme Park

    Newhaven

    From plants to play, Paradise Park has something for all generations of the family to enjoy a unique and exciting day out. Visit Planet Earth Museum, Sussex Plant House, Sussex History Trail, themed gardens and extensive indoor and outdoor play…

  8. Amberley

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    Village

    Amberley

    Amberley is set on the River Arun with many flint walled, thatched cottages, a medieval castle (now a hotel) and a fascinating Industrial Museum.

  9. Harbour Park

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    Adventure Park / Playground

    Littlehampton

    Home to the sea, beach, riverside, picnic greens and buckets of laughs. A must do for any family planning a fun day out!

  10. Gatwick

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    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. The Urchin Brewery & Shellfish Pub

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    Pub/Inn

    HOVE

    Enjoy a plate of oysters with a pint of stout by the sea as The Urchin Brewery & Shellfish is keeping the dockyard spirit alive! With craft beer brewed on site and a selection of wine, there won't ever be any shortages of top class beverages as you…

  12. Shoreham-by-Sea

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    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.

  13. Cooksbridge

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    Towns & Villages

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

  14. Amberley Museum

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    Museum

    Arundel

    Find out why Amberley Museum is growing in popularity and information prior to your visit with a focus on industrial and transport history, with over 40 buildings.

  15. Knockhatch Adventure Park

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    Adventure Park / Playground

    Hailsham

    Exciting family rides
    Amazing indoor & outdoor play
    Zoo, Daily Owl Displays & much more!

  16. Hailsham

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    Town

    Hailsham

    The town centre is a delightful mixture of the old and new, having two modern shopping precincts yet retaining some of the character of its past heritage with St Mary’s Church, Fleur de Lys and other buildings dating back to the sixteenth century.

  17. 1066 Country

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    Towns & Villages

    Leaving the cities behind and heading for the sea, where the wooded hills of the Sussex Weald stretch down to England’s south coast, you find 1066 Country.

  18. Birling Gap

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    Towns & Villages

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

  19. 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.

  20. Slindon

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    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