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.
Looking for a gardeners paradise 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: 259
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Cities
Brighton
Voted one of the top 10 city beach break destinations in the world, Brighton & its beachfront are legendary. But there is so much more to Brighton than just the beach and if you are spending time in the city, make time to head out and explore the…
Church / Chapel
Ashington
A country gem from a gentler era.....
The setting of this 13th-century sandstone church – with splendid views across to the Iron Age fort of Chanctonbury Ring on the South Downs – is lovely, but the building itself surpasses all expectations.
T
Event Venue
Worthing
A popular facility offering bowls, petanque, a centre for artists and potters, the Barn Theatre, and other activities. There are lovely grounds with childrens play area and the Model Engineers miniature railway (see events).
Rural Destinations
Ashdown Forest, six and a half thousand acres of enchanted forest and heathland, is one of England's surviving primeval wonders.
Village
Newtimber, a small, scattered village with a population of about 75, lies just off the London to Brighton road. The Church of St John the Evangelist, a small 13th century building with interesting memorials, has been considerably restored.
Village
Herstmonceux
Herstmonceux is a village and civil parish in the Wealden District of East Sussex.
History and Heritage
CHICHESTER
A chance to see and hear the stories of heroes, in the air and on the ground, from World War 1 to the Cold War. Record breaking aircraft and others that have starred in films.
Town
Lewes
Nestled amongst the beautiful South Downs, the impressive county town of Lewes is steeped in history & heritage with a thriving cultural scene & much to do
Beaches
Worthing
Worthing has 5 miles of a beautiful palm-tree lined promenade, including the exciting new splash point and Lido making for a perfect fun day at the beach.
Natural Feature
Brighton
Devil’s Dyke, part of National Tust is just five miles north of Brighton, offers stunning panoramas, a record breaking valley, a curious history and England’s most colourful habitat.
Beach
Brighton's popular shingle and sand beach in one of Britain's most famous seaside resorts. And boasts a refurbished pier, fun fairs, arcades, local boutique shopping in The Lanes.
Towns & Villages
Tenterden
Tenterden, known as the ‘Jewel of the Weald’, offers the best of all worlds; fascinating history, a wealth of architecture and excellent shopping.
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…
Castle / Fort
Hastings
Images and views of the remains of Norman Castle built after William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings. 1066 Story interpretation centre in siege tent
Towns & Villages
Walk along the riverbank from Lewes via Offham and you will come to the little village of Hamsey. It is said that Hamsey was almost wiped out by plague. All that remains of the village today is the beautiful old church on its grassy knoll overlooking
Town
Storrington
Storrington, once the home of a flourishing 1930s artistic community based around the Roman Catholic Priory, now a bustling place ideal for using as a base for exploring the South Downs. Storrington Museum
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.
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Worthing
A unique and beautiful garden on downland countryside overlooking the sea. The Chalk Garden is the achievement of Sir Frederick and Lady Stern who worked for 50 years to prove that plants would grow on chalk. Green Flag Award winner.
Village
Bodiam, nestled in the picturesque East Sussex countryside, is a charming village renowned for its iconic medieval castle and idyllic surroundings. A wonderful collection of attractions creates a tapestry of historical, leisure and nostalgic…
Forest
CRANBROOK
The National Pinetum is a world-class collection of dramatic conifers and a beautiful setting for a country walk in all seasons.