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: 254

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Chichester

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    Cities

    Chichester

    West Sussex’s only city, Chichester is a contrast of ancient and modern, from Roman walls and the striking Chichester Cathedral to modern art at Pallant House Gallery.

  2. Brighton Beach

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    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.

  3. 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.

  4. Ansty

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    Village

    Ansty is a small settlement about four miles from Haywards Heath. Its village sign, situated at the Ansty Cross was painted by the renowned local artist James Forsyth.

  5. South Harting

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    Village

    Beacon Hill is 793ft, one of the highest points on the South Downs. Just to the south is Uppark, an elegant mansion built in 1680. HG Wells' mother worked at the house, and the author spent time there, using the extensive library.

  6. Littlehampton

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    Town

    Home to superb sandy beaches, a bustling marina & harbour and stunning contemporary architecture, there are many things to do in the town of Littlehampton

  7. Worthing Museum and Art Gallery

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    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.

  8. Field Place & Arts Complex

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    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).

  9. Bates Green Garden

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    Garden

    Polegate

    The naturalistic garden is spread over a 7-acre site, comprising of 1.5 acres of ornamental garden and 5.5 acres of managed Wildflower Meadow.

  10. Stansted Park

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    Historic House / Palace

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

  11. Henfield

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    Town

    Henfield

    Henfield is a delightful rural market town dating from 770AD. Its rural setting, ancient commons and friendly shops and pubs make a great destination.

    Horsham Visitor Information Centre
    Tel: +44 01403 211661
    //www.horsham.gov.uk/leisure_and_tou

  12. Lancing

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    Village

    Lancing, situated between the South Downs and the sea, has a long history dating back to the Stone Age. During the Bronze Age (1500 to 500BC) a sacred place was made near Lancing Ring and an incense cup and fragments of pottery from this spot are…

  13. Brighton Toy and Model Museum

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    Museum

    Brighton

    Located in four Victorian cellars under Brighton Railway Station, the Brighton Toy and Model Museum will invoke many childhood memories and dreams.

  14. Bolney

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    Village

    Bolney

    Bolney is a village and civil parish in the Mid Sussex district of West Sussex.

  15. Seven Sisters Country Park

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    Country / Royal Park

    Seaford

    Situated in the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Seven Sisters Country Park comprises 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland.

  16. Littlehampton - Coastguard Station Beach

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    Beach

    Littlehampton

    Littlehampton - Coastguard Station Beach

  17. Brighton & Hove

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    Cities

    Brighton

    Vibrant, colourful and creative - three words that describe Brighton & Hove, one of the UK’s favourite seaside cities.

  18. Bluebell Railway

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    Steam Railway

    Uckfield

    Step back in time to the Steam Age by climbing aboard one of the lovingly preserved trains on the Bluebell Railway.

  19. Knockhatch Adventure Park

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    Adventure Park / Playground

    Hailsham

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

  20. Bexhill Museum

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    Museum

    Bexhill-on-Sea

    A friendly, local museum with a surprising variety of displays spread over three galleries, lillustrating the geology, natural and local history and archaeology of the area.