Stunning view taken by paragliders over Eastbourne seafront.

Discover Eastbourne

Credit Visit Eastbourne

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: 255

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. South of England Rare Breeds Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Farm

    Woodchurch

    Large collection of rare farm breeds on a working farm with children's play activities. Home to the 'Tamworth Two'. Woodland walks.

  2. Rodmell

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Lewes

    Rodmell is a small, quiet and charming village nestling in some of the finest scenery of the South Downs. It lies in the lower valley of the Ouse some four miles south of Lewes, the County Town of East Sussex, and a similar distance north of the…

  3. Ouse Valley Viaduct

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  4. Ashdown Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Rural Destinations

    Ashdown Forest, six and a half thousand acres of enchanted forest and heathland, is one of England's surviving primeval wonders.

  5. Firle

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Lewes

    The narrow streets of flint knapped cottages do not seem to have changed for centuries. There are lovely walks from the village to Charleston Farmhouse (home of Vanessa Bell and other members of the Bloomsbury Group) and up to Firle Beacon.

  6. Glyndebourne

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Lewes

    A short distance from the county town of Lewes is the world renowned Glyndebourne Festival Opera, which runs from May to August.

  7. East Wittering

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Chichester

    East Wittering is a West Sussex seaside village that lies on the same shore of the Selsey Peninsular and provides a sandy beach at low tide, pebbly at high tide.

  8. Roebuck Estates

    Type

    Type:

    Experiences

    Petworth

    Roebuck Estates was founded in 2013 with the intention of crafting exceptional vintage sparkling wine.

    You can experience Roebuck Estates Wines for yourself at The View, our idyllic sparkling wine tasting area perched at the top of the vineyard…

  9. Highdown Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  10. 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…

  11. Hastings

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Hastings

    Set in the heart of 1066 Country and the remains of William the Conqueror's first English castle, Hastings is an historic town with many points of interest, events and things to do.

  12. Hassocks

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Hassocks

    Hassocks is a attractive village situated just to the north of the South Downs in Sussex, some 7 miles from Brighton. It is ideally situated, having links by both road and rail to London and the Sussex Coast, and direct access to the South Downs. The

  13. Brighton Beach Bikes

    Type

    Type:

    Cycle/Vehicle Hire

    Brighton

    Brighton & Hove bike hire allows you to ride a bike safely for 15 miles without crossing any busy roads as we’re the only cycle hire service right on the seafront cycle lane.

  14. Cliff Railways - East Hill

    Type

    Type:

    Railway

    Hastings

    East Hill Lift provides easy access to the Country Park

  15. Bosham

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    A small attractive village on one of the small inlets of Chichester harbour, Bosham (pronounced 'Bozzum') has played an important part in the history of this country over the centuries.

  16. Bates Green Garden

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  17. 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

  18. Crawley

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Crawley

    Sitting midway between the colourful city of Brighton and the sprawl of London, Crawley is perfectly placed to explore South East England and offers dozens of attractions and accommodation providers.

  19. Littlehampton

    Type

    Type:

    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

  20. 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.