Sunset over Brighton West pier, an icon on Brighton beachfront, only a short walk from Brighton Palace pier, one of the many piers you can visit along the South Coast.

Brighton Beach West Pier

Credit Visit Brighton, East Sussex

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: 261

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Didling

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    Village

    Landmarks are Treyford Hill at 770ft, and the Shepherd's Church of St Andrews which dates from 1220. The church is always open and is lit only by candles.

  2. Tenterden

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    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.

  3. Hastings

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    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.

  4. Lewes

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    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

  5. 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.

  6. Brighton & Hove Seafront

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    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

  7. Rodmell

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    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…

  8. Brighton Undercliff Walk

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    Walking

    Brighton

    The Undercliff Walk at Brighton is perfect for all the family as it offers not only a host of stops along the way, but its flat wide walkways make it suitable for prams, bikes and wheelchairs.  The 3-mile uninterrupted walkway runs between Brighton…

  9. Hove

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    Town

    Hove

    West of Brighton is Hove where the seafront takes on a leisurely feel with the beach huts and seafront lawns overlooked by beautiful Regency architecture.

  10. Sissinghurst

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    Towns & Villages

    Sissinghurst

    Sissinghurst is a small village in the county of Kent and was originally called Milkhouse Street before changing its name in the 1850s.

  11. 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.

  12. Warninglid

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    Village

    WARNINGLID or Warninglyth, as it was known in the 1300s, has Saxon origins with medieval iron-industry connections. In the last 25 years it has won the Best Kept Village competition three times and been runner-up on six other occasions. Its centre wa

  13. Wadhurst

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    Towns & Villages

    Wadhurst

    Wadhurst lies 6 miles south east of Tunbridge Wells, at the crossroads of the B2100 and the B2099. It has a long High Street of tile-hung cottages. At one time it was of great importance as a hub of the Wealden Iron Industry .

  14. Royal Pavilion

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    Historic House / Palace

    Brighton

    The Royal Pavilion is an exotic palace in the centre of Brighton with a colourful history. Built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, this historic house mixes Regency grandeur with the visual style of India and China.

  15. Exploring Brighton & Hove

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    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…

  16. The Cat Inn

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    Pub/Inn

    East Grinstead

    The Cat Inn is a 16th century free house set in the picturesque village of West Hoathly, a hilltop village set in the heart of the Sussex countryside. It is in within easy distance from the towns of East Grinstead and Haywards Heath.

  17. Leonardslee Gardens

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    Countryside, Parks & Gardens

    Horsham

    One of the finest gardens in Britain, Leonardslee will reopen to the public in March 2018. The Grade 2 listed Italianate style ropery will house dining facilities and become a local attraction for wedding groups and events.

  18. Cliff Railways - East Hill

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    Railway

    Hastings

    East Hill Lift provides easy access to the Country Park

  19. Bolney Wine Estate

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    Vineyard

    Bolney, Haywards Heath

    Find out why Sussex sparkling wine has been beating champagne in blind taste tests. Bolney Wine Estate carries a tradition brought to Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.

  20. Heathfield

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    Town

    Heathfield is a small market town with a big view. Standing on a ridge, it is surrounded by beautiful, rolling Sussex countryside and has magnificent vistas to the south from the High Street. Heathfield is 16 miles from the coastal town of…