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.
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.
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: 261
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Towns & Villages
Situated at the base of the chalk cliffs called the Seven Sisters. Shingle giving way to sand with areas of rock pools.
Towns & Villages
Cranbrook
The ancient Wealden village of Hawkhurst is widely known for its beautiful surroundings and long history.
Café
Chichester
West Dean Garden Kitchen is a garden-to-plate restaurant near Chichester in West Sussex, serving seasonal dishes inspired by produce grown on the West Dean Estate. Combining fresh local ingredients, sustainable dining and beautiful garden…
Natural Feature
Shoreham-by-Sea
The River Adur, an important trade route since Roman times, derives its name from the Celtic word 'Dwyr', meaning 'water'. It gives its name to the Adur District dividing it roughly in half.
Beach
Chichester
The beach provides sandy beach at low tide, pebbly at high tide. Ideal for a family day out offering great paddling, good swimming, sandcastle building, coastal walks with its natural rugged feel.
Village
Camber
Camber is renowned for its expansive and breathtaking beach, Camber Sands. Stretching out along the East Sussex coastline, a short distance from Rye, Camber Sands is a haven for beach enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Historic House / Palace
Lewes
Farley House offers you a warm welcome in the spirit of its former Surrealist occupants, the photographer Lee Miller and the painter and biographer of Picasso, Roland Penrose.
Town
A charming town steeped in history and bustling with boutiques, nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Petworth is a perfectly preserved market town within easy reach of London. Renowned for its independent shops and awarded "Best…
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.
Gallery
Eastbourne
Towner, the contemporary art museum, is Eastbourne's new art gallery and centre for the visual arts in the South East.
Railway
Hastings
East Hill Lift provides easy access to the Country Park
Town
Horsham
The market town of Horsham is set in outstanding parkland and countryside. Find things to do, shopping, restaurants and explore nearby places
Garden
Haywards Heath
Have a day out like no other at Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden. With over 500 acres to discover, Wakehurst is home to a dramatic and diverse landscape, ranging from ornamental gardens to temperate woodlands, wildflower meadows and the Loder…
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…
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Hartfield
Pooh Corner is a gift shop specialising in Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends. The timber frame building is some 300 years old and has low ceilings - so you may have to duck your head to cross the threshold.
Nature and Wildlife
Polegate
Experience the chance to get up and close to the inquisitive and friendly Lemurs at Drusillas Park near Eastbourne.
Pub/Inn
Nr Horsham
Award winning country pub with rooms. Family owned and run free house offering well kept local ales, homemade food, two self catering cottages, pub garden plus front patio overlooking the village green. Dog friendly.
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.
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…
Beach
Chichester
West Wittering is situated on the western coast of the Selsey Peninsula and has a large expanse of firm sand, ideal for children to play and safe for bathing.