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

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.

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: 260

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Barcombe

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    Towns & Villages

    Barcombe is three villages in one. There is the original community which surrounds the church, Barcombe Cross where villagers fled to escape the Black Death and Barcombe Mills, a popular fishing spot.

  2. Warninglid

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    Towns & Villages

    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

  3. Worthing Pier

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    Beach

    Worthing

    The Pier offers plenty of opportunity to stop and watch the world go by and enjoy all that the seaside has to offer.

  4. About the Place Walking Trails

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    Walking

    Discover 40 miles of newly waymarked walking trails that criss-cross the mid-Sussex countryside including Lindfield, Handcross, East Grinstead, Balcombe and West Hoathly

  5. Cooksbridge

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    Towns & Villages

    This little village is home to McBeans the world famous orchid grower.

  6. Tangmere Military Aviation Museum

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    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.

  7. Harbour Park – Indoor Soft Play

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    Adventure Park / Playground

    Littlehampton

    At Harbour Park we have a fantastic soft play, which provides endless fun for children up to 9 years of age. With a variety of experiences including separate role playrooms, light tunnels, huge interactive gaming screen and so much more!
    No need to…

  8. 1066 Country

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    Towns & Villages

    Leaving the cities behind and heading for the sea, where the wooded hills of the Sussex Weald stretch down to England’s south coast, you find 1066 Country.

  9. Leonardslee Wine Estate

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    Golf Course

    Horsham

    With breathtaking views and stunning landscapes, Leonardslee Wine Estate is home to a 37-acre vineyard, following sustainable practices, with the first release of wine in June 2024. The estimated production of 125,000 bottles of sparkling wine…

  10. Goodwood

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    Village

    Chichester

    Goodwood House, home to the Dukes of Richmond and Gordon for over 300 years, together with the Goodwood Motor Circuit and Racecourse, hotel and Sculpture Park are the main landmarks of this charming village and area of the downs.

  11. Action Watersports

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    Activity Organiser

    Romney Marsh

    Fancy an adrenalin fix? Action Watersports offers a huge range of watersports on a private freshwater lake, something for all water lovers from 6 to 80+

  12. Hartfield

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    Towns & Villages

    Hartfield

    Hartfield is famous for being the home of A.A. Milne, author of the Winnie the Pooh books, and the location for the "Poohsticks Bridge".

  13. Close Encounter - Lemur Experience

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    Nature and Wildlife

    Polegate

    Experience the chance to get up and close to the inquisitive and friendly Lemurs at Drusillas Park near Eastbourne.

  14. Littlehampton - Coastguard Station Beach

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    Beach

    Littlehampton

    Littlehampton - Coastguard Station Beach

  15. Bates Green Garden

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    Garden

    Polegate

    This naturalistic garden in a rural setting provides a peaceful space to relax and appreciate the selection of unusual plants including mature trees and shrubs. The garden is divided into 3 distinct areas offering a sensory experience with plants…

  16. East Wittering

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    Village

    Chichester

    East Wittering lies on the same shore of the Selsey Peninsular and provides a sandy beach at low tide, pebbly at high tide.

  17. Haywards Heath

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    Town

    In the heart of mid Sussex is Haywards Heath, which owes much of its growth to the railway. The town has an impressive collection of Victorian and Edwardian houses, many situated in mature grounds surrounding the Conservation Area of Muster Green.

  18. 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.

  19. Devonshire Park Theatre

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    Theatre

    Eastbourne

    The Devonshire Park Theatre is a Grade II listed building designed by Henry Currey, built in 1884 and further improved by celebrated Theatre Architect Frank Matcham in 1903.
    The theatre has a seating capacity of 936.

  20. Parham House & Gardens

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    Historic House / Palace

    Pulborough

    Set in the heart of an ancient deer park, Parham House and Gardens is situated below the South Downs. The house and gardens have been lovingly restored by the Pearson family who bought Parham in 1922.