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: 256

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Brighton Toy and Model Museum

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    Type:

    Museum

    Brighton

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

  2. Passies Pond

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    Type:

    Fishing

    Lancing

    Passies Pond is a day ticket fishery with a second lake for matches. Corporate days and junior teachings. We have been awarded centre of excellence status by the angling trades association for juniors.

  3. Seven Sisters Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  4. Ferring

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Ferring, Worthing

    A lively Sussex seafront village, between Worthing and Littlehampton.

  5. Museum of Gardening

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    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Brighton Road, Hassocks

    A unique visitor attraction in a stunning oak-framed barn. Independent British artists, designers and makers regularly showcase their work to the public.

  6. Newhaven Ferry Port

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    Type:

    Boat

    Newhaven

    Newhaven ferry port is the easiest and closest link to France via Dieppe. 

  7. Cuckfield

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    Type:

    Village

    Explore the enchanting village of Cuckfield, a charming village in Mid Sussex, Take a wander along the High Street lined with attractive 16th-century houses; shops selling specialist goods, places to eat, and many pubs associated with this old major…

  8. Singleton

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    Type:

    Village

    Chichester

    Singleton is a village and civil parish in the Chichester district of West Sussex, England. It lies in the Lavant valley, north of Chichester on the A286 road to Midhurst.

  9. South of England Rare Breeds Centre

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    Farm

    Woodchurch

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

  10. Atelier Beside the Sea

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    Arts Centre

    Brighton & Hove

    Atelier Beside the Sea is an art gallery, shop and makers workshop situated on Brighton Beach and was established by Jon Tutton and Sarah Young, organisers of the much loved MADE London and MADE Brighton Design and Crafts fairs as well as Brighton…

  11. Weald & Downland Living Museum

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    Type:

    Museum

    Chichester

    The Weald & Downland Living Museum is a hidden gem in the South East, quintessentially British in a picture perfect setting.

  12. Arundel Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Arundel

    Arundel Museum is the south coast’s newest museum, revealing the story of the historic town of Arundel.

  13. Preston Manor & Gardens

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    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Brighton

    A delightful manor house which belonged to the Stanford family for over 200 years and which still has the atmosphere of an Edwardian country house.

  14. Handcross

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    Type:

    Village

    Handcross, is a Victorian village close to the A23 main London to Brighton road. Nearby are the 30 acres of Nymans Gardens run by the National Trust, as well as the 20 acres of woodland and water gardens at The High Beeches.

  15. Pelham Beach

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    Type:

    Beach

    Hastings


    Hastings' main beach backs right onto the seafront of this established seaside resort town so you are never far away from the town's facilities and attractions.

  16. Little Chelsea

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    Type:

    Street/Area

    Eastbourne

    Little Chelsea is a charming area in Eastbourne, known for its vibrant independent shops, boutiques, cafes, and galleries. Located just a short walk from the town center, it’s often described as Eastbourne’s “shopping village” because of its…

  17. Albourne Estate Vineyard

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    Type:

    Vineyard

    Albourne

    Set deep in the glorious Sussex countryside overlooking the South Downs, yet just 8 miles from Brighton. Visitors are warmly welcome at our vineyard as well as in our Tasting Room to sample our award-winning wines. 

  18. Henfield

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    Type:

    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

  19. Close Encounter - Lemur Experience

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    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    Polegate

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

  20. Hove

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    Type:

    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.