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

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: 260

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. West Dean Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Chichester

    West Dean Gardens near Singleton in West Sussex is one of the South East’s most inspiring historic gardens, featuring beautifully restored Edwardian landscapes, colourful herbaceous borders, rare plant collections and a striking 300-foot pergola.…

  2. Brighton Beach

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  3. The Metropole Bar and Terrace

    Type

    Type:

    Restaurants

    Brighton

    Metropole Bar & Terrace is a stylish seafront restaurant and bar in Brighton, located within the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. Overlooking Brighton Beach, with views of the iconic West Pier and Brighton i360, it serves all-day dining,…

  4. Emsworth

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Emsworth

    Emsworth, with its narrow streets, Georgian houses and walled gardens, is a picturesque fishing village popular with sailors, artists, naturalists and walkers.

  5. Bexhill

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Bexhill

    Renowned for its bracing and equable climate since Victorian times, there are plenty of things to do in the seaside town Bexhill & the surrounding area.

  6. Go Ape in the South East

    Type

    Type:

    Climbing / High Ropes

    South East England is home to a host of Go Ape's challenging Treetop and Adventure courses. Why not zip your way along to one and have a go!

  7. Crowborough

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Crowborough

    Crowborough is the largest and highest inland town in East Sussex, set within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and bordering the Ashdown Forest, a site of European significance for birds and heathland.

  8. Goodwood

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  9. Eastbourne Bandstand

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Eastbourne

    1930's Bandstand which hosts concerts from Tribute Bands to Traditional Concerts through-out the year from May to September plus special Easter, Christmas and Boxing Day concerts.

  10. Albourne

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Albourne

    Albourne, a small village with a population of about 600, is situated in the low Weald and Mid Sussex, just north of the South Downs.

  11. Stansted Park

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Stansted Park is home to forest walks, afternoon teas and stunning weddings, plus some of the best events in the south! Visit the historic house for a real sense of a bygone era.

  12. Leonardslee Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard

    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…

  13. Ardingly

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Ardingly is a parish of attractive wooded scenery in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village sign was erected as a memorial to Viscountess Wolseley, and marks the site of the original tollgate.

  14. Hailsham

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Hailsham

    The town centre is a delightful mixture of the old and new, having two modern shopping precincts yet retaining some of the character of its past heritage with St Mary’s Church, Fleur de Lys and other buildings dating back to the sixteenth century.

  15. Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Natural Feature

    Hastings

    A fabulous nature reserve with stunning coastal scenery situated within the High Weald National Landscape.

  16. Worthing Leisure Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Leisure / Swimming Pool

    Worthing

    Worthing Leisure Centre welcomes all ages to its very varied facility. From Creches to Climbing walls; classes to conferences; this is a multi purpose venue where fun and fitness are keywords.

  17. Knockhatch Adventure Park

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Hailsham

    Exciting family rides
    Amazing indoor & outdoor play
    Zoo, Daily Owl Displays & much more!

  18. Arundel Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Arundel

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

  19. Piddinghoe

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Piddinghoe was once at the heart of Sussex Smuggling. It is also famous for having the only remaining bottle-shaped brick kiln in the country.

  20. 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