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: 255
, currently showing 161 to 180.
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.
Historic House / Palace
Lewes
A Tudor house with Georgian additions in downland park setting. Important English and European Old Master paintings, fine furniture and notable Sevres porcelain.
Town
The famous ruins at Cowdray opened to the public again in 2007 after an extensive refurbishment.
Restaurants
East Grinstead
Gravetye's award-winning Michelin Star restaurant provides uninterrupted views of its glorious gardens. They hold a Michelin Star and were awarded two Michelin Keys by the Michelin Guide in 2024.
Railway
Hastings
Information about one of Hastings' most recognisable landmarks. East Hill Lift provides easy access to the Country Park. West Hill Lift takes you to the Castle and Adventure Park.
Village
Billingshurst
Wisborough Green lies in the northwest corner of West Sussex, astride the A272 east-west main road. The River Arun and its flood plain to the east and the heavily wooded high ground to the west maintain the essentially rural nature of the Parish and
Coastal Destinations
Beachy Head
Beachy Head, with its dramatic white cliffs and gently undulating downs, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and tranquillity.
Railway
Brighton
Britain's oldest electric railway built in 1883, running for one and a quarter miles along the top of the beach from the Aquarium Station near Brighton Pier to the Marina. Trains every 15 mins. Cafe and toilets opposite.
Please note - Due to…
Towns & Villages
Polegate
The civil Parish of Arlington comprises two villages. Arlington dates from Roman times and has a Saxon church. Upper Dicker village further north, developed in the late 19th century when Horatio Bottomley built and extended a cottage here.
Town
Pevensey
With so many notable attractions in Sussex it often happens that the quirky and unusual things escape notice.
Towns & Villages
Seaford
Between the beautiful South Downs and the English Channel lies the bustling town of Seaford. With its impressive coastal scenery and maritime history, Seaford is a beautiful destination.
Theatre
Worthing
The largest of the town’s entertainment venues, hosting live bands; Worthing Symphony Orchestra and the Wurlitzer Organ, ideal for music, comedy and events.
Village
Herstmonceux
Herstmonceux is a village and civil parish in the Wealden District of East Sussex.
Gallery
Chichester
Pallant House Gallery is one of the UK’s most distinctive public galleries, exploring new perspectives on Modern art through critically acclaimed exhibitions, adventurous installations and engaging displays of its world-class collection.
Towns & Villages
Newick is a lovely village with many buildings of special architectural and historic importance including an 11th century church. Newick, like many other Sussex villages, has kept its village green.
Towns & Villages
Eastbourne
East Dean & Friston villages, including the smaller hamlets of Birling Gap and Crowlink, are situated within the South Downs National Park on the dramatic and beautiful coastline of Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters
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.
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.
Village
West Chiltington, with sunken tree lined lanes and the attractive, unaltered 12th Century church of St Mary's with an oak shingle covered spire and ancient wall paintings
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.