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. Knockhatch Adventure Park

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    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Hailsham

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

  2. West Dean College

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    Type:

    Arts Centre

    Chichester

    West Dean College of Arts and Conservation is an internationally recognised centre of arts and craft education for all levels, welcoming students for beginner one day courses, to Masters degrees.

  3. The Barn Coffee Shop and Restaurant at South Downs Heritage Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Café

    Hassocks

    The Barn Coffee Shop and Restaurant at South Downs Heritage Centre

  4. Uckfield

    Type

    Type:

    Town

    Uckfield

    Uckfield is an attractive market town combining classic values of strong community spirit and
    friendliness with all the modern necessities of life. It is situated on the southern boundary of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

  5. 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.

  6. Wiston Estate Winery

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    Type:

    Restaurant

    PULBOROUGH

    Awarded Winery of the Year 2018, the beautiful family-run Wiston Estate offers Wine Tours by appointment from their vineyard nestled in the heart of the rolling South Downs in West Sussex. Each tour concludes with a guided tasting of their English…

  7. 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.

  8. East Grinstead

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    Town

    On the edge of Ashdown Forest, historic East Grinstead is a lively market town with a charter dating from as long ago as 1221. Until the 18th Century, East Grinstead flourished as an assize and market town and as the centre of the surrounding…

  9. Bexhill Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Bexhill-on-Sea

    A friendly, local museum with a surprising variety of displays spread over three galleries, lillustrating the geology, natural and local history and archaeology of the area.

  10. Bates Green Garden

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    Type:

    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…

  11. Worthing Pier

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  12. Newhaven Ferry Port

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    Type:

    Boat

    Newhaven

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

  13. Hawkhurst

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Cranbrook

    The ancient Wealden village of Hawkhurst is widely known for its beautiful surroundings and long history.

  14. The Urchin Brewery & Shellfish Pub

    Type

    Type:

    Pub/Inn

    HOVE

    Enjoy a plate of oysters with a pint of stout by the sea as The Urchin Brewery & Shellfish is keeping the dockyard spirit alive! With craft beer brewed on site and a selection of wine, there won't ever be any shortages of top class beverages as you…

  15. Pulborough

    Type

    Type:

    Village

    Pulborough is a rural village lying across the line of the Roman Stane Street (the A29) which historically connects London and the north to important south coast ports and towns.

  16. Ringmer

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    Towns & Villages

    Some of the street names of Ringmer refer to its past. Springett Avenue is named after Ringmer resident, Gulielma Springett who married William Penn (the founder of Pennsylvania in the USA), whilst Sadlers Way and Harvard Road are named after Anne Sa

  17. Birling Gap

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    Towns & Villages

    Situated at the base of the chalk cliffs called the Seven Sisters. Shingle giving way to sand with areas of rock pools.

  18. Ardingly

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    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.

  19. Pashley Manor Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Ticehurst, Wadhurst

    One of the finest gardens in England' Pashley Manor Gardens offers a sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings and fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds.

  20. Leechpool Woods

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    Horsham

    Leechpool is an ancient woodland covering 53 acres and includes Oak, Ash, Hazel, Hawthorn, Holly, Blackthorn, Sweet Chestnut and Scots Pine.