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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Towns & Villages Search

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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: 258

, currently showing 101 to 120.

  1. Ansty

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    Towns & Villages

    Ansty is a small settlement about four miles from Haywards Heath. Its village sign, situated at the Ansty Cross was painted by the renowned local artist James Forsyth.

  2. 1066 Battle Abbey and Battlefield

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    Abbey / Priory

    Battle

    An abbey founded by William the Conqueror on the site of the Battle of Hastings. Battlefield views and new visitor centre with film and interactive exhibition.

  3. Horley

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    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Horley is a small but busy town of over 20,000 people situated almost half way between London and Brighton on the south coast.

  4. Brighton Undercliff Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Brighton

    The Undercliff Walk at Brighton is perfect for all the family as it offers not only a host of stops along the way, but its flat wide walkways make it suitable for prams, bikes and wheelchairs.  The 3-mile uninterrupted walkway runs between Brighton…

  5. Arundel

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    Town

    Arundel

    Arundel is a charming, stylish market town famous for its landmarks, Arundel Castle and Arundel Cathedral. Find things to do and places to visit nearby

  6. Cliff Railways - East Hill

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    Railway

    Hastings

    East Hill Lift provides easy access to the Country Park

  7. GLOBALLS

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    Golf Course

    Brighton Marina Village, BRIGHTON

    Globalls has it’s very own 12-hole indoor golf course, this is a unique games experience. Based on an aquatic, carnival or tropicana theme you can play amongst life size neon sculptures and wall art.

  8. Beachy Head

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    Coastal Destinations

    Beachy Head

    Beachy Head, with its dramatic white cliffs and gently undulating downs, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and tranquillity.

  9. Tudor History Tours

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    Walking Tour

    Hailsham

    Unique holidays in Southern England, brought to you by Tudor History Tours, who offer an unrivalled opportunity to bring this period in our nation’s history to life!

  10. Hove Lawns Beach

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    Beach

    Hove

    Hove seafront begins at Hove Lawns and stretches right along to Hove Lagoon, near Portslade. There is a stunning walk along the seafront, especially just as the sun rises or sets, from the West Pier onwards.

  11. Plumpton

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    Towns & Villages

    Plumpton is another village of two halves. The southern end of the village is cut across by the South Downs Way near the site of an Early Bronze Age settlement.

  12. Wakehurst

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    Type:

    Garden

    HAYWARDS HEATH

    Stunning photos of magnificent botanic gardens owned by Kew & all you may wish to know prior to a visit including the world's largest wild plant seed bank

  13. Gravetye Manor Restaurant

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    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.

  14. Steyning

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    Type:

    Town

    Steeped in History and set against the inspiring landscape of the South Downs, Steyning is one of the most picturesque towns in Sussex.

  15. 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…

  16. Tulleys Farm

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    Type:

    Farm

    Crawley

    Tulleys Farm believes in bringing people together by creating unique entertainment experiences for families, adults, and groups that unite great design with exceptional talent, resulting in lasting memories. Tulleys Farm boasts some of the country’s…

  17. Winter Gardens Theatre

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    Theatre

    Eastbourne

    The Winter Garden consists of the Floral Hall, Gold Room and Devonshire Halls, used for functions, music, shows, conferences, exhibitions and comedy clubs.

  18. Ardingly

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    Towns & Villages

    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. Ridgeview Wine Estate

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    Vineyard

    Ditchling, Hassocks

    Ridgeview was established in 1995 and is renowned as a pioneer in emerging English sparkling wine industry. We offer tours, tastings and corporate hire at our state of the art winery, which overlooks the South Downs National Park.

  20. Bishop's Palace Gardens

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    Garden

    Chichester

    Bishop's Palace Gardens is situated within the City Walls, next to the Cathedral. And it has now been developed by the council to offer a peaceful retreat for all to enjoy.