Top 10 things to do in Sussex you'll love in 2024
Discover the beautiful Grade 1 listed Leonardslee Gardens near Horsham in West Sussex.

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

Horsham, West Sussex

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, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB).  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, Worthing's natural playground, Chichester's Roman history and Brighton's gastronomy. 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. Or why not browse our events guide to find out what's on in Sussex today or this week in the east and west of the county.

Drusillas Park in East Sussex is widely regarded as the best small zoo in Europe. However, animals are only half the fun; visitors can also explore the large adventure play areas and meet their TV heroes! 

The Sussex Guild Shop & Gallery, Lewes is 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.

Visit Arundel with its thousands of years of history, independent shops, art galleries and restaurants. Wander the cobbled streets, explore the riverside or head off road to the South Downs for countryside walks and cycling. 

Accommodation

A day out in Sussex can easily be extended to two, three or more days, 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: 253

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  1. Rottingdean

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    Towns & Villages

    Brighton & Hove

    Rottingdean is an ideal place to spend an afternoon browsing the shops and galleries, relaxing in Rudyard Kipling's gardens or taking tea in a traditional English tearoom.

  2. Drusillas Park

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    Animal Collection / Zoo

    Alfriston

    Make WILD memories and enjoy a great family day out at the award-winning Drusillas Park. Drusillas offers a loving home to over one hundred exotic animals, including sloths and penguins!

  3. Firle

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    Towns & Villages

    Lewes

    The narrow streets of flint knapped cottages do not seem to have changed for centuries. There are lovely walks from the village to Charleston Farmhouse (home of Vanessa Bell and other members of the Bloomsbury Group) and up to Firle Beacon.

  4. Royal Pavilion

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    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.

  5. Highdown Gardens

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    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    Worthing

    A unique and beautiful garden on downland countryside overlooking the sea. The Chalk Garden is the achievement of Sir Frederick and Lady Stern who worked for 50 years to prove that plants would grow on chalk. Green Flag Award winner.

  6. Seven Sisters Country Park

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    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.

  7. Plumpton Racecourse

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    Sports Ground

    Lewes

    Plumpton Racecourse is one of the most successful smaller jump racecourses in the country, staging sixteen National Hunt meetings from September to May.

  8. Fishers Adventure Farm Park

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    Farm

    Billingshurst

    See the pictures behind why this family attraction has won so many awards and is a massive hit with the kids, from cute animals to exciting rides.

  9. 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.

  10. Leonardslee Gardens

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    Countryside, Parks & Gardens

    Horsham

    One of the finest gardens in Britain, Leonardslee will reopen to the public in March 2018. The Grade 2 listed Italianate style ropery will house dining facilities and become a local attraction for wedding groups and events.

  11. Herstmonceux

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    Towns & Villages

    Herstmonceux

    Herstmonceux is a village and civil parish in the Wealden District of East Sussex.

  12. The Chapel Down Winery

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    Vineyard

    Tenterden

    Chapel Down is England’s leading wine producer with an award-winning range of sparkling and still wines. Based in Kent, in the heart of the Garden of England, we produce wines of the highest quality and which we believe offer the best expression of…

  13. St Mary's House & Gardens

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    Historic Site

    Steyning

    An enchanting historic 15th century timber-framed house, with magnificent gardens, in the picturesque award-winning downland village of Bramber, West Sussex ... a place of fascination and mystery. Many thousands of visitors have admired its…

  14. Littlehampton - Coastguard Station Beach

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    Beach

    Littlehampton

    Littlehampton - Coastguard Station Beach

  15. Camber

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    Village

    Camber

    Camber is renowned for its expansive and breathtaking beach, Camber Sands. Stretching out along the East Sussex coastline, a short distance from Rye, Camber Sands is a haven for beach enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

  16. Bluebell Railway

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    Steam Railway

    Uckfield

    Step back in time to the Steam Age by climbing aboard one of the lovingly preserved trains on the Bluebell Railway.

  17. Pinot and Picasso Brighton

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    Craft Centre

    Brighton

    Get arty while you party at this Paint & Sip studio located in Brighton’s North Laines, right in the heart of the city. Creativity flows like a fine wine, and we encourage you to join us solo, together or meet someone new to sip, dip, splash, slosh…

  18. Brighton Beach Bikes

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    Cycle/Vehicle Hire

    Brighton

    Brighton & Hove bike hire allows you to ride a bike safely for 15 miles without crossing any busy roads as we’re the only cycle hire service right on the seafront cycle lane.

  19. Barcombe

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    Towns & Villages

    Barcombe is three villages in one. There is the original community which surrounds the church, Barcombe Cross where villagers fled to escape the Black Death and Barcombe Mills, a popular fishing spot.