A complete local guide to the best places to visit across East Sussex and West Sussex, from beaches, villages and castles to gardens, family days out, countryside walks, events and hidden local gems.
Sussex is more than one destination. It is Brighton seafront, the white cliffs of Seven Sisters, historic Lewes, grand Arundel, Goodwood events, quiet villages, gardens, vineyards, country houses and coastal towns. This guide is designed to help visitors choose where to go, when to visit and how to travel there.
Sussex has one of the most varied coastlines in England, from Brighton’s energy to quiet harbour towns, classic piers and dramatic chalk cliffs.
Classic seaside fun with rides, arcades, food stalls and views back towards Brighton beach.
The heart of Sussex seaside life, with the beach, promenade, restaurants, bars, i360 area and city centre nearby.
A calmer seafront stretch for walks, picnics, family time and easy access to Hove restaurants and cafés.
One of the most famous Sussex landscapes, with Cuckmere Haven, chalk cliffs, riverside walks and incredible coastal views.
A National Trust coastal spot with cliff views, beach access at low tide and a dramatic Seven Sisters setting.
High chalk cliffs near Eastbourne with sweeping sea views and access to South Downs walking routes.
A classic Sussex coastal day out with pier views, promenade walks and easy links to Beachy Head.
A relaxed seaside pier with coastal walks, cafés, theatres nearby and a more peaceful feel than Brighton.
Historic streets, fishing huts, independent shops, pubs and the famous East Hill and West Hill lifts.
One of the most beautiful historic towns in Sussex, with cobbled streets, antique shops and character everywhere.
A rare sandy beach in East Sussex, popular for families, beach walks and summer day trips.
Family-friendly seaside amusement park beside the beach and harbour.
The South Downs gives Sussex its countryside soul: chalk hills, big skies, village views, walking routes and dramatic coastal paths.
A dramatic dry valley and one of the best viewpoints near Brighton, perfect for short walks and South Downs views.
One of the highest points in East Sussex, with huge views across the Weald and South Downs.
River valley, meanders, coast and classic Seven Sisters views in one of Sussex’s most photographed places.
Woodland walks, cycling routes and peaceful nature close to Seven Sisters and Eastbourne.
Large open heathland and woodland, famous for its landscape and family walks.
Ancient hill fort and walking area with views towards Worthing, the Downs and the coast.
Sussex has deep history, from Roman remains and Norman castles to abbeys, medieval towns and grand estates.
A major Sussex landmark with castle rooms, gardens, events and views over Arundel.
A historic castle in the centre of Lewes with town views and a strong Sussex heritage feel.
Beautiful moated medieval castle and one of the most photogenic historic places in Sussex.
The historic site connected with the Battle of Hastings, with abbey ruins, battlefield and visitor interpretation.
A romantic brick castle estate with gardens and woodland near Hailsham.
Roman and Norman history in one site, strongly connected with the 1066 story.
Roman mosaics, museum displays and one of the most important Roman sites in Sussex.
Historic estate linked with motorsport, horse racing, events and classic Sussex countryside.
A historic cathedral at the heart of Chichester, ideal for culture, architecture and calm city visits.
Sussex is full of gardens and estates that are perfect for slower days out, photography, walking and family visits.
Romantic garden, ruins, woodland and seasonal planting, one of the best-known National Trust places in Sussex.
Wild botanic garden connected with Kew, with woodlands, lakes and year-round nature.
Famous landscaped garden with lakes, reflections and some of the best autumn colour in Sussex.
Grand house, art collection, deer park and classic West Sussex landscape.
Beautiful heritage garden near Haywards Heath with woodland, views and seasonal displays.
Woodland gardens, lakes, wallabies and a peaceful estate atmosphere near Horsham.
Historic house, gardens and deer park with a calm, elegant West Sussex feel.
Arts and Crafts family home with hillside gardens and views over the High Weald.
Jacobean house and garden once home to Rudyard Kipling, set in the East Sussex countryside.
Some of Sussex’s best days are not about big attractions. They are about villages, pubs, walks, churches, local shops and quiet countryside roads.
A beautiful South Downs village with walks, pubs, church, village shops and access to Cuckmere and Seven Sisters.
A charming village below the Downs, known for arts, walking routes and a proper Sussex village feel.
Historic coastal village near Brighton with gardens, beach access, pubs and village character.
Small village near Firle Beacon, great for walkers, countryside visitors and quiet Sussex scenery.
Pretty village near the Arun Valley, South Downs walks and Amberley Museum.
Beautiful harbour village with water views, history and a peaceful coastal atmosphere.
Pretty village near Haywards Heath with a historic high street, pond, pubs and independent shops.
Historic village with character, pubs, independent shops and easy access to Mid Sussex countryside.
A lively Sussex village close to the South Downs, Hassocks, Albourne and Mid Sussex routes.
Historic market town feel, close to the Downs, with shops, cafés and walking routes nearby.
A historic Wealden village with timber-framed buildings, countryside roads and old Sussex character.
A downland village near Arundel with National Trust countryside and a calm rural feel.
Sussex is full of family attractions, from zoos and adventure parks to museums, railways, aquariums and beaches.
One of the best-known family attractions in Sussex, with animals, rides, play areas and family-friendly facilities.
Large family farm attraction with animals, indoor play, outdoor activities and seasonal events.
Adventure park with animals, indoor and outdoor play, rides and family activities.
Heritage steam railway through Sussex countryside, ideal for families, train lovers and nostalgic days out.
Open-air museum with transport, industry, heritage exhibits and family-friendly activities.
Aquarium on Brighton seafront, good for families and wet-weather visits.
Seasonal events, escape rooms, pumpkin picking and one of Sussex’s biggest Halloween attractions.
Large park with lake, nature centre, woodland, play areas and family walks.
Garden centre and family attraction with play areas and activities near Newhaven.
Sussex events can create serious travel demand. For Goodwood, Brighton Pride, Lewes Bonfire and major event days, pre-booking transport is the safest option.
World-famous motorsport event with supercars, hillclimb action, displays and huge visitor numbers.
Historic motorsport, vintage style and one of the most distinctive event weekends in Sussex.
One of the UK’s biggest Pride events, with major crowds, road closures and late-night travel demand.
Internationally known opera venue in the Sussex countryside near Lewes.
Historic and extremely busy bonfire night event with major road closures and strict travel planning needs.
Major seafront airshow event with crowds, displays and busy coastal travel.
If you are visiting Sussex from overseas or another part of the UK, the easiest route is often a pre-booked airport transfer from Gatwick, Heathrow, London City, Luton or Stansted.
Ideal for Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Hassocks, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Eastbourne, Worthing and many villages.
Popular for international visitors, business travellers, students and families heading to Sussex hotels or homes.
Useful for European flights, business trips and visitors who need direct travel across Sussex.
Choose your area first: coast, countryside, castles, gardens, villages, family days or events. Then check the official website before travelling.
Use this guide to help guests choose days out across Sussex, especially visitors arriving by train or airport transfer.
If you land at Gatwick or Heathrow, you can travel directly to Brighton, Lewes, Goodwood, Eastbourne, Arundel or rural Sussex without changing trains.
Book early. Major events in Sussex can mean road closures, heavy demand and limited last-minute taxi availability.
Some of the best places to visit in Sussex include Brighton, Seven Sisters, Lewes, Arundel Castle, Rye, Goodwood, Nymans, Wakehurst, Sheffield Park, Beachy Head, Eastbourne, Worthing and the South Downs villages.
Sussex is strong for both. The coast gives you Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Eastbourne, Hastings, Rye and Camber Sands. The countryside gives you the South Downs, villages, gardens, castles and historic estates.
Yes. Gatwick is one of the best airports for visiting Sussex. Many Sussex towns and villages are reachable by pre-booked taxi from Gatwick.
Some places are easy by train or bus, especially Brighton, Lewes, Eastbourne and Worthing. Villages, gardens, rural estates and South Downs viewpoints are often easier by car or pre-booked taxi.
Spring and early autumn are excellent for villages, gardens and walking. Summer is best for beaches and events. Winter can be good for quiet coastal walks, historic towns and indoor attractions.
Yes. Sussex Taxis can help with pre-booked local journeys, airport transfers, hotel pickups, event travel and day trips across Sussex.
We Love Sussex. From airport transfers and local journeys to beaches, villages, gardens, castles, events and day trips, Sussex Taxis can help you travel across East Sussex and West Sussex.
Sussex Airports Taxis | Sussex Taxis | Phone | Web | App
Airport transfers, event travel, local journeys and private hire taxis across Sussex.
