We’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Sussex, including the best Sussex country walks and the best parks and countryside across East Sussex and West Sussex, making for a great day out.
Sussex is a beautiful county full of contrasts between its landscapes and people. From seaside coastal resorts including the vibrant city of Brighton & Hove, to the stunning countryside of the South Downs National Park and medieval landscape of the High Weald. Sussex will relax, impress and call upon your party spirit.
Tilgate Park, Crawley
Tilgate Park has so much to offer from stunning lakes, lawns and gardens to miles of woodland and bridleways for long leisurely Sussex country walks. Tilgate Park also boasts Tilgate Nature Centre and excellent activities and attractions including its range of heritage trees which form the Tilgate Park Tree Trail.
South Downs Way
The South Downs Way is one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales boasting many Sussex country walks. Stretching from the ancient cathedral city of Winchester in the west through to the white chalky cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head at Eastbourne in the east, almost all of its 160 kilometer is off-road. An incredibly beautiful countryside experience.
Seven Sisters Country Park, Seaford
Situated in the South Downs National Park, the Seven Sisters Country Park is made up of 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland. It is a popular place for a number of outdoor activities including Sussex country walks, birdwatching, cycling and canoeing.
Arundel Wetland Centre, Arundel
WWT Arundel is one of nine wildfowl and wetland nature reserves managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, a nature conservation charity in the United Kingdom. Spot Sussex wildlife on a water safari and hand feed rare animals. Quiet spots and pathways, stunning views, a play area for the kids and stunning view from the cafe make it a perfect day out.
Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve, Upper Norton
A glorious and peaceful nature reserve, one of few undeveloped stretches of the Sussex coast. An internationally important wetland site for wildlife. Roughly half of the reserve is intertidal saltmarsh and mudflats, with the remainder of the reserve consisting of farmland, copses, lagoons, reedbeds and shingle beaches.
Camber Sands, Camber
Camber Sands is situated to the east of the ancient town of Rye. It is a popular beach with five miles of uninterrupted golden sand, picturesque, beautiful grass fringed dunes and interesting wildlife.
Beachy Head, Eastbourne
Beachy Head is an iconic chalk headland in East Sussex with great Sussex country walks and stunning views. It is the eastern gateway to the South Downs National Park and is the UK’s highest chalk sea cliff.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Rye
Rye Harbour is a fascinating Nature Reserve and globally important wetland. It’s worth a visit whether you want to discover its wildlife and habitats, explore its history, or simply experience the landscape and enjoy a walk beside the sea, whatever the season.
Devil's Dyke, Brighton
Situated on the South Downs, north of Brighton, the Devil’s Dyke is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It makes for a wonderful afternoon out for all the family and is perfect for taking a Sussex country walk in this ancient valley.
Birling Gap, East Dean
Part of the spectacular “Seven Sisters” chalk cliffs, the hamlet Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters stretches along one of the longest runs of undeveloped coastline on the south coast in East Sussex. The site acts as an entry point to the beach for beautiful coastal walks.
