The Best Things To Do In Sussex England

The south coast of England has plenty of attractions on offer – from hiking across the South Downs to fine dining in Brighton to tasting English wines in the Sussex countryside. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Sussex, Culture Trip’s local insiders share their top recommendations here.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Ridgeview Wine Estate

The UK’s winemaking scene has exploded in recent years. And Ridgeview Wine Estate produces some of the country’s finest sparkling wines from its enviable location in the South Downs National Park, a 25-minute drive out of Brighton. Book a tour and tasting, complete with views over the picturesque, quintessentially English countryside. Meanwhile there are plenty of stylish accommodation options down the road in Brighton. Recommended by local insider Clare Scott

The UK’s newest national park opened fully in 2011 and is a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers. It covers a significant area between Eastbourne and Winchester, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to trail options. As a starting point, try the Chattri trail or the Jack and Jill Windmills walk. Expect rolling hills that pay off your hard work with gorgeous views and picture-perfect English country pubs, where you can enjoy a hard-earned pint. Recommended by local insider Clare Scott

Artist Residence Brighton

Whether you’re venturing out onto the South Downs or spending time exploring the mixture of vintage shops, seaside attractions and exciting food options that make Brighton so special, you’ll need somewhere to put your feet up after a hard day. Artist Residence Brighton is a cut above your usual city-centre options, while still maintaining that boutique Brighton vibe. It’s not cheap, but the quirkily gorgeous interiors and sea-view rooms make it worth the splurge. Recommended by local insider Clare Scott

The Undercliff Walk

On a sunny day in Brighton, the beach is always busy – especially if it’s a weekend. If this is the vibe you’re looking for, great, but for something quieter, why not take the Undercliff Walk? It’s a 5mi (8km) stretch along the coast under the famous white cliffs, from Brighton to Rottingdean, and you can do it on foot or by bike – there are local bikes for hire all over town. It also offers birdwatching opportunities for any twitchers out there. Recommended by local insider Clare Scott

Pells Pool

There’s something particularly appealing about a dip in a Victorian lido on a hot summer’s day. Built in 1860, Pells Pool in Lewes is the oldest freshwater lido still in operation in the UK, and it’s fed by spring water drawn from below the baths. The combination of a 45m (148ft) outdoor pool plus a sun terrace, lawn and paddling pool for little ones makes for a perfect family afternoon out. Recommended by local insider Ellie Ricketts

Seven Sisters Country Park

The Seven Sisters Country Park, named after the seven cliff heads in the area, is just a 15-minute drive from Eastbourne and a 35-minute drive from Brighton. It’s secluded enough to feel like a break from the city while also being incredibly easy to access. Explore the scenery and spot wildlife on one of several walking trails or pack a picnic, a frisbee and suntan lotion for some quality time on the beach. Recommended by local insider Ellie Ricketts

Cuckmere Haven

Cuckmere Haven is a pebbly beach in the Seven Sisters Country Park that’s popular with watersports enthusiasts. You’re welcome to bring equipment, but there are also opportunities for the uninitiated to learn to kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard in the nearby Cuckmere Meanders with adventure company Buzz Active. A partnership with Sussex Wildlife Trust means you can add a guided nature walk or fire-lighting session to your visit. Warm clothes and a thermos are a must on colder days. Recommended by local insider Ellie Ricketts

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.