THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN WEST SUSSEX
History lovers are extremely well catered for in West Sussex with many stately homes, castles and a cathedral to explore. But the great outdoors plays a starring role here, too – from the beaches of East and West Wittering, Littlehampton (home to the world’s longest bench) and Climping to the rolling hills of the South Downs attracting active visitors who can enjoy water sports and long walks. If kicking back with a glass of English wine is more your thing, there are plenty of vineyards here offering tastings and immersive tours.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in West Sussex. Find out more below or for further inspiration, see our guides to the city’s best hotels, restaurants and bars.
Find things to do by type:
- Gardens
- History
- Nature
- Family
Gardens
Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens
Unearthed in 1960 during the laying of water main, Fishbourne is the largest residential Roman building discovered in Britain. Dating back to around 75AD the palace was probably built for a high ranking Roman official, possibly Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus, and today features extensive ruins, beautiful mosaics and reconstructed gardens which paint a vivid picture of Roman life.
Insider’s tip: Younger visitors will love the chance to dress up in Roman costume – what’s the difference between a toga and a stola? – or design their own mosaic. Other immersive activities include building a Roman road and learning a bit of Latin.
Contact: sussexpast.co.uk
Price: £
Wakehurst
The sister of London’s Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Wakehurst (previously known as Wakehurst Place) is home to Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank as well as a grand 16th-century mansion and impressive gardens set over 500 acres. Highlights include Bloomers Valley – a meadow restoration project – and Coronation Meadow, a celebration of native wildflowers and grasses (open May to October). Wakehurst is also home to the largest Christmas tree in England – a giant redwood that towers at 35 metres (115 ft) tall – that is lit up for the festive season. As well as three food and drink offerings, Wakehurst has a gift shop and plant centre selling seasonal plants.
Contract: kew.org
Price: ££
Nymans
This beautiful National Trust garden is also home to the ruins of a once-imposing home that was mostly destroyed by a fire in 1947 – just 19 years after it had been extensively remodelled. You can visit the parts of the medieval-style manor that weren’t burnt down and explore the Grade II-listed garden with many rare plant specimens and views over the Sussex Weald. There are woods to get lost in, too – dogs are welcome in the grounds at certain times (check website for details) – as well as boasting a good café, a shop and plant centre and a second-hand bookshop.
Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk
Price: £
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History
Arundel Castle
Enjoy a deep dive into English history at this stunning castle, founded by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel (and a close ally of William the Conqueror) in 1067. A guided tour takes you through its state rooms, Barons’ Hall and library where experts bring the place to life and tell you the stories behind artworks by the likes of Rubens, Gainsborough and Van Dyck.
Insider tip: The castle’s award-winning gardens could be an attraction in their own right. Signs dotted throughout tell you about the clever planting and how the gardeners combine gardening styles. Leave yourself time to the kitchen garden, tropical and English gardens and a fragrant rose garden.
Contact: arundelcastle.org
Price: ££
Amberley Museum
This immersive open-air museum celebrates the South East’s industrial heritage. Spread over 36 acres in a former chalk quarry and lime works, the museum celebrates the industrial and transport heritage of Sussex with a working narrow gauge railway, steam engines and a display of historic buses and coaches. There’s a working blacksmith’s forge, pottery and brickworks, too, as well as woodworking and carpentry displays.
Insider’s tip: Don’t miss the ‘Hidden Innovators’ display that celebrates under-recognised pioneers – women and members of the BAME communities – in engineering and technology. Among them is the first woman to receive a patent for computer software and the man who developed the first transistor radio.
Contact: amberleymuseum.co.uk
Price: £
Chichester Cathedral
Take a spiritual breather in the middle of the city. Officially known as the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Chichester’s cathedral combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture and is home to a stunning Marc Chagall stained glass window. Guided tours give in-depth insights into the cathedral’s history, architecture and art – be sure to stop by the serene 15th century cloisters and Chapter House.
Insider’s tip: Step away from the hustle and bustle and visit Bishop’s Palace Gardens – nestled between the southwestern edge of the cathedral and the city walls, the gardens date back to the 12th century and are an oasis of calm.
Contact: chichestercathedral.org.uk
Price: Free
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum
Situated on the old RAF Tangmere airport this museum celebrates all things air bound from WW2 to the jet age. The museum contains fascinating exhibits including historic aircraft and equipment used by Special Operations Executive agents. There are also flight simulators where you can see what kind of pilot you might make. TMAM was opened by a group of aviation enthusiasts to promote public awareness of the UK’s military aviation heritage: Tangmere was a frontline fighter base during the Second World War. The museum is open February to November.
Contact: tangmere-museum.org.uk
Price: £
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Nature
Arundel Wetland Centre
Learn about wetland conservation, wildlife and the environment at this Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) centre. As well as getting up close and personal with lesser spotted birds like firecrests, goldcrests, shelducks and shovelers – there are strategically placed hides and viewing areas around the centre – you can take place in birdwatching and nature photography classes.
Insider tip: For a fully immersive experience, book yourself a boat safari – a 20-minute guided trip on a quiet electric boat – which will take you through reedbeds to really see wildlife at its best as well as great views over the wetlands.
Contact: wwt.org.uk
Price: £
South Downs National Park
Covering 1,600 square kilometres across West Sussex, East Sussex and Hampshire the South Downs National Park offers visitors a mix of ancient woodlands, rolling hills, river valleys and chalk cliffs. The South Downs Way provides amazing views through Amberley and Steyning. There are also more challenging routes for active visitors either on foot or bike. A visitors centre in Midhurst provides information and resources.
Insider’s tip: Near Worthing, Cissbury Ring is an Iron Age hill fort with panoramic views over the south downs. It is one of the largest hill forts in Britain. The National Trust site also contains a Neolithic mine.
Contact: southdowns.gov.uk
Price: Free
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Family
Tulley’s Farm
Established back in 1937 this fourth-generation family farm is today probably best known for its Shocktober Fest Halloween celebration, billed as “the largest scream park in Europe”. The event offers brave visitors 10 “haunts”, including Wastelands Penitentiary and Twisted Clowns 3D and attracts up to 100,000 visitors each year. The farm has a year-round calendar of events including Tulip Fest in spring, PYO (pick your own) Sunflowers in summer and PYO Pumpkins in August as well as escape room adventures. Tulley’s Farm Tea Room serves breakfasts, brunches and lunches as well as afternoon tea.
Contact: tulleysfarm.com
Price: £
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How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Steven Short split his time between London and Sussex for a decade before moving to Hastings full time in 2021. He loves coastal walks with his dog and exploring Sussex’s ever-evolving food scene.
2025-04-08T16:05:43Z
