Hugging the English Channel, West Sussex is a ceremonial county south of London that has been settled since the Lower Palaeolithic era. It’s dotted with centuries-old towns and Victorian seaside resorts, many of which lie within the protected countryside of South Downs National Park.
Things to do in West Sussex
Fascinating Roman ruins, sunny beaches and endless hiking trails - West Sussex offers plenty to discover on London’s doorstep.
Sightsee in Chichester. Once an important Roman settlement, Chichester is a bustling market town on the edge of the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Gaze up at the 600-year-old spire of Chichester Cathedral and tour the elegant rooms of Goodwood House before witnessing the mosaic floors and Roman footprints of the Fishbourne Roman Palace. Traditional rural buildings and crafts are showcased at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.
Explore South Downs National Park. Sprawling across much of the county’s west is South Downs National Park, which comprises rolling hills, ancient woodlands and globally significant chalk grasslands. Stretch your legs along the 160-kilometre-long South Downs Way, spot colonies of kittiwakes along the coast or spend overnight in one of the park’s thatched villages. South Downs is designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve and one of the United Kingdom’s top stargazing destinations.
Discover the heritage buildings of Worthing. Nestled at the foot of the South Downs is sunny Worthing, a former mackerel fishing village that has been a seaside holiday destination since the 19th century. It boasts more than 200 heritage-listed buildings, with a highlight being the Norman-style St Mary's Church. Browse the textiles on display in the Worthing Museum and Art Gallery and stroll along the Victorian pier before getting up close to unusual plant species at the Highdown Gardens.
Getting around West Sussex
West Sussex is around an hour’s drive from London and 40 minutes from Heathrow Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Trains connect from London to towns and cities throughout the county while buses serve smaller villages. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around West Sussex.