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Things to do in West Sussex

Our most recommended things to do in West Sussex

From London: Seven Sisters and South Downs Full-Day Tour

1. From London: Seven Sisters and South Downs Full-Day Tour

Join a small group tour to South Downs National Park and see the white cliffs of the coast from London. You will visit the Devil's Dyke, Seven Sisters Country Park, Beachy Head, and more on a guided tour.  Catch the train to Brighton from London and climb aboard a luxury minibus on arrival. You will reach the beautiful South Downs and marvel at the rolling hills created over thousands of years by grazing animals. Visit Devil's Dyke to appreciate the view across the lowland weald, and learn how the landscape was formed before making your way to Middle Farm, where you can buy cheeses, sparkling wines, or cider from Sussex. Middle Farm will be the lunch stop where the quaint tea rooms serve light lunches, snacks, coffee, or tea. Continue along country lanes to Seven Sisters Country Park to see the Neolithic carving of the Longman of Wilmington. Go for a walk to Beachy Head and take stunning photos of the white cliffs before traveling to Birling Gap to look at the dramatic coastal erosion and get your first glimpse of the Seven Sisters cliffs. Stop at Seaford Head to enjoy an iconic view of the Seven Sisters. Your Guide will take you on a walk around the headland to get the best views of the cliffs and stunning scenery.

From London: The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace & Downtown Abbey

2. From London: The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace & Downtown Abbey

Tick off some of southern England’s top attractions on a guided day trip by bus from London to Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds villages, including the Bampton filming location of the TV show Downtown Abbey. If you prefer exploring historic towns over attractions, enjoy the flexible tour option. Board your coach in London and head out of the city and towards your first stop at Blenheim Palace. Witness this masterpiece of English Baroque architecture which was also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Visit the stunning State Rooms, brimming with priceless works of art and magnificent tapestries (if option selected), and admire the 754-hectare gardens, including an exquisite water garden. Next, head into the charming Cotswolds region for a stop at the authentic village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Explore this picturesque location, complete with many attractive bridges crossing the gently-flowing river at its center. Complete your experience with a trip to Bampton; the film setting for many of the famous landmarks featured in the popular Downton Abbey TV series. See the buildings that played the part of the home of Isobel Crawley, the Downton Cottage Hospital, the church, and also the location for two fictional local pubs, The Grantham Arms and The Dog & Duck.

Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London

3. Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London

Become Lord or Lady Grantham for the day, as you visit the film locations used in the BAFTA award-winning Downton Abbey period drama. Hear how the global hit TV series was made and about the actors involved and the wonderful history of the places you visit on this full-day tour. You’ll depart central London in the morning on a drive to the charming Oxfordshire village that has been featured in the series as Downton village. Enjoy a guided tour of locations such as Downton Hospital, the village pub, the former home of Matthew Crawley, and the local church.  Take a short comfort break before continuing on to Highclere Castle, which is the main setting used in Downton Abbey. En route you’ll learn about the thousand-year history of Highclere Castle and life above and below the stairs. Lunch can be purchased at Highclere Castle or you can bring your own lunch and enjoy it on the beautiful grounds. Although guided tours are not allowed inside the castle, you’ll be able to explore the above-stairs area of Downton Abbey independently with the aid of a self-guided information sheet. Imagine life as it was over 100 years ago and enter the world of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants as you wander around the estate. The tour ends in central London.

From Brighton: Seven Sisters and South Downs Tour

4. From Brighton: Seven Sisters and South Downs Tour

Meet your guide at the conveniently-located Brighton pick-up point. Board an airconditioned vehicle with plenty of space. Relax as you take in views of rolling chalk hills that were created over thousands of years by farmers grazing their animals.  Stop at Devil's Dyke, the largest dry valley in the UK. Admire stunning views of up to 30 miles across the lowland Weald. Learn how this landscape was created from your guide. Visit Middle Farm, a traditional farm that has been in the same family for over 200 years.  Continue to the Seven Sisters Country Park and the white cliffs. Pass through old country lanes to see the mysterious and ancient Longman of Wilmington, a huge Neolithic carving on the side of the Downs.  Walk to the top of England's highest chalk cliff, measuring 530 feet. Head to Seaford Head for the iconic views of the Seven Sisters. Before stopping in the village of Rottingdean.  Stroll through the gardens of Rudyard Kipling, author of 'The Jungle Book,' before transferring back to the city center of Brighton in the evening. 

From London: Brighton & Seven Sisters Small-Group Tour

5. From London: Brighton & Seven Sisters Small-Group Tour

Leave the city crowds behind and indulge in a relaxing experience through the southeastern coast of England. Drive out of London and into lush beachside landscapes on a scenic route. Visit the famous Seven Sisters cliffs, then enjoy plenty of free time in the picturesque town of Brighton. Begin the day by departing London and traveling through the beautiful scenery of South Downs National Park. Make a stop in Alfriston, one of the prettiest villages in the region, before arriving at the seaside to visit one of the most recognizable sights of Britain’s coastline: the Seven Sisters. Admire a stunning sequence of seven undulating chalk cliffs. Absorb the breathtaking sea views, take a bracing walk along the coastal path, and stop for incredible photo opportunities along the way. Get back on the road on the way to Brighton. Reach the charming town by early afternoon and have some free time to explore. Wander along The Lanes, a collection of quirky narrow streets home to a variety of shopping and eateries. Grab a bite or head over to the famous Royal Pavilion, once the exotic seaside residence of King George IV. Take a relaxing stroll along the waterfront to unwind after a long day and discover the vibrant Palace Pier. Finally, get back on board for the return trip to London.

From Brighton: Sussex Wine Tour on a Vintage Bus with Lunch

6. From Brighton: Sussex Wine Tour on a Vintage Bus with Lunch

Journey through the heart of English wine country on a guided day trip from Brighton. Travel aboard a vintage double-decker bus as you set out to visit 2 top wineries. Enjoy a wine tasting at both vineyards and savor a sit-down lunch included with your tour. Meet your guide near Brighton Station and step onto a vintage 1960s Big Red London Bus to travel to your first of 2 vineyards for the day. Be greeted by the manager and embark on an expertly guided tour of the vineyard and winery. Learn the secrets of English winemaking and take part in a tutored tasting of still and sparkling wines. Next, it's time for lunch. Sit down to a meal showcasing the best seasonal produce that Sussex has to offer, all washed down with a glass of Sussex wine. After lunch, make your way back onto the bus to head to the second winery, where you'll take part in a guided wine tasting. Sit back and relax as you enjoy a quiet moment here, watching the sun go down over the beautiful South Downs. Finally, hop back aboard the iconic London bus and make your way back to Brighton, where your tour comes to an end.

Explore Seven Sisters Country Park on E-Bike

7. Explore Seven Sisters Country Park on E-Bike

A bike tour adapted to your preferences. Ride modern mountain bikes along the Sussex coastline from Seaford train station along the Cuckmere River to the historic village of Alfriston, or choose the Rathfinny Winery Route out to the top of the South Downs to take in the views of the distant North Downs, before riding downhill for a well deserved lunch break in the historic village of Alfriston. After lunch you can take either the Friston Forest route to see some World War II bomb craters located in the heart of the forest, you can even choose to ride down them! The second option is the easier route along the road to the Seaford Cliffs to view the famous Seven Sisters, before a short ride back to Seaford train station taking in views of Seaford and the surrounding views from the top of the Seaford Cliffs. Ride time is around 3 hours (not including travel time), you are able to do as much or as little riding as you like as everyone has different levels of ability. Allow at least 5 hours or more for the total ride and train, with the trip from Brighton to Seaford taking 30 minutes by train and costing £3.30 return.

London: Guided Day Trip to Brighton and Seven Sisters

8. London: Guided Day Trip to Brighton and Seven Sisters

Get a local perspective on both the top attractions and lesser-known parts of Brighton on this full-day tour from London with an exciting and flexible itinerary. After being picked up from your central London hotel in the morning, you’ll head to the picturesque seaside city of Brighton, including a stopover at the cherished Brighton pier and iconic Royal Pavilion. Stop to enjoy a classic fish and chips lunch by the seaside along an action-packed day of sightseeing. With the extended 8-hour option, you'll also visit Hove and Seven Sisters and get the chance to explore England's newest addition to its natural attractions, South Downs National Park.

From London: Sussex Villages and White Cliffs Guided Tour

9. From London: Sussex Villages and White Cliffs Guided Tour

Get to know Sussex and the South Downs National Park on this guided tour. Meet your guide at London Bridge train station, and commence your tour. Visit a number of villages, including Rottingdean, and learn about the local area. Take in the views at the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Begin your tour by meeting your guide and group at London Bridge train station. Let your guide take care of the tickets, which are included in the price. Make stops at the villages of Rottingdean, Alfiston and Litlington with their ancient churches, village greens, and old flint stone cottages. Let your guide tell you about local points of interest and show you some of the most spectacular views in England, including the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Take plenty of pictures. After the tour is over, head back to London on the train.

Brighton: Private Tour of White Cliffs & South Downs

10. Brighton: Private Tour of White Cliffs & South Downs

Discover Sussex with me, your professional local guide, and admire the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, walk along the striking Seven Sisters white cliffs, have lunch at a traditional English pub in a medieval village, and visit an award winning farm shop offering a great range of produce including local ciders, cheeses and jams (jelly) as well as an on-site bakery with pasties and sausage rolls (a popular British food). I will meet you at your preferred place in central London or Brighton in a chauffeur driven car. Our first stop will be Devil’s Dyke (the longest, deepest and widest 'dry valley' in the UK), with its legends and fascinating geology. After only 30 min drive, we will admire striking views of the coastline and lighthouse at Beachy Head, and, of course, the iconic Seven Sisters white cliffs with many opportunities for photos. Next we’ll stop by the mysterious hillside carving of the Long Man of Wilmington. After a short drive of 25 min, we will stop for lunch in a traditional English pub where you can savour some local cuisine and they’ll be time to purchase local produce at the farm shop.

Other Sightseeing Options in West Sussex

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What people are saying about West Sussex

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 955 reviews

I had the most amazing time going on this tour as a solo female traveler! Our guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and patient. I’m so glad I got to see all of the places we stopped and hear about their history and background. The coach was so peaceful and comfortable and the small group was awesome. We also got to stop and an amazing farm/cafe and got free coffee! So many sheep, cows and beautiful views of the seven sisters. Definitely my favorite tour I’ve been on in London. Thank you for an amazing time I highly recommend!!

I felt safe throughout the tour despite this being my first time to be in a tour. The guide (Adam) is knowledgeable with the place which these inputs made the journey interesting.

This was an awesome small group tour. Our guide, Adam, was informative and friendly. It was a beautiful way to spend my last day in England!

There’s no restroom on the bus but the guide was good about pointing out bathrooms on the stops.

Amazing experience...travelled to Sevensisters ...keep it up guys !!!