Top Free Things to Do

South Coast Cycle Route

Enjoy a cycle along the seafront following the South Coast Cycle Route – you can start at Worthing and extend it to Shoreham, Lancing or Brighton depending on how far you want to go. There’s plenty of on-street parking in Ferring/Worthing which is a great starting point for your cycle adventure and fresh coastal air!

Visit Brighton and explore the Lanes

Brighton is a wonderful place to explore and wander around the quirky independent shops and cafes set down its narrow lanes. There are many interesting antique, vegan, fashion and gift shops – you won’t find anything like it anywhere else! Our particular favourite is Snoopers Paradise – you can easily spend an hour in here!  You can also walk down to the seafront and enjoy a nice walk along the pier and seafront. If you live in Brighton within certain postcodes, you can also visit the Brighton Museum for free.

Go for a stroll through Ashdown Forest

If you are looking for an open space to walk your dog or let the kids run off some steam, visit Pooh’s bridge in Ashdown Forest, ‘home’ to Winnie-the-Pooh. Being one of the largest free public access spaces in the South East, there are truly miles and miles to explore in this glorious space so you can really enjoy the scenery without bumping into lots of people! Read more about our Ashdown Forest guide.

Visit Lewes

There are lots of free things to do in Lewes (check out our guide for things to do in Lewes) including Southover Grange Gardens and take a look at the crafts at the Sussex Guild and also the spectacular Lewes Priory ruins. The streets of Lewes are also lovely to walk around, you can also walk along the river from the centre of the town, from the Phoenix Causeway car park, which is especially nice on a sunny day.

Walk at Beachy Head

Walk at Birling Gap and enjoy views of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head lighthouse. You can park at the Birling Gap National Trust car park where there is also a cafe for refreshments. There are lots of steep hills and declines so it is advisable to wear appropriate footwear and to also stay away from the edge as it is known for being unstable!

Discover a new walking route

We have tried and tested many walks in Sussex which you can choose from! We have many different length walks and routes in Sussex so there will be something that suits you and we also have open areas to walk for hiking or walking your dog.

Cycle the Downs Link

If you enjoy cycling, then The Downs Link is the perfect cycle route for all ages, as it is generally flat and also largely off-road.

View our Downs Link guide for more information on how to cycle it.

Visit Arundel & Swanbourne Lake

Arundel is a stunning town and you can easily spend an afternoon or day here just wandering down the high street and window shopping. You can enjoy the view of Arundel Castle, walk along Mill Road down to Swanbourne Lake from the town centre and enjoy a walk around the lake. You can also walk up to the Hiorne Tower – view our Arundel walk to tick off both Swanbourne Lane and the Hiorne Tower! There are many things to do in Arundel to enjoy a wonderful day!

Cycle the Cuckoo Trail

The Cuckoo Trail runs along an old railway line and is a 14-mile long trail ideal for walkers, cyclists and horse riders as it is largely all off-road. It is another trail that is fairly flat, so ideal for all ages and is also well-signposted.

The trail runs from Polegate to Heathfield, East Sussex and not far from Eastbourne.