West Sussex
Rolling hills, historic sights and seaside delights, all easily reached from London Victoria or Brighton.
West Sussex is as culturally rich as it is naturally beautiful, with rolling hills, regal stately homes and picturesque coastal towns all waiting to be explored. Sitting just south of London, the county is easily accessible from the capital but a far cry from the busy urban sprawl.
West Sussex days out can be spent relaxing on the beach with a portion of fish and chips, walking along beautiful bridleways in the South Downs or cycling along scenic coastal paths taking in views of the English Channel. After a busy day of discovery, sit back in a traditional country pub to enjoy great food and a well-deserved drink. For more inspiration of things to do in West Sussex and how to get there, take a look below.
Getting to West Sussex
We want to ensure you have a truly enjoyable trip, which is why we make getting to West Sussex as simple as possible. The Southern network offers extensive coverage of the county, putting many of the area’s historic sights, seaside charms and magnificent countryside within easy reach from London Victoria or Brighton.
Our Mainline West line cuts across West Sussex from Gatwick Airport in the northeast to Littlehampton in the southwest. Travelling from London Victoria, you can get to Crawley in about 40 minutes, Horsham in 50, and Arundel in an hour and 20 minutes.
We also serve 17 stations along West Sussex’s south coast via our Coastway West and Mainline West lines. Reach Worthing in an hour and 15 minutes from London Victoria and Chichester in an hour and a half on average.
Plus, we offer a number of great cost-saving options on rail fares. If you’re travelling at Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak times, you can enjoy a significant discount on adult tickets and travel with up to four children for just £2! We have a range of Railcards offering 1/3 off travel for senior citizens, disabled passengers and those aged between 26-30 among others. Alternatively, if you’re travelling with a group of 3-9 adults outside of peak times our GroupSave tickets can save you a massive 1/3!
Getting to West Sussex with us couldn’t be easier – why not book your travel today?
Things to do in West Sussex
There’s such a huge variety of things to do in West Sussex – you’ll be spoilt for choice! Those wanting to embrace the great outdoors will love the rolling countryside and quaint villages in the South Downs National Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of ancient woodland, beautiful river valleys and the white cliffs of Seven Sisters before exploring towns rich in history and traditional English culture.
Explore the area by train, and discover the beautiful nature, the coast and charming towns of West Sussex with these useful line guides.
If you’re looking for an active weekend on your bike or on the hiking trails, look no further than Amberley. The South Downs Way national trail is just a few minutes’ walk from Amberley Station. Arundel is another good point to explore; the historic town centre is just 10 minutes from the station and the Arundel Wetland Centre another 20 minutes beyond.
Visit Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre and travel back in time, exploring the South’s working past in a former quarry and limeworks. Located in the heart of the South Downs National Park, with over 40 exhibit areas to discover, including a narrow-gauge railway, historic buses, rural crafts and extensive communications displays, there is something for everyone. Their team of friendly and knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to demonstrate, chat and reminisce.
West Sussex days out can also transport you back through British history. Those wanting to imagine life in a luxurious Roman residence will love Fishbourne Roman Palace. Just minutes from Fishbourne station, you can see Roman Britain brought to life with recreated gardens, ruins and mosaics.
You could also make Chichester your base for explorations. The town’s 900-year-old cathedral is just half a mile from the station. And from there you can hop on the Route 99 bus and head to Petworth House, a 17th century National Trust mansion with one of the Trust’s best collections of art.
Seeking a relaxing retreat on the south coast? There are plenty of beautiful beaches to enjoy, whether it’s Bognor Regis’s award-winning shingle beach or the culinary delights of a café on Littlehampton’s sandy shore. Sit back and relax on a deck chair or entertain the little ones (and the adults!) in the amusements, packed full of fun for the whole family.
Horsham is another lovely destination to discover in West Sussex. Horsham Town Centre makes a great day trip from London on the train, especially Saturday which is market day, when a range of local food and drink producers bring their produce to the Carfax. Visit Horsham Museum to learn about the history of the area, or enjoy the mix of high street and independent shops. Horsham Park has a packed calendar of events each year, and Warnham Local Nature Reserve or Riverside Walk make lovely nature walks within walking distance of the town centre.
With so many brilliant things to do in West Sussex, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy. Whether that’s admiring ancient architecture, feeling an adrenaline rush as you speed through the countryside on your bike, or relaxing with a portion of fish and chips on the beach, the choice is yours. With us, you don’t need to worry about getting to West Sussex – just picking what to do when you’re there!