The Best Cities, Towns & Villages in West Sussex

Recommended destinations throughout West Sussex, South East England


 

Arundel

West Sussex

  • touring base
  • -
  • rural escapes

Dominated by its impressive castle and cathedral, Arundel is a historic market town known for its medieval streets, riverside walks and independent shops. Its blend of heritage and countryside charm makes it a popular South Downs destination.

Chichester

West Sussex

  • historic city
  • -
  • touring base

Known for its Roman heritage and striking cathedral, Chichester combines historic streets, galleries and markets with easy access to the South Downs and nearby coast. Its blend of culture and countryside makes it a popular Sussex destination.

Worthing

West Sussex

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seaside resort

Set on the Sussex coast, Worthing combines beaches, a lively seafront and independent cafés with easy access to the South Downs. Its mix of coastal charm, green spaces and cultural venues makes it a popular seaside destination.

Bognor Regis

West Sussex

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seaside resort

Known for its long seafront and traditional seaside atmosphere, Bognor Regis offers beaches, parks and coastal walks along the South Coast. Its sunny climate and family-friendly feel make it a popular holiday destination.

Littlehampton

West Sussex

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seaside resort

Set at the mouth of the River Arun, Littlehampton is known for its sandy beaches, harbour and family-friendly seaside atmosphere. Its riverside walks and coastal attractions make it a popular South Coast destination.

Midhurst

West Sussex

  • touring base
  • -
  • rural escapes

Nestled in the South Downs National Park, Midhurst is a historic market town known for its medieval streets, independent shops and surrounding countryside walks. Its rural charm makes it a popular Sussex retreat.

East Grinstead

West Sussex

  • touring base
  • -
  • rural escapes

Set on the edge of Ashdown Forest, East Grinstead is known for its historic high street, timber-framed buildings and nearby countryside walks. Its blend of heritage and green surroundings gives it a relaxed market-town feel.

Petworth

West Sussex

  • touring base
  • -
  • rural escapes

Best known for Petworth House, Petworth is a historic market town with antique shops, galleries and elegant streets. Surrounded by countryside, it offers a refined yet relaxed South Downs atmosphere.

Billingshurst

West Sussex

  • touring base

Surrounded by West Sussex countryside, Billingshurst is a traditional village known for its historic character, local shops and easy access to the South Downs. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a peaceful rural base.

Burgess Hill

West Sussex

  • touring base

Located between the South Downs and the Sussex coast, Burgess Hill combines modern amenities, parks and shopping with easy access to Brighton, London and surrounding countryside. Its convenient location makes it a practical South East base.

Crawley

West Sussex

  • touring base

Located near Gatwick Airport, Crawley combines modern shopping, parks and business districts with strong transport links across the South East. Its convenient location makes it a major travel and commuter hub.

Hassocks

West Sussex

  • touring base
  • -
  • rural escapes

Located at the foot of the South Downs, Hassocks is known for its countryside setting, walking routes and easy access to Brighton and nearby villages. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular Sussex base close to coast and hills.

Haywards Heath

West Sussex

  • touring base

Located in the heart of West Sussex, Haywards Heath combines parks, shopping and modern amenities with strong rail links to London and Brighton. Its convenient location near the South Downs makes it a popular commuter base.

Henfield

West Sussex

  • touring base

Set beneath the South Downs, Henfield is a charming village known for its independent shops, countryside walks and relaxed rural atmosphere. Its location near Brighton and the Sussex coast makes it a popular South Downs retreat.

Horsham

West Sussex

  • touring base

Known for its historic market square and green spaces, Horsham combines shopping, cafés and cultural venues with easy access to the Sussex countryside. Its lively yet relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular South East destination.

Lancing

West Sussex

  • seaside resort

Set between the South Downs and the Sussex coast, Lancing is known for its long beach, coastal walks and relaxed seaside atmosphere. Its convenient location offers easy access to Brighton and surrounding countryside.

Pulborough

West Sussex

  • touring base
  • -
  • rural escapes

Surrounded by the South Downs countryside, Pulborough is known for its riverside scenery, walking routes and nearby nature reserves. Its peaceful atmosphere and rural setting make it a popular West Sussex retreat.

Shoreham-by-Sea

West Sussex

  • touring base

Set beside the River Adur estuary, Shoreham-by-Sea combines beaches, waterfront walks and a relaxed coastal atmosphere with easy access to Brighton and the South Downs. Its mix of maritime heritage and creative culture gives it a distinctive charm.

Steyning

West Sussex

  • touring base

Nestled beneath the South Downs, Steyning is a historic market town known for its cobbled streets, independent shops and countryside walks. Its traditional character and relaxed atmosphere make it a charming Sussex retreat.