5 fun things to do in Sussex after Dark

Piers after dark

Here’s to piers! Sussex has several iconic piers which come alive after dark…  

For a fine example of Victorian architecture, head to Eastbourne Pier. It has a cafe/bar, nightclub, and fab views of the English Channel. Live music events occur here too, in its very own Blues & Jazz Bar.

Hastings Pier (pictured below) has an enviable reputation as a sought-after venue for many respected bands, DJs, and musicians. They even have their own outdoor festival! Dance the night away in their ballroom, which has a club upstairs and adjoining bar with bistro. Pop-up outdoor cinema nights are a big draw here too throughout the year.

To the East of Brighton, lies Worthing Pier where it’s the done thing to take a stroll, watch the sunset, or try your luck in the ‘Penny Arcade’. Alternatively, fix up and look sharp for dinner at ‘Perch on the Pier’ a restaurant with panoramic views of the sea in a lush art deco style setting. 

Get Spooky

Rich in folklore and history, Sussex is a prime destination for both ghost hunters and history enthusiasts. We dare you to visit our haunted sites and learn gruesome stories of past and present…   

Our first tip would be to sign up to a guided ghost tour with Hastings Old Town Ghost Tours. Wander through the winding streets of the Old Town where tales of smugglers, pirates and haunted inns await. A spine-tingling evening is pretty much guaranteed!

According to the paranormal database, Brighton is one of the most haunted places in England. Why not be entertained and terrified at the same time by taking a Ghost Walk of the Lanes. This historic area of the city has been home to several sightings and manifestations over the years. Led by a crew of actors in Victorian costume, ghastly locations are visited guaranteed to send a chill down one’s spine.  

From February 2025, Newhaven Fort having under gone a huge redevelopment will re-open its doors to the public and offer ghost hunting events run by paranormal investigators. Not for the faint hearted, they take their spectral sightings very seriously. The fort’s dark tunnels and underground rooms are said to be haunted by the spirits of soldiers and prisoners.

Maritime Music

Sea shanties (traditional rhythmic songs were sung by sailors to lift the spirits) are a real draw these days. The golden age of the high seas is celebrated across many pubs and music venues in Sussex.  

Hastings has a few venues celebrating the songs of the sea. ‘Completely Scuppered’ are a local group of singers (complete with pirate gear and beards) who host a weekly shanty session at the Jenny Lind, just a stone’s throw from the old fishing beach. Another Hastings gem is The Stag, (reportedly haunted by a Dutch sea captain) this historic boozer known for its lively atmosphere, sea shanties and folk nights.  

The De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill also celebrates maritime past and puts on numerous sea song sessions throughout the year, check its website for listings. Along the coast, is a raucous group of singers called ‘Homeward Bound’. Describing themselves as a wild immersive and salty experience, they offer bespoke experiences for groups and regular nights at venues across Brighton (The Colonnade) & Hove (The Ancient Mariner and The Farm Tavern).  

A few miles to the West you’ll find The Duke of Wellington, Shoreham-by-Sea which hosts rousing sea shanty nights courtesy of the Wellington Wailers (a 16 strong crew of salty seadogs). Popular with locals, this Dark Star Brewery pub offers a cosy atmosphere perfect for a night out.

Sussex Dark Skies

There’s something irresistible about gazing up at a vast sky sparkling with stars, take a blanket and good company – the best time to do this is in the Winter months, between November and February.  

A short drive or bus ride away from the coast, you’ll find the South Downs National Park (SDNP). One of only 19 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Think rolling hills, star-studded skies and celestial lights. For the best places to view the stars and top tips, visit our Dark Skies page.

Devil’s Dyke, tucked behind Brighton and Hove, is the UK’s longest, deepest, and widest ‘dry’ valley. It’s also a star-spangled Dark Sky Discovery Site. During the 2024 Northern Lights sightings, Devils Dyke was ‘the’ place in Sussex to catch these wonders of nature.    

For a guided experience visit the Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux. They offer star gazing evenings all year round where you can star gaze to your hearts content through the giant telescopes at the milky way. The South Downs Planetarium, Chichester offers an array of events highlighting the heavens from Northern Lights to Finding Jupiter. They also offer after dark sessions with their solar telescopes.

It’s also possible to stargaze by the sea. Birling Gap Dark Skies Discovery Site (owned by the National Trust) is perfect for stargazing due to the low light pollution, and offers a different perspective surrounded by cliffs and the wide-open sea. Seaford Head Nature Reserve is another hidden spot which provides stellar opportunities to see the stars.  On a clear night, Eastbourne Astronomical Society offer breathtaking experiences to explore the craters of the moon through their telescopes at Beachy Head.   

Night time Nature

Sussex after dark is a haven for nature lovers seeking unique experiences. Imagine the delight of hearing birds sing with musicians or encountering bats swooping on a moonlit walk…

For a truly unique experience and quiet nature connection, we recommend joining Sam Lee, the musician who sings with nightingales. During April – May, his collective Singing With Nightingales  meet after dark in a secret rural location in the woods near Brighton. During these immersive events, participants have come away transformed by the experience which includes a campfire with folklore, stories and culminating with humans and nightingales singing together in their natural habitat.  

Guided night hikes and nature walks are another way to explore the evocative landscapes of Sussex. The stillness in the dark reveals a different side of nature. The RSPB offer a series of evening bat walks at Pagham Harbour (west of Bognor Regis), offering up the opportunity to delve into the mysterious world of these nocturnal mammals. Perfect for embracing your twilight side!