15 ideas to plan a solo trip to Sussex

Start your solo Sussex adventure in Brighton

Brighton & Hove is an ideal place to begin a solo trip and is just 1 hour away from London by train. The seaside city is easy to explore on foot, and its creative, inclusive culture instantly puts solo travellers at ease.

Highlights include:

Browsing independent shops and cafés of The Lanes and North Laine and soak up the atmosphere

Visiting the Royal Pavilion and its surrounding gardens for some quiet contemplation

Taking in the stunning views across Sussex from the top of the Brighton i360, Europe's tallest moving viewing platform 

Heading to the seafront for a Beach Box sauna session, or take a seaside swim at Sea Lanes

Grab a bite to eat at Shelter Hall, a food hall with shared tables and a wide range of local produce and world cuisines to try

Walk the iconic Seven Sisters 

The white cliffs of Seven Sisters County Park that stretch between Seaford and Eastbourne are one of Sussex’s most famous landscapes. They are easy to explore independently, with clear coastal paths and regular public transport links, including bus routes linking Brighton to Eastbourne.

Take your time along the route and enjoy uninterrupted views over the sea, or spot local wildlife in the nature reserve. On clear days the light is especially beautiful at sunset.

If you’d prefer to walk with a group or guided route, Pied a Terre Adventures offer regular guided walks throughout the year, including stargazing experiences. 

Safety tip: Follow marked routes, especially when walking close to the cliffside and avoid areas that are close to the cliff edge.  Always check the weather forecast and tide times before you set off. 

Explore the historic streets of Lewes

Lewes is a welcoming Sussex town perfect for exploring as a lone traveller. It makes a great base for connecting to Brighton and exploring East Sussex.

Top things to do in Lewes:

Take a tour of Lewes Castle or nearby Bull House to immerse yourself in local history, including the legacy of Thomas Paine

Get your culture fix at Charleston in Lewes, with art exhibitions and workshops  

Enjoy local produce and a warm welcome in one of the independent cafés, or sample the local beer along the Lewes Beer Mile

Visit the historic Firle Place, close to Lewes and perfect for a day experiencing a traditional afternoon tea and tour of a grand Sussex country house 

Walk or cycle the South Downs Way

The South Downs Way offers miles of open landscapes and well‑marked trails, ideal for confident solo walkers, or you can join a guided group. You can choose sections that suit your time and energy.

Try the picturesque route from Amberley to Arundel – easily linked by two train stations and close to the South Downs Bunkhouse for budget-friendly accommodation

If you’d prefer to explore on two-wheels, Marmalade MTB offer guided cycle tours and bike hire at different locations across the South Downs Way.

For organised walking holidays in the South Downs, experience providers like South Downs Discovery take care of accommodation and routes.  

Top tip: If you are walking the South Downs Way, plan your route ahead and follow marked routes when walking.  

Step back in time in Arundel

Arundel’s characterful streets have been used as a film location, with quaint antiques shops, farmers market, cafés and bookshops to explore.

Solo-friendly highlights include; 

Arundel Castle (open seasonally), which every year in April-May hosts the biggest Tulip festival in Europe, perfect for budding photographers.

Try out birdwatching at the Arundel Wetland centre, and enjoy quiet time in nature in one of the birdwatching hides set amongst the reedbeds. They offer regular guided experiences and tours ideal for solo travellers. 

Take a dip at Arundel Lido, set at the foot of the town with views of the Castle, open for both heated and cold water swims during the year. 

Travel tip: Arundel is easily accessible by rail, with a mainline train station to London taking approximately 1 hour 40. 

Discover the medieval charm of Rye

Rye’s cobbled streets, ancient buildings and independent shops offer an authentic Sussex experience. It is particularly good for photography and slow exploration.

Top tips for a solo visit to Rye:

Wander picturesque Mermaid Street, making sure to stop for a drink at the historic Mermaid Inn which also has rooms 

Shop from a range of local artists, boutiques and antiques, if you are on your own you’ll have plenty of time to browse to your heart’s content

Try a Wine tasting at Oxney Organic Estate, near Rye - the largest organic vineyard in the UK, its rural setting makes it a peaceful place to unwind on a solo trip.

Explore nearby Camber Sands – stop for a leisurely lunch at Harry’s restaurant at the Gallivant or for adventurous solo travellers, have a go at Kite Surfing

Treat yourself to a vineyard tour and tasting

Sussex is a leading English wine region, and vineyards across the county offer guided tours and tastings. Wine tours are ideal for solo travellers because you join a small group, making it a relaxed and sociable experience. In the autumn, you can join a harvest experience with many vineyards offering lunch or dinner to accompany an afternoon of picking grapes. 

Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling

Ridgeview offers guided tours of the vineyards and winery, finishing with a tasting of its celebrated sparkling wines. There is also a lovely garden bar in summer.

Bolney Wine Estate, near Haywards Heath

One of England’s best-known vineyards, offering tours, tastings and a restaurant overlooking the vines. Their tutored tastings are especially good for solo visitors who want to learn more about English still and sparkling wines.

Wiston Estate, near Horsham

Set on a family‑run estate on the South Downs, Wiston offers vineyard tours, tastings and seasonal masterclasses. There is also a stylish on‑site restaurant, Chalk, making it easy to turn your visit into a half‑day experience. Wiston Estate has recently been voted in the Forbes top 50 wineries in the World. 

Tinwood Estate, Chichester

Close to Goodwood and the coast, Tinwood offers relaxed vineyard tours, tastings and a large terrace with views across the vines. They also offer onsite accommodation in luxury lodges.

Ride the Bluebell Railway through the countryside

The heritage steam Bluebell Railway runs through beautiful Sussex landscapes and is perfect for a peaceful, nostalgic solo trip. Downton Abbey fans can visit the station made famous on screen, or hop off and walk to nearby Bluebell vineyard and join a guided wine tour. Bluebell also offer regular dining experiences, or sunset rides aboard the observation carriage. 

Top tip: Early Spring is the perfect time to visit, when the Bluebells line the surrounding woods along the railway. 

Immerse yourself in art in the Sussex countryside 

Sussex has deep artistic roots, from the Bloomsbury group to elegant modernist architecture. As a solo traveller, enjoy time to discover the thriving art scene in Sussex from modern galleries to the former home of Lee Miller. It's a great way to discover Sussex on budget too. 

Consider a stop at:

Charleston in Firle, the spiritual home of the Bloomsbury group with its distinctive interiors and gardens and world-class art exhibitions. Try visiting during Charleston Festival, with talks and workshops on offer.

Top tip: Travel on the Sussex Art Shuttle, which is a hop-on-hop-off bus running between Towner Eastbourne, Charleston Firle and Charleston in Lewes, the perfect way to explore. 

De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, with seasonal exhibitions and a stunning sea‑view café – you can link up to the Coastal Culture Trail from here, exploring nearby Towner Eastbourne and Hastings Contemporary by bus.

Farleys House and Gallery near Lewes, home to Lee Miller and the Lee Miller archives, Farleys was a meeting place for some of the key personalities in 20th century art. 

Goodwood Art Foundation, near Chichester, a new destination for contemporary art set in a 70-acre woodland landscape on the Goodwood Estate. Discover leading contemporary artists in the gallery exhibitions or enjoy the installations situated in the woodland landscape. 

Explore Hastings Old Town and the seafront

Hastings blends history, culture and seaside character. The Old Town is filled with narrow streets, vintage shops, independent cafes and traditional pubs.

Nearby St Leonards is a haven for independent shops and antiques dealers, with a buzzing local food scene, perfect for solo travel.  

From here you can explore the Coastal Culture Trail, starting at Hastings Contemporary with world-class exhibitions and artists.   

Hastings works well as a base to start your solo itinerary, with plenty to see and do by bus, train or foot.

Visit Chichester and the Witterings

Chichester is a cathedral city with a laid back feel and easy access to the coast, including the Chichester Harbour National Landscape. 

Start by exploring the 950-year old Chichester Cathedral – in June, visit for the Festival of Flowers, or get a birds-eye view of the city from the Spire. 

Art lovers can find plenty of local galleries, including Pallant House Gallery and Ox Market. 

Take a walk round the ancient City Walls, stopping off at independent cafes and retailers along the way. Cyclists can explore the Centurion Way, a 5 mile stretch of path linking beautiful rural villages and pubs and Roman history. 

If you want to explore further, walk or cycle to Chichester Harbour National Landscape using the Salterns Way, it’s well marked and full of natural beauty. Once you are at the coast, relax in a beachside Sauna session at Bracklesham Bay, take a dip in the sea or try out a Surfing lesson at The Beach Surf Club. 

Follow in Winnie the Pooh’s footsteps at Ashdown Forest

Set in the High Weald National Landscape, a visit to the Ashdown Forest is ideal for solo visitors and Winnie the Pooh fans alike, seeking a peaceful walk, with well-marked trails.

Pick from a range of waymarked routes and enjoy the quiet of the landscape that inspired A. A. Milne, 100 years ago. In 2026, celebratory trails and installations will mark the special 100th anniversary making it an ideal time to visit. 

Solo travellers can also join guided walks with Pooh Treks and discover more about the famous landscape.

To plan your perfect Winnie the Pooh inspired solo itinerary, you can read our Winnie the Pooh in Sussex guide. 

Enjoy a beach day in Littlehampton

If you want a calmer coastal break, Littlehampton is the perfect spot for solo travellers. It's a small, friendly seaside town with activities for all types of travel. 

Solo travel highlights include: 

• Watersports at The Beach, with guided Watersport lessons including Paddleboarding and regular events to join
• Stop for lunch at the iconic East Beach café
• Walk, jog or cycle along the promenade, or relax on a hammock in the new West Green beachfront area
• Take time to get away from it all at picture-perfect West Beach, with sand dunes and a quieter beach vibe 
• Stay at a welcoming guest house, like East Beach Guest House, or a coastal bolt-hole at The Piglets 'Barnlets' with smaller accommodation suited to solo stays 

Explore Petworth House and Park

Petworth House is renowned for its extensive art collection (one of the largest in the care of National Trust) and sweeping parkland, designed by Capability Brown. As a solo visitor you can take your time in the historic rooms before heading into the deer park for fresh air and views.

Petworth is home to over 45 antiques shops, specialising in luxury furniture and interiors, so find some time to browse before you head to your next destination. 

Art-lovers can also see contemporary exhibitions at Newlands House Gallery, which has an onsite cafe celebrating local produce. 

Join a local event, experience or workshop

From food festivals and markets to guided walks, art trails and theatre, Sussex’s event calendar is busy throughout the year. Booking an event or experience is a great way to meet others and connect with local culture.

Ideas for a bookable local experience: 

• You can try your hand at a Bee keeping experience with South Downs Honey in Horsham
• Join a night time paddleboarding expedition in Cuckmere Haven with Buzz Active, or a lakeside SUP session at Sheffield Park with Moxie Unleashed
• Try a Sociable guided walk at Nymans with the ranger team, or a Guided Spring walk around the RSPB Pagham Harbour Nature reserve 
• Learn a new craft, with resin workshops at the Oceanic Woodstore in Newhaven, or a Photography workshop at Borde Hill Gardens 
• Meet local makers and explore the artist studios in Sussex Craft Week in June 

See a range of local activities, experiences and workshops on our What's On pages and plan your solo adventures in Sussex.