Sussex is brilliantly placed for a day out. Whether you fancy a stroll along the coast, a wander through a historic market town, or a proper family adventure, you’re never far from somewhere worth visiting. The only thing that can hold you back is getting there — and that’s where a hire car really comes into its own.
With a comfortable, reliable car for the day, you can go where you want, when you want, without squeezing onto a busy train or trying to navigate connections with the kids in tow. Here are seven of our favourite day trips you can do from Sussex — all easily reachable by hire car.
1. Brighton
Distance from Haywards Heath: approx. 16 miles
Brighton is the obvious starting point, and for good reason. It’s got something for everyone — the iconic seafront and pier, the quirky Lanes for independent shopping, a buzzing food scene, and plenty of galleries and museums if the weather turns. You could easily fill a day here without a plan, just following where the streets take you.
Parking is available at several seafront car parks and the Churchill Square multi-storey, so getting in and out is straightforward.
2. Eastbourne
Distance from Haywards Heath: approx. 24 miles
Eastbourne often gets overlooked in favour of Brighton, but that’s part of its charm. It’s quieter, a little more laid-back, and the seafront is genuinely beautiful. From Eastbourne you can walk up to Beachy Head for stunning views along the South Downs coast, or head to the Towner Eastbourne gallery for a surprisingly impressive collection of modern art.
It’s a great option if you want a relaxed day without the crowds.
3. The South Downs National Park
Distance from Haywards Heath: approx. 10–20 miles depending on your route
You don’t have to go far from Mid Sussex to be deep in some stunning countryside. The South Downs National Park covers a huge stretch of rolling hills, ancient woodland and open farmland, with dozens of walking routes, villages and viewpoints to explore.
Highlights include the Devil’s Dyke viewpoint near Brighton, the pretty village of Alfriston, and the Long Man of Wilmington chalk figure near Eastbourne. A hire car lets you park up at a trailhead, enjoy a long walk, and move on to the next spot without retracing your steps.
4. Arundel
Distance from Haywards Heath: approx. 22 miles
Arundel is one of Sussex’s most picturesque towns, dominated by its magnificent castle and cathedral. It’s a lovely place to spend a few hours — there are independent shops, good cafes and a beautiful riverside walk along the Arun.
Arundel Castle is open to visitors seasonally and is well worth a look inside if you’re visiting with family or just love a good bit of history. The town itself is compact and easy to explore on foot once you’ve parked up.
5. Rye
Distance from Haywards Heath: approx. 40 miles
A little further afield but absolutely worth the drive, Rye is one of the most characterful small towns in the South East. The cobbled streets, timber-framed buildings and medieval church make it feel like stepping back in time, and the independent shops and restaurants along Mermaid Street are a real treat.
Rye is also close to Camber Sands, so if you want to combine a stroll around a historic town with a walk on one of the best beaches in the region, this makes for a perfect full day out.
6. Lewes
Distance from Haywards Heath: approx. 13 miles
Lewes is a wonderful town that often flies under the radar compared to Brighton. It’s got a ruined Norman castle, a thriving independent high street, plenty of great pubs and cafes, and a genuine sense of community. It’s also famous for its spectacular Bonfire Night celebrations if you happen to be visiting in November.
The town sits in a gap in the South Downs, so there’s great walking on the doorstep too. Easy to get to and easy to spend a full day in.
7. Chichester
Distance from Haywards Heath: approx. 30 miles
Chichester is a beautiful cathedral city with Roman roots — you can still see sections of the original Roman walls as you walk around the centre. The cathedral itself is stunning and free to visit, and the city has excellent independent shops, a great food scene and the acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre if you want to make an evening of it.
It’s also well placed for a visit to Bosham or West Wittering beach if you want to add some coast to your day.
Ready to Explore?
Having your own hire car makes all the difference on a day trip. You can set off when you like, stop where you want, carry as much as you need and get home at your own pace — no timetables, no connections, no stress.
At Parkers, we offer a wide choice of cars from our branches in Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill, with flexible daily hire rates and everything included in the price. Whether you need a compact runaround or a spacious family car, we’ll have something to suit your plans.
View our car hire options or give our friendly team a call on 01444 413 672 to arrange your booking.
