East Sussex

England
Bodiam Castle featuring a castle, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Brighton Clock Tower showing street scenes
East Sussex
Brighton Wheel featuring signage
East Sussex
East Sussex is a county in South East England bordered by the counties of Kent and Surrey with the English Channel located to the South. East Sussex’s most popular travel destinations are Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings, which are all located along the picturesque Sussex coastline.

From seaside coastal hotels and B&B’s to the more rural inland retreats, East Sussex has a variety of accommodation options for you to choose from.

Get Along to the Popular Coastal Resort of Brighton

Brighton has many popular tourist attractions, from the Brighton Wheel and Brighton Pier to the quite magnificent Royal Pavilion. A visit to the Brighton seaside offers something for everyone. The pier itself has a collection of shops in the town centre and along the seafront, but it’s the cobbled streets and lanes where the real Brighton shopping experience takes place. Take a walk along the pier and spend some time reliving your youth in the amusement park located at the pier. If you’re visiting Brighton with kids, this is simply a must see!

Another place to get yourself along to in Brighton is the city’s Museum and Art Gallery, which is located in the heart of the city’s Cultural Quarter. The museum brings together a wide range of collections with exhibits depicting the story of Brighton and the wider world. The aforementioned Royal Pavilion is extraordinary, simply a must see, so don’t miss this if you’re planning on visiting Brighton while in East Sussex.

The Seven Sisters Country Park is a fabulous area to walk around and soak up the English countryside with breath-taking cliff top views to match. With an array of walks to choose between, including the flat, manageable walks along the beach, to the more challenging boundary walks across the South Downs National Park. Regardless of your choice you will see the local wildlife and wild flowers creating a truly refreshing experience.

Beachy Head near Eastbourne will let you get as close to the English Channel as you can without touching it and is a lovely tranquil place to visit.

Visit Hastings

Two main themes dominate the lively East Sussex town of Hastings and these are the seaside and the year 1066, the date of the famous Battle of Hastings. Hastings once had a thriving fishing industry, and while this may have declined in recent years, it still lays claim to having Europe’s largest beach launched fishing fleet.

Although Hastings was not the actual location of the Normandy battle in 1066 its legacy is still clearly evident throughout the town. Visit the remains of what was William the Conqueror’s first English Castle.

If you are interested in the history of 1066, the nearby town of Battle is well worth a visit. Take the opportunity to explore William the Conqueror’s famous abbey and stand on the very spot where King Harold is believed to have died. A day out for the whole family, with the Abbeys gardens perfect for children to explore and play in. Embrace yourself in a real piece of English history.

Popular cities in East Sussex

Eastbourne which includes general coastal views
Eastbourne
Known for Friendly people, Sea and Bars
Old-fashioned Victorian charm and modern culture come together in this buzzing coastal resort.

Reasons to visit

  • Beachy Head
  • Seven Sisters
  • Eastbourne Pier
Hastings showing street scenes
Hastings
Known for Friendly people, Sea and Beaches
Two main themes dominate the lively East Sussex town of Hastings: the sea and 1066. Hastings once had a thriving fishing industry, and although this may have declined in recent years, it still lays claim to having Europe’s largest beach launched fishing fleet.

Reasons to visit

  • Hastings Pier
  • Hastings Castle
  • Hastings Country Park
Pantiles
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Known for Friendly people, Spas and Gardens
This spa town is home to a wealth of historic attractions, interesting museums and independent shops.

Reasons to visit

  • Pantiles
  • Groombridge Place
  • Dunorlan Park
Great Dixter House and Gardens showing flowers
Rye
Known for Friendly people, Relaxing and Swimming

Reasons to visit

  • Great Dixter House and Gardens
  • Landgate