Sussex is filled with some of the most beautiful coastal and countryside views in the UK. From long walks on the beach to countryside stomps through National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s a great place for enjoying the Great Outdoors and embracing a breath of fresh air.
Holiday cottages in Sussex benefit from their location: being so close to London, they make an ideal weekend getaway for those living in the capital but also offer the opportunity for a metropolitan day out. With sea views, quaint local villages and added extras like hot tubs, a Sussex holiday is set to be a real treat for all involved. If you need to bring along a four legged friend, there’s lots of choice for dog friendly holiday activities and many places who welcome pets with open arms.
Split into east Sussex and west Sussex, each part of this area has it’s own distinguishable qualities, iconic places to visit and special things to do.
Places to visit in Sussex
With Sussex being just outside of London, the location makes for a brilliant weekend away if you’re looking for a local countryside retreat from the capital. However, the gorgeous landscapes will have you wanting more so it’s best to plan your stay for at least a week.
Walkers will embrace the undulating hills of the South Downs National Park or High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whether you’re a hardy trek enthusiast or simple a fair-weather wanderer, there are routes for all abilities. Mayfield is the perfect base for exploring High Weald AONB and the surrounding area, it's easy to visit the coast from here too.
For a seaside retreat, fill your lungs with the salt air of Hastings or Rye on the Sussex coast. Coastal walks, sand between your toes and adorable shops to find gifts for loved ones and yourself. Head further inland to the market town of Lewes for an equally pretty place to stay in a holiday cottage in East Sussex.
Cosmopolitan types will enjoy a day out in bustling Brighton, from shopping in the lanes to brunch by the sea, this is the ultimate quirky place for a day out with it’s diverse community and exciting events. Stay near Brighton, enjoy the bright lights and big city before returning to your own little slice of paradise in the countryside.
Shop like royalty in the beautiful streets of Royal Tunbridge Wells just over the border into Kent. Once a hotspot for royalty and the upper classes, it still possesses an air of grace and elegance. With historical trails, plenty of places to eat and drink and so many things to do, this makes the perfect day out or base for your holiday.
Things to do in Sussex
If you dream of classic holidays in the English countryside, Sussex has everything you need. From long walking trails with spectacular views to castles and railways to keep kids entertained, there are so many options for family holidays, couples breaks and dog friendly holidays.
Our go-to holiday activity is, of course, walking and the High Weald AONB is a beautiful place to plan your wander. With our Sussex office based in Mayfield, this is right on our doorstep. Avid walkers will also love the South Downs National Park, a popular destination for Sussex walking holidays. For a casual wander, the Ashdown Forest has many tracks and trails to explore, include a walk through Pooh Woods which inspired A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh stories.
For the young and young-at-heart, plan a day trip to Drusillas Park to frolic with all the tropical animals alongside play areas, mazes and traditional fairground rides. Fun for all ages and an easy-going day out.
History buffs will be enamoured by the breadth and depth that Sussex has to offer. Head to Hastings to see the 1066 battlefield and the Abbey and learn about all the events leading up to this iconic British moment. We also love exploring the many castle around Sussex. Herstmonceaux Castle is an iconic building set in beautiful acres of gardens and grounds. There are regular events here, including outdoor cinema showings, Afternoon Tea and even England’s Medieval Festival. Take your pick from Bodiam Castle, Hever Castle Bateman's and others, many of which are owned and run by the National Trust.
If all of that doesn’t show off enough of glorious Sussex, hop on the Bluebell Railway for a brand new view of some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes. This preserved heritage line is one of the best British collections of steam trains and has featured in some of your favourite TV and film shows, like Downton Abbey. Offering standard steam train journeys, you can also climb aboard for Afternoon Tea, Supper Specials and even Silver Service dining.
Sussex Beaches
The whole stretch of the Sussex coast is beautiful with towering white cliffs to long golden sands. The coastal walks of east Sussex are particularly breath-taking. We love a Sunday wander along Rye beach or Camber Sands followed by a hearty roast dinner or chilled pint in the local pub. If you want a well-known spot to start your adventures, Beachy Head has been a natural attraction for years and years, once attracting the attentions of Romantic poets.
Take a look at our latest Sussex holiday cottage and start planning your break today.
