Sporting lush countryside, the largest arts festival in England and a coastline spanning over 150 kilometres, Sussex is a treasure trove for family holidays. If you’re craving the great outdoors, head to one of the many country parks and gardens, meander through pretty, traditional villages and take some time to explore the local markets.
Get your adrenaline pumping at one of the many music events, show your support at the annual Gay Pride parade or explore the vibrant array of bars and restaurants in Brighton. And it isn’t a British holiday without dipping your toes in the bracing sea before warming yourself up with some fresh fish and chips!
Whatever tickles your fancy, our luxury cottages in Sussex are the perfect base for a memorable getaway. We’ve got properties close to the beach, within walking distance to the village and some are pet-friendly so your four-legged friends don’t have to miss out on the holiday fun.
Discover the Oliver’s Travels way, where style and character define every handpicked rental in Sussex. Our destination experts curate unique homes in beautiful locations that are perfect for families and guaranteed to ‘wow’.
Once you book a holiday, the service doesn’t stop there. Our Concierge Service means you’ll be in good hands to arrange in-house chefs, fridge stocking, housekeeping, and so much more, to make your stay truly extraordinary.
There’s nothing more traditional than a British seaside holiday; from colourful beach huts to fish to chips on the pier, we’re all about the staycation vibes. But Sussex isn’t just a seaside oasis, it’s got so much more to offer. If beach picnics and sea views aren’t for you, the expanisve countryside and charming towns will steal your heart. Explore the historic manor houses and regal castles, get your taste buds tingling on the gastronomy scene or channel your inner creative at the art festivals and antiques fairs.
All of that and only an hour from London, Sussex holidays are perfect for a much-needed countryside escape. Our luxury holiday cottages in Sussex are spread over this beautiful county to suit whatever you like doing.
Read our Sussex travel guide for more on when to visit, where to go and what to do.
Foodies, you’re in for a treat! Whether you’re looking for high-end dining or homemade comforts, the food and drink scene in Sussex is wonderfully diverse. Of course, it wouldn’t be a staycation without the obligitary pub lunches and you’ll have plenty of hearty pub grub to choose from.
If you’re by the sea, make sure to try the local seafood – grab some fish and chips and enjoy it on the beach or book one of the finest seafood restaurants for a real taste explosion.
Need some recommendations on where to eat out in Sussex? Check out our blog on the Best Foodie Experiences in Sussex.
As you can imagine from such a large county, Sussex has a plethroa of exciting activities that will entertain adults and children alike. In summer months, you can really make the most of the great outdoors – there are so many incredible National Trust spots for countryside walks and even some vineyards to try out. Little ones will love meeting the animals at Marwell Zoo while anyone looking for a buzzing night out can head to Brighton. Some unmissable summer events include the Brighton Arts Festival and Gay Pride Brighton – they’re an absolute must-see for anyone wanting to get involved in the local culture.
And after a busy day exploring, our luxury holiday homes in Sussex make the perfect base for some R&R with the whole group (some even have hot tubs!).
For some more ideas on what to do on your Sussex holiday, check out blog on The Best Group Activities in Sussex.
Brighton beach huts
Only an hour from London, Sussex is easily reachable by public transport or car so you don’t have to worry about an unhappy baby on the journey.
There’s so much to keep kids occupied in Sussex, from zoos, castles and museums, they’ll have plenty to do.
The great outdoors is what Sussex is all about; from cycling and rock climbing to woodland foraging, there’s loads to choose from.
We’ve pulled together a list of the best family activities in Sussex – give it a read for some more ideas.
Pack an umbrella – you can never trust the British weather and it’s always best to be safe. It doubles up as a handy sun shade on the beach too!
If you’re travelling in peak summer months, make sure to book ahead as many events take place between June-August and it’s sure to be busy.
The sheer size of the county makes it an outdoor playground for a wide variety of activities! Whether you’re looking for zen beach vibes, countryside exploring or haute cuisine, Sussex has it all!
Whether you want to be at the centre of the action or nestled away deep in the countryside, our houses and luxury cottages in Sussex have something for everyone. From pretty, cobbled streets and traditional villages to scenic seaside spots and trendy towns, you really can have it all.
Our destination experts know the ins and outs of this beautiful county and have pulled together this mini guide to some of their favourite towns and villages where a lot of our luxury holiday cottages in Sussex are either located or nearby.
Famous for its vibrant culture, bustling nightlife and gastronomy scene, Brighton is one of the most popular seaside towns in England. Visit the pier, take a look around the quirky pavilion or do a spot of shopping at the arty boutiques.
Brimming with quaint cafes, intriguing antique shops and a delightful Old Town, Hastings is Brighton’s quieter sibling. Take a wander around the contemporary art gallery, explore local walking routes or get a bite to eat at one of the beach restaurants.
Chichester’s history has ties with Roman times and there’s even a Roman palace to prove it. There’s plenty of other sites to see – check out the museums, visit the cathedral or try your hand at crabbing in the harbour.
The pretty village of Bodiam is most famous for its splendid Bodiam Castle that dates back to the 14th century. The impressive moat and surrounding grounds make it an idyllic place to explore on a summer’s day with the family. Kids will love the archery events!
A haven for nature lovers, Burgess Hill is surrounded by lush greenery and nature reserves that make great days out with the kids. The town can be explored on foot with traffic-free roads and Victorian houses transporting you back in time. It’s also only a 10-minute drive to the nearest golf club.
Clayton is famed for its two, grade II windmills, nicknamed Jack and Jill. Dating back to the 19th century, these iconic windmills are a must-visit and are open to the public in the summer months. Afterwards, head to the Sussex Prairie Garden for some floral delights and some homemade scones.
The seaside towns have a noticeable lack of parking available. Drivers should be aware of this and check out where to park beforehand – underground parking lots are always a good shout.
Although many parts of Sussex are quite rural, there are plenty of ways to get around this beautiful county. Exploring the local area by foot is always our favourite method but for longer journeys, here are some recommendations on the best ways to get around when staying in one of our holiday rentals in Sussex.
The nearest airport to fly into is London Gatwick. If visiting Brighton, there are direct trains from Gatwick that take half an hour.
A car is very useful when staying in one of our more rural holiday rentals in Sussex and will definitely come in handy for day trips a little further afield. However, be aware that parking may be quite tricky in the seaside towns!
There are plenty of train and bus routes around Sussex to take you where you want to go. Most of the major towns will have their own train station while the more rural villages may rely solely on buses.
There’s an abundance of taxi companies in Sussex to help get you to where you need to go – though as with many destinations, it’s worth booking in advance (if possible) and agreeing on a price with the driver before heading out. In the larger towns, ride-hailing companies, like Uber and Bolt, may also operate.
Touring Sussex by bike is a fantastic way to see the county and there are loads of places to hire cycles from!
