Bewl Cottage

A maze of rolling countryside, abbeys and battlefields, medieval villages, bustling market towns and gorgeous coastline, East Sussex is also the most forested county in England! Diverse, inspirational landscapes and breath-taking views from the endless tranquil and unspoilt settings make this an incredibly enticing county right on the south coast of England. And that’s not to mention its 90 miles of stunning beaches and vibrant towns and cities!

Less than an hour away, in the fabulous, family-focused town of Eastbourne, one of England’s most genteel seaside resorts you’ll find serene boating lakes, Victorian gardens and a three-tier promenade! This is also the location of the famous sights of the dramatic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and Beachy Head, the UK's highest chalk cliff at 531ft (160m) above sea level, offering stunning views over the English Channel.

Hidden villages and towns blitzed by bloody Norman battles, cool seaside resorts and flourishing vineyards, traditional country pubs and thriving market towns, ancient woodland and lowland heaths are all tucked among a maze of crisscrossing paths and lanes and country roads. Views of rolling farmland and historic estates in all directions add a sense of the timeless elegance of Sussex and its wide variety of wildlife and habitats among beautifully varied geography. Idle your way through the cobbled medieval streets of Rye, the flat marshes of Pevensey, the high Ground of Ashdown Forest, beautiful lowlands and river landscapes of the Lower Weald and the maze of avenues through Friston and Ashdown Forests.

With 1,750 hours of sunshine per year, 'Sussex by the Sea' offers some of the sunniest and cleanest beaches in the UK, including the traditional English seaside town of Brighton, whose beach is renowned for its packed seafront. And then there’s Eastbourne, Bexhill-on-Sea, Hastings and St Leonard’s, to name but a few. Take a trip to Hastings old town, the shipwreck heritage centre and flamingo adventure park for the perfect day out!

There are endless fabulous homes and gardens to visit, including Great Dixter House and Garden, Michelham Priory and Sheffield Park Garden with an array of stunning colours, exotic flora, magnificent gardens, elegant lakes and even a sculpture trail! At the priory, you’ll even find a medieval cloister garden and the longest medieval moat in England!

For an active day in the sunshine, stretch your legs on the South Downs Way, which traverses from Eastbourne to Winchester along England’s newest national park, the South Downs National Park, with 1,600km2 of breath-taking views and hidden gems. Indeed, if you’re a keen walker or cyclist, there’s 3500km of walking paths, bridleways and scenic roads, including the well-establish routes of the Cuckoo Trail, and the incredible Forest Way.

If travelling from far away, just outside East Sussex, Gatwick Airport services the whole world, while Brighton City Airport (often called Shoreham Airport) provides flights to many UK airports.

Read more about Sussex

With beautiful countryside, charming coastal haunts and some great cities and culture (with London itself just a short train ride away) Sussex is full of surprises. But with all the history, culture and landscapes of both East and West Sussex to explore, how do you know where to start?

Luckily, our fantastic Sussex travel guide is here to steer you in the right direction whether you’re looking for the top sights, unforgettable activities or just some well-earned R&R – and our cottages in Sussex make the perfect place to stay while you’re making the most of this beautiful county.

Download our Sussex Travel Guide >>