Summary
On the southeast coast, East Sussex is a county that harkens back to the foundations of England.
The pivotal Battle of Hastings was waged here, and William the Conqueror established his initial fortifications in East Sussex.
Amid this rich history lies Brighton, recognized as England’s most progressive city and reminiscent of a smaller London along the southern coast.
Experience Brighton for its cultural scene, retail opportunities, and vibrant nightlife.
Afterward, embark on a journey to explore East Sussex’s historic coastal towns, featuring weatherboard homes, captivating tales of smugglers, and haunting defenses constructed in the 19th century, intended for a French invasion that ultimately did not occur.
Let us delve into the top destinations in East Sussex:
1. Brighton
The largest city within the county, Brighton enjoys favor among visitors and is home to Britain’s largest LGBT community outside of London.
Tourists are captivated by the historical context and the youthful, creative spirit embodied by Brighton.
The city boasts renowned nightlife and an array of unique shops and cafes, alongside the classic pleasures associated with an English seaside resort, as evidenced by the Palace Pier.
Featuring minarets and onion domes, the Royal Pavilion is an enchanting palace commissioned for the future George IV during the late-1700s.
Inspired by Indian and Islamic architectural styles popular during the era of the empire, a tour is essential to fully appreciate this structure; the audio guide provides insights into the opulent lifestyle of the Prince Regent.
2. Rye
The historic town of Rye is perched on a hill between the Rivers Rother and Brede, near their confluence with the sea, formerly serving as an important port.
The older section, known as the citadel, offers a delightful walking experience with its steep, winding cobblestone streets and weatherboard houses, still echoing the legacy of 18th-century smugglers who orchestrated their exploits here.
The remnants of ancient fortifications can be found, dating back to when Rye was one of the Cinque Ports.
Rye Castle operates as a museum, providing a glimpse into the town’s intriguing history, complemented by the Rye Heritage Centre.
For beach enthusiasts, Camber Sands awaits, offering arguably the finest beach along the English Channel coast.
3. Lewes
As the county town of East Sussex, Lewes is rich in historical and cultural significance.
Keere Street invites exploration into Lewes’ old quarter, featuring cobblestones and medieval timber-framed houses.
Ascend to Lewes Castle, built shortly after the conquest, which houses a fascinating museum. Visit the residence bestowed upon Anne of Cleves following her divorce from Henry VIII. Glyndebourne, a country house renowned for its opera performances, features a summer calendar that draws the attendance of England’s aristocratic society. Intervals extend for more than an hour, providing guests the opportunity to picnic on the picturesque lawns.
High culture is also associated with Charleston, an exquisite farmhouse where members of the Bloomsbury Group of artists and writers resided and created their works.
4. Hastings
This town presents a distinctive appearance for East Sussex, positioned at the meeting point of the sandstone Weald and the English Channel.
The towering cliffs that rise dramatically behind the town exhibit a reddish-brown hue.
These bluffs proved advantageous for smugglers, who utilized them to create extensive tunnel networks for storing contraband and evading capture.
These tunnels have now become a prominent attraction in Hastings.
Visitors should not miss the two steepest funiculars in the country, also known as cliff railways.
A visit to the old town nestled at the base of the cliffs is also essential, with its labyrinthine streets, painted weatherboard houses, and inns that housed weary seafarers in centuries past.
5. Battle
A significant chapter in English history transpired in 1066 at this site, where William the Conqueror triumphed over Harold II, marking the beginning of the Norman conquest of England.
Once England fell under Norman control, a Benedictine abbey was erected on the battlefield as a form of penance for the violence inherent in the conquest.
The abbey church has remained in ruins since the 1500s, yet a stone marks the spot where the high altar once stood, indicating the place where Harold met his demise.
As time passed, a community developed around the abbey, ultimately giving rise to the quaint town visible today.
A market operates in front of the abbey every Friday and Saturday, accompanied by a bustling high street adorned with artisan shops, tea rooms, and pubs.
6. Eastbourne
This town resembles a more tranquil and refined version of Brighton, first capturing public attention when George III’s children vacationed here in the 1780s.
Featuring a beach, a three-tiered promenade, and an elegant Victorian pier, Eastbourne lacks many of the amusements typically found in English seaside towns.
Rather, the coastline is bordered by imposing Regency townhouses and hotels, complemented by upscale amenities such as a bandstand and three beautifully maintained historic theatres.
A mile or two southwest of Eastbourne, the impressive Beachy Head stands tall as the highest chalk sea cliff in the country, soaring over 160 meters.
This landmark has inspired sea shanties since at least the 17th century.
Make sure to visit the Eastbourne Redoubt, a coastal fort established during the Napoleonic Wars and now restored as a museum.
7. St Leonards-on-Sea
Initially a separate town, St Leonards was incorporated into Hastings in the 1800s yet has maintained its distinctive character.
This area exudes a creative atmosphere, showcased by its studios, vintage stores, stylish cafes, and antique shops.
Norman Road and Mercatoria exemplify the unique blend of artistry and rustic charm present here.
If you appreciate Regency architecture, St Leonards will surely appeal to you, as the original town layout was established in the early 1800s.
On the seafront, be captivated by the vast Marine Court, an art deco apartment building from 1937 designed to evoke the appearance of an ocean liner.
8. Seaford
In medieval times, Seaford boasted one of the most vibrant ports in the south, but the town declined when its harbor became silted.
Later, the Victorians rediscovered the expansive pebble beaches, ushering in a second era of prosperity.
In the early 1800s, England devised plans to prepare for what seemed an inevitable invasion by Napoleon.
The well-preserved Martello tower, constructed for defense, houses an educational museum detailing this period.
Just east of the town, the chalk valleys of the South Downs meet the sea in a breathtaking manner.
The undulating Seven Sisters cliffs are best admired from Seaford Head.
9. Hove
Part of the same metropolitan area as Brighton, Hove possesses a distinctly different atmosphere, appealing to those seeking respite from Brighton’s bustling environment.
This town exudes grandiosity and elegance, characterized by wide boulevards and streets lined with registries of stuccoed and whitewashed four-story Regency townhouses.
Church Road serves as Hove’s main thoroughfare, enhancing the town’s sophisticated ambiance.
The pebble beach is accompanied by a promenade extending all the way to Brighton, along with a small amusement park for children and the Hove Museum and Art Gallery, which reflects life in 19th-century Hove.
At the County Cricket Ground, spectators can enjoy the occasional England one-day international match comfortably from their seats or deck chairs.
10. Alfriston
This charming village nestled in the verdant Cuckmere Valley is replete with delightful surprises.
The village lockup, where offenders once spent their nights, constructed from local flint, is a historical gem.
Along the high street lie quaint shops, tea rooms, a vintage bookshop, and half-timbered pubs.
Particularly endearing is the Star Inn, dating back to the 14th century, which served as a haunt for a notorious smuggling gang in the 1800s.
The Alfriston Clergy House, a structure from the same century featuring timber framing and a thatched roof, was acquired by the National Trust in 1896, marking its status as their first property.
11. Bexhill-on-Sea
Bexhill is not merely a seasonal destination for summer visitors; it is a seaside town where one could comfortably spend a night or two.
The resort’s charm is derived from various aspects, whether it be the medieval old town characterized by weatherboard and flint houses, or the Victorian additions developed rapidly in the 1890s as an elegant getaway for the elite.
While the beaches attract the most visitors during July and August, many travel long distances to appreciate the stunning De La Warr Pavilion.
Currently functioning as a modern art museum and cultural venue, the pavilion was one of the earliest modernist structures in England, completed in 1935, combining art deco and international styles.
12. Pevensey
Situated at one of the few gaps along East Sussex’s expansive chalk cliffs, Pevensey and its coastal community, Pevensey Bay, occupy a significant historical location.
This site marks the exact point of the Normans’ arrival in England in 1066. The coastal area benefits from its quaint village-like development and boasts a continuous stretch of pebble beaches.
Inland, the older section of Pevensey presents a collection of pubs with intriguing names such as “Smugglers Inn” and charming weatherboard houses.
Pevensey Castle dates back to the early days of the Norman invasion and is particularly notable for incorporating the remains of the 3rd-century Roman fort, Anderitum.
While the site is a ruin, sufficient remnants of its keep and outer walls remain to engage visitors.
13. Winchelsea
This historic village possesses a fascinating narrative: Prior to 1287, it served as a significant harbor, importing wine from Gascony, and was home to potentially thousands of inhabitants until a catastrophic flood ravaged the area.
In many respects, this led to a fortuitous outcome for Winchelsea, as it was relocated to elevated terrain and reconstructed within mere months during the reign of Edward I. The layout of the “new” town, along with its defensive walls, remains apparent, as three of the original gates continue to stand.
These features are noteworthy, as is the Church of St Thomas the Martyr, celebrated for its exquisite stained glass windows.
Notably, the famous 20th-century humorist and writer Spike Milligan is buried in the churchyard.
14. Burwash
Nestled within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Burwash presents a small yet vibrant village set in idyllic countryside.
The high street features inviting bed and breakfasts, traditional pubs, and specialty shops.
This village is most renowned as the home of Rudyard Kipling, the Nobel Prize-winning author of the early 20th century, who wrote the Jungle Book, among other literary works.
His residence, Bateman’s, is an impressive Jacobean house dating back to the 1600s, which is accessible to the public.
Its interior remains untouched, preserved exactly as it was when Kipling’s wife entrusted it to the National Trust upon her death in 1939.
15. Newhaven
Most individuals’ encounters with Newhaven involve travel to or from the French port of Dieppe.
However, should you have available time, consider exploring some of Newhaven’s attractions.
The primary highlight is Newhaven Fort, the largest defensive structure ever erected in Sussex.
This Palmerston Fort was constructed during the resurgence of France as a perceived threat in the mid-1800s under Napoleon III’s rule.
The extensive underground tunnels forming part of the caponier are truly remarkable.
Paradise Park provides entertainment for children, featuring exhibits that animate dinosaurs, expansive adventure playgrounds, and a miniature railway.
Meanwhile, parents can unwind in the tranquil gardens and cafe.
