8 Great Places To Visit When You’re In Sussex

This is a collaborative post but all thoughts and opinions are my own

Sussex is a beautiful part of England, with a lot to offer anyone visiting. There are plenty of great coastal towns and cities all within an easy drive. You could start off by looking for caravan parks in Eastbourne as a great place to use as a  base for exploring the whole of the south-east coast. 

If you are staying in the area, you will ideally want to have a car as travelling around is a must, as there are so many interesting and beautiful places all within an easy driving distance.. 

Eastbourne

This Victorian seaside resort has everything from a pier to a miniature railway. With a long stretch of hotels and guest houses that go on for miles, there is no shortage of places to stay along Eastbourne’s seafront.

You could visit Redoubt Fortress, which was used to protect against Napoleon over 200 years ago. The fortress was used again to protect the country in both the first and the second world wars. 

Beachy Head

Why not take a trip up to Beachy Head. The white cliffs overlooking the sea offer some of the most beautiful views in the whole south east coast. You will also be able to take a look at the iconic red and white striped lighthouse. Be sure that you take lots of photos when you visit, as it’s a place you will want to look at again and again. 

One of the best times to visit Beachy Head is on a summers evening at sunset. You will enjoy the special, romantic view as the sun goes down. 

You could take a trip around the south downs national park while you are there. There are lots of beautiful walks that you could go on. 

Rye

Why not visit the quaint town of Rye. This picture perfect town has lots of interesting characters to offer. With a beautiful windmill near the town centre, and winding cobbled streets leading up the hill. There are a number of interesting independent shops on the high street, with a tiny bookshop the size of someone’s living room. 

Camber Sands

Not too far from Rye you will find the glorious Camber Sands. One of the best stretches of beach in the area, you could spend hours just sunbathing and taking in the calmness of the sea slowly rolling in.

Camber can be popular with visitors, however it is a large enough beach that you can comfortably find space to pitch up and enough yourself. 

Camber has the only sand dunes that you will find in the area. With the majority of the coast in the area being pebbles or shingle, the soft sand of Camber is a welcome break. 

Hastings

Famous for a certain battle that occured there in 1066, where the Normans conquered the English and seized control of the country. Hastings is a town on the sea with so much character and charm. 

The sea front has everything that you would want from a trip to the seaside. There is everything from cockle sellers, to crazy golf. There is an aquarium which is nestled amongst lots of interesting fishing huts.

You could pay a visit to the shipwreck museum, as well as the fisherman’s museum. Or, if you like modern art, why not visit the Jerwood Gallery?

Why not take a ride up the cliff railway and see the town from a new angle. 

Drusillas Park

Voted the best small zoo in Europe, Drusillas has a wide range of animals including pandas, monkeys and a whole host more. 

There is lots to keep your children amused too, with all kinds of fun rides and activities. 

Bodiam Castle

If you enjoy a bit of history, or just enjoy a lovely walk around some ruins you may want to take a trip to Bodiam Castle. One of the countries most picturesque and romantic looking castles, it is still in very good condition today. 

One of the most surprising things about the castle is, although the castle is around seven hundred years old, the original wooden portcullis is still in use today.

Brighton

If you don’t mind going a little bit further afield, you will find the beautiful city of Brighton. Another great coastal resort, Brighton has a bit of something for everyone. 

Brighton pier is one of the most iconic in the country. With a great fair at the end of it with all kinds of great rides, the pier is filled with amusements and candy floss sellers.

Brighton has a lovely beach, albeit pebbled. You can hire a deckchair and enjoy watching the world go by. There is always plenty of bustle around, as Brighton is a busy city. The beach is lined with lots of independent gift shops, bars, and restaurants. 

If food is your thing, Bright boasts some great restaurants with everything from Japanese, to Italian. It is also very well known for the number of vegan cafes that it has to offer. You’re never more than a couple of minutes walk away from some of the best restaurants that you will find. 

If you enjoy shopping, you should go and check out Brighton’s North Laine. The bohemian shopping quarter is lined with little independent retailers. You’ll find some great brands such as Irregular Choice shoes, who create the most imaginative shoes you will ever see.

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is one of the most outstanding pieces of architecture that the city has to offer. Build for George the fourth, the pavilion was used as a royal palace. With its domes and minarets, it is quite different to any other royal building that the country has to offer. 

Brighton is known for its nightlife. With some of the most exciting bars and clubs in the country, you will be able to find somewhere with the kind of atmosphere that you like. There is always a great bar to suit everyone’s tastes.