10 Best Things to Do This Summer in East Sussex

Brighton is a seaside town on England’s southern coast. The train from London takes an hour, making this coastal escape one of the best short trips from the capital. Well known as the UK’s LGBTQ capital, you’ll find a liberal, multicultural vibe in Brighton that belies its small size.

Brighton has a wealth of modern attractions and Regency-era heritage. Of course, you could spend your day relaxing on Brighton Beach. But you could also go shopping for quirky one-off finds down The Lanes, enjoy a walk along the promenade and stop for fish and chips, or explore a bit of history at the Royal Pavilion.

Camber Sands is one of the best beaches in East Sussex, with a long expanse of sand dunes that are unlike anything else in the region. Thanks to the miles of dunes, you can always find a secluded spot at Camber Sands. The water is shallow here, so it's great for a quick paddle. Lifeguards patrol the beach throughout summer and there are showers available next to the main parking lot.

Come to Camber Sands to build a sandcastle, fly a kite or go crabbing in the rockpools. As it’s a pet-friendly beach, you can also bring your dog for a long run here.

Beachy Head is a headland close to Eastbourne and, at 530 ft tall, is England’s highest chalk cliff. A stroll along the clifftop path, enjoying views from Dungeness to Selsey Bill, is one of the best things to do in summer in East Sussex. The base is continually pounded by the English Channel waves. Its relatively soft rock no match for their power. so rockfalls are common.

The highlight for many is the Seven Sisters, which take their name from the 7 chalk hills that collectively make up this part of Sussex. They’re a picturesque sight.

Hastings is a coastal town that combines epic historical attractions with a Georgian-era beach resort. The town will be forever tied to the famous battle in 1066, which changed the course of England forever. To learn more about the ancient battles that took place nearby, head to Hastings Castle ruins, which dates back to the 13^th century. The castle has long since been destroyed by French attacks, Luftwaffe bombings and the erosion of the cliff it's stood upon, but the skeleton of the structure still stands and you can explore the chapel and some of the dungeons.

Hastings Pier is a scenic spot where you can find plenty of food stalls, cafés, and street performers in the summer. The town itself is a charming collection of half-timber houses, quirky antique shops and 2 funicular railways to take you down to the beach.

Seven Sisters County Park is a coastal region of East Sussex that runs along the Cuckmere River. Found between the towns of Seaford and Eastbourne, this is a hotspot for fans of adventure sports, including paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and cycling.

A highlight of this area is the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs – an iconic view of the UK’s southern coast and a magnet for photographers. For the best view of the Seven Sisters, take the 1.5-mile paved walk from the visitor centre to Seaford Head and stay for sunset.

Rye, found near the coast, could be one of East Sussex’s best-kept secrets. Tucked in between green undulating hills and the English Channel, it's one of the best-preserved medieval towns in England. This quaint town enchants with names like Mermaid Street, Wish Street, and Watchbell Lane found throughout the Old Town.

With crooked half-timber houses, steep cobbled lanes, ancient inns, a castle, and a beach walk, it makes for a lovely and laidback day out or weekend trip. Linger around the lanes, exploring the cute shops and cafés, and then head to Camber Sands for a picnic on the beach. If you’re looking for a little history, pop into Bodiam Castle, which floats in a glimmering moat.

Lewes Castle combines rich history with beautiful landscapes. It’s remarkably well maintained, considering it's in the middle of town. You enter through the museum section, where you’ll learn about its place in Tudor royal sagas, before heading into the castle to explore the ramparts and towers. Afterwards, you can explore the flower gardens.

A visit to this stunning historical landmark is one of the best things to do in East Sussex. Next door to Lewes Castle, The Museum of Sussex Archaeology has some fascinating exhibits of local finds from prehistorical times.

The jewel in Eastbourne’s crown is undoubtedly the miles of beaches that, thanks to the south of England’s mild climate, are lined with palm trees. Nearby, the countryside has the wow factor, with spectacular headlands and bays carved out of the chalk cliffs and the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park on the doorstep.

A short distance from the centre, Holywell Retreat is a quaint stretch of beach in a marine conservation area with quintessentially English beach huts, a café, and the cliff-hugging Italian Gardens. For families, The Treasure Island Adventure Park is a popular indoor-outdoor theme park in Eastbourne.

Malling Down Nature Reserve is a popular hiking and dog-walking spot in East Sussex. In the summertime, it's covered in wildflowers, with butterflies and bees busy flying through the grassy meadows. This area of beautiful nature is on the outskirts of Lewes town and easily reached from the town centre.

Plenty of hiking routes criss-cross the area, though it’s wise to wear long trousers to protect yourself against insects and weeds. Take a walk to Mount Caburn, an Iron Age hill fort, for stunning views of the surrounding area.

Battle Abbey is the site of the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066, when William of Normandy fought against Harold Godwinson for the British throne. The site is around 15 minutes from Hastings town, either by car or train. This Benedictine abbey was built in 1070 and the high altar is supposedly built on the exact spot where King Harold died from an arrow through his eye.

You can rent an audio guide to add some context to your visit as you explore the battlefield and see replica 11^th-century weapons at the Battle Museum of Local History.