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Sussex is one of the best parts of the South Coast for a beach holiday, with a coastline that runs from Camber Sands in the east to West Wittering and Chichester Harbour in the west. The county is split into East Sussex and West Sussex, and both sides offer plenty of places to stay by the sea. East Sussex includes Camber, Rye, Hastings, St Leonards-on-Sea, Bexhill, Pevensey Bay, Eastbourne, Seaford, Brighton and Hove, while West Sussex is home to Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Selsey and the Witterings.
This part of the South East Coast works well for many different types of seaside breaks. Some places are best for sandy beaches and family holidays, while others are better suited to walking, restaurants, independent shops, history or a simple weekend by the sea. Whether you are planning a short coastal break, a dog-friendly holiday, a romantic stay or a family beach trip, these are some of the best beach towns in Sussex to consider.
Beach Towns in East Sussex
Camber
Camber is one of the best towns in the South East for a beach holiday. The town is best known for Camber Sands, a long sandy beach backed by dunes, a very popular choice for families, dog walkers and anyone who prefers sand to shingle. Note that there are some restrictions on dogs during the peak summer months. The beach has plenty of space at low tide, so it works well for beach games, walks and relaxed days by the coast, even during winter.
The town of Camber is smaller and more low-key than many Sussex seaside resorts, so it suits visitors who want the beach to be the main focus of the holiday. There are places to eat and drink nearby, and Rye is only a short drive away if you want historic streets, independent shops and more choice for meals out. For a simple coastal break with one of the best sandy beaches in Sussex close by, Camber is hard to beat.
Rye
Rye is not directly on the beach, but it is one of the best places to stay if you want character, history and easy access to Camber Sands. The town is full of cobbled streets, old buildings, independent shops, pubs and cafes, making it a popular choice for couples or anyone who wants more than just a seaside bolthole. Mermaid Street is one of the best-known streets in the town, but Rye is also good for browsing, eating out and exploring the surrounding marshes.
For beach days, Camber Sands is only a short drive away and offers one of the largest sandy beaches in East Sussex. Rye also works well for short breaks because you can combine time on the coast with historic streets, countryside walks and trips towards Winchelsea, Hastings or the wider Sussex coast.
Hastings
Hastings is one of the most interesting seaside towns in East Sussex, with a mix of traditional seafront attractions, fishing history and a busy Old Town. The beach is mainly shingle, but the seafront has plenty going on, including cafes, amusements, family attractions and places to eat. The Old Town is one of the main reasons to stay here, with narrow streets, independent shops, pubs, restaurants and the famous net huts near the beach.
Hastings is a good choice for a coastal break if you want a town with a variety of things to see and do. Families can visit the pier, seafront attractions and nearby country park, while couples and groups may prefer the Old Town, live music, galleries and restaurants. It is also well placed if you plan on exploring nearby St Leonards, Bexhill, Rye and Camber.
St Leonards-on-Sea
St Leonards-on-Sea sits next to Hastings but has its own feel, with elegant seafront squares, independent shops, galleries, restaurants and a more relaxed style of coastal break. The beach is shingle, but the promenade is good for walks and the town has become popular with visitors looking for a quieter base than Hastings itself.
The area around Norman Road has plenty of places to eat, drink and browse, while the seafront is ideal for a straightforward walk by the sea. St Leonards is a strong option for couples, friends and anyone who wants a Sussex beach stay with good food and a creative local scene. You can also walk along the seafront into Hastings, so it is easy to enjoy both places in one trip.
Bexhill-on-Sea
Bexhill-on-Sea is a good choice for a quieter seaside holiday in East Sussex. It has a long shingle beach, a wide promenade and a more relaxed atmosphere than Brighton or Hastings. The town is best known for the De La Warr Pavilion, which hosts exhibitions, events and live performances, giving Bexhill a cultural side as well as a traditional seaside feel.
This is a practical option for families, couples and older travellers who want an easy coastal break without too much noise. The seafront is good for walking, cycling and relaxed beach days, and there are cafes and places to eat close to the water. Bexhill is also well positioned between Hastings and Eastbourne, so you can use it as a base for exploring more of the East Sussex coast.
Pevensey Bay
Pevensey Bay is a good option if you want a quieter beach base close to Eastbourne. The village has a shingle and pebble beach, local shops, pubs and places to eat, with a more relaxed feel than the larger resorts nearby. It is well suited to simple beach holidays, dog-friendly breaks and stays where you want easy access to the coast without being in the middle of a busy town.
The area is also known for its history, with Pevensey Castle close by and Eastbourne only a short drive away. This makes Pevensey Bay a useful choice if you want beach walks, local facilities and nearby attractions in one place. It is also well placed for exploring the East Sussex coast, including Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, Bexhill and Hastings.
Eastbourne
Eastbourne is one of the best-known beach towns in East Sussex and a popular choice for a traditional seaside break. The town has a long seafront, a pier, gardens, theatres, restaurants and a shingle beach, along with easy access to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters. It’s ideal for a wide range of visitors, from families and couples to walkers and groups looking for a well-stocked seaside base.
One of Eastbourne’s biggest advantages is its location. You can spend time on the seafront, then head towards Beachy Head for cliff walks and sea views. The town also has plenty of accommodation, shops and places to eat, making it easy for longer stays as well as weekend breaks. If you want a Sussex beach town with facilities, scenery and good access to the South Downs, Eastbourne is hard to beat.
Seaford
Seaford is a quieter alternative to some of the larger East Sussex resorts. It has a long shingle beach, open sea views and a more local feel, with the South Downs and Seven Sisters close by. It is a good option for walkers, dog owners and anyone who prefers a less commercial seaside town.
The beach is spacious and backed by a promenade, making it easy for relaxed walks and simple beach days. Seaford is also close to Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters cliffs, so it works especially well for walking holidays and scenic short breaks. It may not have the same number of attractions as Brighton or Eastbourne, but that is part of the appeal for visitors who want a quieter coastal base.
Brighton and Hove
Brighton and Hove is the busiest and most famous seaside destination in Sussex. It is a city rather than a small beach town, but it deserves a place on any list of Sussex coastal breaks. The beach is shingle, but the seafront is packed with places to eat, bars, attractions, shops and entertainment. Brighton Palace Pier, the Lanes, the Royal Pavilion and the i360 are all close to the coast, making it one of the easiest places in Sussex for a lively weekend by the sea.
Brighton is best for visitors who want more than just a beach. It is a good choice for couples, groups of friends, food lovers and anyone who wants nightlife, music festivals, shopping and culture close to the seafront. Hove, just along the coast, is a little calmer and works well if you want access to Brighton without staying right in the busiest part of the city.
Beach Towns in West Sussex
Shoreham-by-Sea
Shoreham-by-Sea is a good West Sussex option for visitors who want a smaller coastal town with easy access to Brighton, Worthing and the South Downs. The town has a working harbour, a beach, independent shops, cafes and riverside walks, giving it a useful mix of seaside and town life.
Shoreham Beach is mainly shingle and has a more residential feel than some of the larger resorts, which makes it a good choice for a quieter break. The River Adur also adds another side to the town, with walks, views and waterside spots to explore. Shoreham works well for couples, walkers and anyone looking for a base that is close enough to the larger resorts but not as busy.
Worthing
Worthing is one of the main seaside towns in West Sussex, with a long promenade, pier, beach, gardens, theatres and a growing food and drink scene. It has become increasingly popular with visitors who want a coastal break that is lively but not as busy as Brighton. The beach is mostly shingle, with sand at low tide in places, and the wide seafront is good for walking, cycling and enjoying sea views.
The town centre is close to the beach, so it is easy to combine time by the sea with shops, restaurants and cafes. Worthing is a good option for couples, families and groups who want a well-connected coastal base. It is also handy for day trips to the South Downs, Shoreham, Arundel and Brighton.
Littlehampton
Littlehampton is a good one for family friendly beach holidays in West Sussex. It has two main beaches, a riverside setting, a harbour, amusement areas, parks and plenty of seafront space. East Beach is the best-known beach, with a wide promenade and family-friendly facilities, while West Beach has dunes and a more natural feel.
This town well suited to classic seaside breaks. Families can enjoy the beach, amusements, cafes and nearby green spaces, while walkers can explore the river and surrounding coast. Littlehampton is also close to Arundel, which is handy if you want to add a historic town, castle and riverside walks to your beach holiday.
Bognor Regis
Bognor Regis is one of the most traditional seaside resorts in West Sussex, known for its long seafront, beach, pier, parks and family attractions. It is an ideal choice for families looking for an uncomplicated beach break with plenty of facilities nearby. The beach is mostly shingle, with some sand visible at lower tides, and the promenade makes it easy for coastal walks.
The town has a classic seaside feel, with cafes, amusements and open spaces close to the water. Bognor Regis is also an ideal base if your are planning exploring other parts of the West Sussex coast, including Littlehampton, Pagham, Selsey and Chichester Harbour. It’s a brilliant option if you want a simple beach holiday with plenty nearby to keep the group occupied.
Selsey
Selsey sits near the tip of the Manhood Peninsula and has a more low-key feel than some of the larger West Sussex resorts. It’s a great base for visitors who want sea air, beach walks and a quieter coastal experience. The town has beaches on different sides, seafood restaurants, local shops and access to nearby nature reserves.
Selsey is suitable for couples, families and dog owners looking for a less crowded part of the Sussex coast. It is also close to Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve and Chichester, so you can mix beach time with wildlife, walking and historic days out. For a simple coastal break away from the larger resorts, Selsey is one to considering.
West Wittering
West Wittering is without doubt one of the most popular beach destinations in West Sussex, especially for its sandy beach and views towards Chichester Harbour and the South Downs. It is more of a coastal village than a large town, but it is one of the best places in Sussex for a beach-centric holiday. The beach is wide, sandy and popular with families, swimmers, walkers and water-sports fans.
This is a great choice if the beach is the main reason for your trip and you want to relax and rejuvenate by the sea. The surrounding area is attractive too, with East Wittering, Bracklesham Bay, Chichester Harbour and the city of Chichester all within easy reach. It is also a handy location if you plan on exploring the Manhood Peninsula, with coastal paths, harbour views and small villages nearby.
Choosing the Right Sussex Beach Town
The best beach town in Sussex depends on the type of coastal break you want. For sandy beach holidays, Camber and West Wittering are two of the more popular options. For busy weekends, nightlife and restaurants, Brighton and Hove is the obvious choice. For classic seaside holidays, Eastbourne, Hastings, Worthing, Littlehampton and Bognor Regis all have plenty to offer. Rye is ideal if you want history and easy access to Camber Sands, while Seaford, Pevensey Bay, Selsey and Shoreham are better for quieter stays.
East Sussex is especially good for historic towns, larger resorts, cliff walks and sandy beaches around Camber, while West Sussex offers family-friendly beaches, traditional seaside resorts, harbour towns and quieter coastal villages. With so many different places along the Sussex coast, it is easy to find a beach break that suits your plans, whether you are booking a weekend away, a summer holiday or a last-minute stay by the sea.