Our East Sussex Holiday Cottages by the Sea
East Sussex packs several very different stretches of coastline into one county. At its eastern end, Camber Sands has a large sandy beach backed by dunes, with the historic town of Rye a few miles away. Travel west and you reach the seaside towns of Hastings and Bexhill before the coastline changes again around Seaford and Eastbourne.
This western section provides access to the South Downs and the Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve. Walking routes run through Cuckmere Haven and across the chalk cliffs towards Beachy Head, while the South Downs Way finishes in Eastbourne. Elsewhere, visitors can cycle between Rye and Camber, try watersports or spend the day exploring one of the county’s traditional seaside towns.
Rye, Hastings, Eastbourne and Places to Explore
Rye is a good place to start in the east of the county. Its cobbled streets and historic buildings are set inland from the present coastline, with Camber Sands and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve nearby. The reserve has walking trails, birdwatching opportunities and a Discovery Centre, while Camber Castle stands between Rye and the coast.
Hastings has a fishing beach, Old Town and the remains of Hastings Castle above the seafront. The East Hill and West Hill lifts provide another way to reach the higher parts of the town. Nearby Bexhill is home to the De La Warr Pavilion, an important modernist building overlooking the seafront.
Further west, Seaford provides access to Seaford Head and Cuckmere Haven. The Seven Sisters then extend towards Birling Gap and Beachy Head, where the chalk cliffs reach their highest point. Eastbourne has a pier, promenade and several miles of seafront, as well as easy access to the South Downs.
If you’re still deciding where to stay, our guide to the best beach towns in Sussex looks at the main coastal destinations in East and West Sussex and what each one offers.
Coastal Cottages, Sea View Apartments and Beach Houses
There is a broad mix of self-catering accommodation along the East Sussex coast. Eastbourne, Hastings and Bexhill have plenty of apartments and converted properties, including accommodation overlooking the seafront. Around Rye and Camber, the choice includes cottages, detached holiday homes and beach houses close to the sand.
Sea view cottages and apartments can have balconies, terraces or large windows facing the coast. Some properties are within a few minutes’ walk of the beach, while a smaller number of beach houses offer direct access to the shoreline.
There are dog-friendly cottages for couples and families travelling with pets, as well as larger houses with several bedrooms for group holidays. Some properties have private hot tubs, while other features can include enclosed gardens, off-road parking, games rooms and outdoor dining areas. If beach access is particularly important, Camber and the coastal resorts are worth checking alongside cottages in the smaller inland villages.
Beaches from Camber Sands to Eastbourne
Camber Sands is the obvious choice for visitors looking for a large sandy beach. Located east of Rye, it has an extensive dune system and a wide area of sand, with watersports also available in the area. Nearby Broomhill Sands is quieter and combines shingle with sand exposed at lower tides.
Hastings and Bexhill have long shingle beaches backed by their respective seafronts. Further west, Pevensey Bay has another extensive stretch of shingle and is within easy reach of both Bexhill and Eastbourne.
The beaches around the Seven Sisters are much less developed. Cuckmere Haven is reached on foot through the Cuckmere Valley and gives you a view of the chalk cliffs from the beach. Birling Gap has a shingle beach below the cliffs, reached by steps, with a National Trust café and toilets above.
Eastbourne has several beaches along its seafront. The central resort beach runs between the Wish Tower and pier, while quieter stretches continue towards Holywell and the chalk cliffs to the west. Seasonal dog restrictions apply to some beaches around East Sussex, so check the rules for the individual beach before visiting with a dog.
