Sussex Holiday Guide

Wondering what Sussex has to offer for cottage breaks?  Attractions in Sussex include historical attractions, beautiful countryside and a stunning coastline, read our guide to find out more. 
 

What Does Sussex Offer for Cottage Holidays?

If you haven’t been to Sussex before, you may be wondering what this part of Southern England offers for cottage breaks.  Sussex, is a beautiful and leafy county on the south coast of England that is made up of two distinct areas; East Sussex and West Sussex.  Sussex offers a great range of attractions for a cottage break, as well as a great range of activities and settings.  Whether you want to relax in the tranquil countryside, explore the coastline or take a step back in time at one of the county’s historical attractions, Sussex has something to offer everyone.

So What Exactly Does Sussex have to Offer Visitors?

Let’s consider all of Sussex’s attractions in turn.

• Sussex’s Rich History and Historical Attractions
   
• Sussex's Beautiful Countryside
   
• The Stunning Sussex Coastline

Sussex’s Rich History and Historical Attractions  

Do you love historical attractions?  If so you are in for a treat with Sussex.

•    Battle Abbey: site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066.  Visit Battle Abbey with its audio visual exhibition, originally built by William the Conqueror to commemorate his victory over Harold. Take the 1066 Country Walk between Pevensey and Rye that passes through Battle. Take the kids to relive Victorian Times at Buckley's Yesterday's World.

•    Brighton Royal Pavilion: This striking palace enjoys a prominent position in Brighton and is high on the list of top places to visitin Brighton.  Boasting stunning and unusual architecture and dates back to the late 1700s it is well worth a visit.

•    Hever Castle and Gardens: This fascinating historical castle dates back to the 13th century and sits in large gardens.  Hever Castle is famous as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn.

•    Lewes: famous for its bonfire parades on Bonfire Night.  Amazing must-see spectacle each year on the 5th of November between 6.30 and 8.30 pm., when the numerous bonfire societies of the town march through the streets in costume with flaming torches and burning barrels that they hurl to float down the river Ouse.  The 2 hours of drama, organised mayhem and the burning of effigies of 'nasties' like Guy Fawkes, Pope Paul V, Osama bin Laden, is usually watched by a crowd of about 60,000 which regularly  floods into this small Sussex town.  The entertainment goes on throughout the evening with revellers taking refreshment from the pubs and hot food stands before departing for one of the  final large bonfire at Cliffe or other parts of town.

•    Petworth House: Petworth is an olde worlde town with narrow lanes and houses dating back to the 16th Century.  Petworth House historic home of the Earls of Northumberland dating back to the 13th Century and now the home of Lord and Lady Egremont although in the care of the National Trust. The gardens were landscaped by Capability Brown.  Deer still graze on the meadows.

 

Sussex's Beautiful Countryside 

With pretty villages, great walks, rolling hills and beautiful gardens, the Sussex countryside is a joy to explore.  Key highlights include:

•    Ashdown Forest: Enjoy woodland walks in beautiful Ashdown Forest where there are woodland trails aplenty and stunning views over the Sussex Weald.  This forest is undoubtedly best known as the setting for A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh.

•    Leonardslee Gardens: These 240-acre gardens are famous for their rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias.  Enjoy meandering along the lakeside paths and discovering good wildflower walks.

•    South Downs National Park: Explore this beautiful area with its chalk hills and rolling hills.  The South Downs Way can guide you to some of the best of the area, whether you choose to explore by horseback, bike, or on foot.

•    Wakehurst Place: Part of the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, near Haywards Heath in West Sussex. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the High Weald of West Sussex, this is a refuge for wildlife and a protected area for the flora and fauna of the Sussex Weald.


 

The Stunning Sussex Coastline 

With beaches and vibrant seaside towns, Sussex’s coast offers something for everyone.

•    Beachy Head: highest point on the coastline with the disused Belle Tout lighthouse at its foot, this is a very famous landmark.  Follow the coastal path to Birling Gap to see spectacular cliff erosion which has resulted in the collapse of a number of houses into the sea below. Continue walking for excellent views from the Seven Sisters cliffs. 

•    Eastbourne: with its long stretch of sandy beach, it’s pier and seaside amusements, Eastbourne makes for a fun day out.  There are daily music performances at the bandstand in the summer time.

•    Brighton: with it's traditional sea front, pier, the Royal Pavilion, pavement cafes, good nightlife,  interesting shops and boutiques. With a good train connection to London it has become a popular place for commuters.  

•    Camber Sands: this beautiful beach with its sand dunes is ideal for sunbathing, sand castle building and fun by the seaside, making it popular with families.

•    Bognor Regis: this vibrant town with its shingle beach, pier and seaside amusements makes for a great day out.

•    Seven Sisters Country Park:  at this location, there is a visitor centre and a country park.  The country park leads you down to the shore where you can soak up awe inspiring views of the chalk cliffs.

A Choice of Holiday Accommodation in Sussex

Sussex is home to a great range of self-catering holiday accommodation; including pet-friendly cottages in East Sussex, luxury Sussex holiday rentals in East Sussex, romantic cottages for 2 in West Sussex and log cabins in West Sussex.  Choose the type of holiday rental that best suits you.

Whether you want to spend time by the coast or in the countryside, Sussex offers something for everyone.  We hope we’ve inspired you on some of the best that East Sussex and West Sussex have to offer for self-catering breaks