By Charlotte Ricca
There are so many things to do in East Sussex, but here are the top 10.
Take a walk along the South Downs Way
The South Downs Way stretches for 100 miles from Eastbourne to Winchester. A good place to start is the Seven Sisters Country Park, which consists of seven hills in the chalk cliffs, between Seaford and Eastbourne. There is a range of spectacular walks, from 40 minutes to four hours.
The Seven Sisters Country Park
Ride the East Cliff Railway
As the steepest funicular in the UK, this is a fun way to get to the top of Hastings cliffs, where you’ll be treated to unbeatable views over the Old Town, Stade and Rock-a-Nore.
Explore the Coastal Culture Trail
Set over 18 miles of stunning coastline on the edge of the South Downs National Park, the Coastal Culture Trail runs from Jerwood Gallery in Hastings to Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne, via the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill. You can bike it in around four hours.
Eat fish and chips at Maggie’s
Maggie’s is a local legend where delicious food and a warm welcome are guaranteed. The fish comes straight off the boat and is cooked to perfection with crispy, light batter, and the chips are double fried. We challenge you to find better.
You have to have fish and chips on a visit to East Sussex!
Visit the site of the Battle of Hastings
For a memorable family day out in East Sussex visit Battle Abbey, the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. You can stand on the site where this historic battle was fought before exploring the abbey ruins. There is also a visitor centre, which shows a film that re-tells the story of the great battle, as well as a gatehouse exhibition.
Go shopping in Lewes
Lewes is a stunning, atmospheric town, with cobbled streets, set beside the River Ouse and surrounded by the South Downs. Shopping here is a unique experience, with its fabulous antique shops, quirky bookstores and independent boutiques, selling stylish clothes, jewellery, homewares and more.
Take out a kayak
A fresh and fun way to enjoy the sights of the East Sussex coast is by bobbing about on the sea itself. Eastbourne Kayak and Surf Hire has single or double kayaks, or why not have a go at stand up paddle boarding?
Hire a kayak and enjoy the views
Webbes Cookery School
This course is a fabulous opportunity to prepare and cook a specially-designed lunch menu with local chef hero Paul Webbe. The day is informal and fun and finishes with you enjoying the delicious lunch you have (hopefully!) created.
Visit the beach at Camber Sands
With almost five miles of fine golden sand, the beach at Camber Sands is one of the best beaches in the UK. You can while away the hours building sand castles or just lying in the sun. If you’re feeling more adventurous how about having a go at some watersports? The Kitesurf Centre offers kitesurfing tuition, while Rye Watersports has kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing lessons.
Visit a historic pub
East Sussex has a rich history, and as a result there are a number of fantastic old pubs and inns, dating as far back as the 12th century. One of our favourites is the Blackboys Inn, a beautiful 14th-century pub on the outskirts of Uckfield.
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