East Sussex lies in the South East of England and is one of the oldest counties, dating back to the 5th century AD when it was settled by the South Saxons. Being a coastal county, it was often a staging point for inland raids by invading armies and has had its industrial roots in fishing and wool exports.
One of its most famed attractions is Beachy Head, which is the famous chalk cliff visible from the British Channel when crossing by Ferry from Calais to Dover. The famous Battle of Beachy Head took place here in 1690, a nine-day naval fracas between England and the Netherlands. East Sussex is only a few hours by train away from London.
Towns in East Sussex
East Sussex is the 33rd largest county in England out of the 42 and has some interesting and historic places to visit.
Eastbourne
Eastbourne is a lively seaside resort on the coast of East Sussex but is often referred to as the “Retirement Capital” of England. While it was true that many old age pensioners chose to retire here during the 80s and 90s,
The average age of residents is now declining. Popular attractions here are the long, sandy beaches, parks and gardens as well as the pier and the many bars and arcades dotting the seafront.
Hastings
The site of the famed “Battle of Hastings”, which was the start of the Norman Conquest of Britain, there is plenty here for tourists to see. Visitors to Hastings are treated to East Hill Cliff Railway, the White Rock Theatre, Battle Abbey, and Fairlight Glen.
Shopping in Hastings is excellent, and its people are noted for being warm, hospitable and friendly. Views of the coast from Hastings are excellent, with Fairlight Glen being top of the photographic opportunities list.
Lewes
Lewes is the county town of East Sussex, with its roots in Roman settlements. Attractions in Lewes include the famous Plumpton racecourse, Anne of Cleves’ House, the beautiful Lewes Downs and the wonderful old fortified Lewes Castle and Barbican house.
The Glyndebourne Festival is also housed here which is a favorite among classical music lovers, its shows including Don Giovanni, Der Rosenkavalier and many more.
Parks and Gardens
There are some simply exquisite parks and gardens in East Sussex, with stately homes and castles in the finest English tradition.
Herstmonceux Castle
Herstmonceux has its roots in Norman History, with a Norman nobleman, one Ingelram de Monceux building the original manor house in the 12th century. It has beautiful, well-tended flower gardens and lawns, and holds events year round, including the Jaguar Enthusiasts rally, pianist concerts, theatre productions and much more.
It has a fine range of facilities including a gift shop and plenty of parking. The website is here: Herstmonceux Castle
Heaven Farm
Heaven farm is over 600 years old and boasts some beautiful parkland, along with its Bluebell Nature Trail and rural life museum. The farm also has a crafts shop as well as a campsite for tents and caravans; their organic farm shop has tasty fresh produce available daily, year round.
Heaven Farm is one of the most beautiful old English country farms and is visited by a constant stream of tourists year round. Visit the website: Heaven Farm
Michelham Priory
This old priory house dates back to the 1200s and has England’s longest water-filled moat. It is a wonderful old building comprising seven acres of grounds including a kitchen garden and a herb garden, a working watermill and forge, and interactive medieval gallery,
A fourteenth-century gatehouse, and a children’s play area. With a replica Bronze Age roundhouse, Michelham Priory is a treat, with their website available here: Michelham Priory
Attractions and Places to See
There is a lot to see and do in East Sussex, is so richly steeped in history and important military events.
Bodiam Castle
Built on the banks of the River Rother in the 14th century, Bodiam Castle was originally constructed as an important coastal defense point. With wonderfully preserved towers and parapets,
Tourists can gorge themselves on fantastic photographs and immerse themselves in ancient military history with views of the surrounding countryside excellent. Visit the website here: Bodiam Castle
Brighton Pier
Brighton Pier is an iconic seaside location, with a unique history. Among the oldest in Britain, it was built in its first incarnation in 1823 and was known as the Old Chain Pier, a landing point for passenger ships coming in from Dieppe in France.
The modern day pier is an exciting day out, full of rides, arcades, cafes, and bars, with stunning views out over the East Sussex coastline. With family events all year round including bike rides, live music and picnics there is always something happening at Brighton Pier. The website: Brighton Pier
Paradise Park
An outdoor center in Newhaven, East Sussex, Paradise Park is absolutely stuffed to the gills with things to do for the whole family. There is “Playzone” for children with its wooden fort and curly slides, the Planet Earth Museum, as well as the beautiful garden center, and not forgetting the Paradise Gardens with their lush varieties of formal and informal arrangements.
Tourists can try the exciting Dinosaur Safari where they get to watch detailed moving dinosaur models interacting with their lovingly created, simulated prehistoric environment. Their website: Paradise Park
Things to Do
East Sussex is a family hotspot in Britain, with a multitude of days out available and hundreds of local attractions to visit.
Drusillas Park
Drusillas Park is a small zoo and animal park in Alfriston, East Sussex. It was founded in 1922 as a tea room by the late Captain Ann to sell tea to passing motorists. They have won several business excellence awards and boast a fantastic collection of animals in very well kept simulated habitats from around the world.
Animals include monkeys, parrots, ocelots, otters chimps and koalas to name but a few, and with excellent facilities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere is a wonderful day out for the family. Their website: Drusillas
How We Lived Then – Eastbourne
“How We Lived Then” is a social history display, showing shopping and history in Eastbourne over the last 100 years. It boasts an incredible collection of almost 100,000 artifacts and is laid out on four floors of shops, cafes, and galleries.
With a wonderful gift shop offering a fine variety of souvenirs, The Way We Lived Then is a nostalgic and poignant look back at the history of shopping. Visit their website: How We Lived Then
Yesterday’s World – Wealden
The history of Battle, East Sussex is displayed in beautiful street scenes, with life-size displays showing visitors exactly how life looked over the last thousand years.
With five floors of exhibits containing some 150,000 artifacts presented in a real 15th-century townhouse, viewers of all ages are in for a real treat. View the website: Yesterday’s World
Afternoon Tea Ideas in East Sussex
Sunny East Sussex has a lot of lovely old tea rooms for tourists to sample, with fine food and drink a given.
Ashdown Park
Ashdown Park is a stunning country house hotel and has seen service as a hotel, hospital and a convalescent home for First World War Soldiers.
Nestling in 186 acres of land, it serves fine English Tea, absolutely delicious salmon sandwiches, as well as beautifully prepared warm scones with delightful Devonshire Clotted Cream and Strawberry preserves. The website: Ashdown Park
Royal Pavilion in Brighton
This Oriental-themed building has stood in Brighton for the past 200 years, and with its absolutely beautiful interior is a wonderful setting for a spot of afternoon tea.
On the menu is a fine selection of sandwiches, including hand-picked crab and chervil essence, honey roast ham and mustard, as well as Victoria sponge cake, buttermilk scones and mouth-watering strawberry jam and clotted cream. Their website is here: Royal Pavilion
The Cavendish in Eastbourne
Eastbourne’s Grand Parade wouldn’t be half as grand without the Cavendish and its exquisite afternoon tea.
With opulent furnishings and spectacular views out to sea, the Cavendish menu is no disappointment boasting a wide selection of finger sandwiches, cakes, pastries and teas and coffees all rounded off with fine scones and clotted cream. Visit the Cavendish online here: The Cavendish Eastbourne
Wedding Venues in East Sussex
East Sussex is known as a sunny county, with rolling hills and hidden hamlets. There are stunning wedding venues to be found here, and here are a selected few.
The Grand Hotel
The magnificent Grand Hotel stands proudly gazing out to sea in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and offers a simply stunning venue for weddings. Also known as “The White Palace”, the hotel itself commands wonderful views of Beachy Head and the sea proper.
The Grand is the only five-star hotel on the coast of Britain and offers tailored wedding packages to suit any mood or requirements, provided by a staff with over twenty years of experience. Their website is available here: The Grand Hotel
Milwards House
Milwards House is a secluded old 16th-century building, with a beautiful balcony looking out onto a gorgeous lake and garden. It is perfect for those wishing to hold a peaceful ceremony and is framed by picturesque countryside views of the Sussex Downs.
Set in 150 acres of green land, Milwards House proudly offers intimate ceremonies in a tranquil atmosphere. See more information online: Milwards House
Campsites / Caravans:
East Sussex is a picturesque county, and it’s no wonder that a multitude of campers and caravan owners come here every year.
Caravan Club Sites
• Battle Normanhurst Court, Stevens Crouch, Battle, East Sussex
• Brighton Caravan Club Site, East Brighton Park, Brighton, East Sussex
Certificated Sites
• Norman’s Bay Camping and Caravanning Site, Pevensey, East Sussex
• Woodland View Touring Park, Horebeech Lane, Horam, East Sussex
Other Sites
• The Secret Campsite, Brickyard Farm, Town Littleworth, Barcombe, East Sussex
• Dernwood Farm Wild Camping, Little Dernwood Farm, Dern Lane, Waldron, Heathfield, East Sussex
More Info On- Kent, List of all counties of England with attractions and things to do, West Sussex