Whether it is good old British seaside fun you are after or beautiful rolling countryside, East Sussex is an inspiring corner of England whatever your age or interests.

Stretched across 93 miles of spectacular coastline and bordered by Kent, Surrey and West Sussex, it is easy to see why so many people flock to East Sussex each year. Apart from its famed beauty spots such as the South Downs, Ashdown Forest and cliffs of Beachy Head, the county is also renowned for its country parks, historic towns, quaint fishing villages and super cool seaside resorts.

To the far west lies Brighton, and despite its extraordinary and extravagant palace (the Royal Pavilion) located in the heart of it, it is one of the most boho cities in the South East. While it is worth visiting in May when the Brighton Festival (England’s largest multiform art festival) takes over, it truly is an all-season city. There is always something to enjoy here, whether you want to while away the hours exploring the North Laine district with its offbeat designers, flea markets and independent cafes, or visit the many oddball museums and colourful gardens. 

At the other end of East Sussex, you will find Rye, a small medieval town perched on a hill that was once a strategic port. With its enchanting cobbled streets, mysterious passageways and beautifully preserved Tudor buildings – many open to the public as tearooms, art galleries or independent retailers, it is a little nugget of the past. Coupled with the shingle ridges of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, abundant with special wildlife, and nearby Camber, renowned for its miles of golden sands, it is now one of the most visited paces in East Sussex.

While the rolling green hills and weald-land is perfect for ramblers and nature lovers, for those with a keen interest in times gone by, there is an abundance of castles rich in history and architecture, such as Bodium, Lewes and Pevensey, while the abbeys and battlefields in Battle and Hastings allow you to relive the dramas of 1066. 

Whether you are visiting as a family or a couple, there are hundreds of things to do in a visit to East Sussex and since you are never more than an hour from London, the capital’s delights can play a part in your visit, too. Therefore, if you are looking for a base from which to explore this enchanting county then Buxted Park Hotel, set in 312 acres of the finest parkland, is perfect. Just 35 minutes south of the M25 and with direct links to London Bridge, this elegant Palladian country house is ideal for weekend breaks in East Sussex. 

Book your stay here.