Sussex Family Holidays by the Sea

Sussex is sometimes overlooked as a summer holiday destination, appealing more to weekenders, namely those escaping London. Yet it is such a fabulous holiday destination for families with so much entertainment and heritage to offer. It is less crowded than the South West and a gem of a choice for families who want to maximise their holiday with fun packed days by the sea.

Eastbourne and Pevensey Bay

If you’re a family that loves a bit of culture and wants to add a little heritage to your seaside holiday, then you’ll be delighted with what Eastbourne and the surrounding coast has to offer in terms of history and heritage by the seaside. Starting with the stunning old town architecture and its elegant Eastbourne Pier and Grand Parade, it’s literally filled with entertainment and eateries, not to mention historic surprises, such as the Roman bath along the pavement between Eastbourne Pier and the Redoubt Fortress making it an ideal destination for Sussex family holidays by the sea! Did you know that Eastbourne was founded around 4000 BC?

Then there’s the fabulous beach with its quaint beach huts and floral gardens. Favourites include the cliffs known as the Seven Sisters with seven hilltops that make up its iconic silhouette. The biggest and best cliff of all is at Beachy Head, souring up 530 feet and something to behold as the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain. The best way to see them is by hopping on to a RIB (power boat) at Sovereign Harbour Marina, after lunch at one of its gorgeous cafés or restaurants where there is quite a buzzing social scene.

Last but not least treat your teens to the Crazy Golf in neon lights, while you sip on a cocktail in a bar nearby. The littler tourists will probably prefer the Thomas the Tank Engine railway tracks and miniature railway rides at E.M.S.R. Adventure Park, a family-run adventure park with a miniature railway, wildlife-rich lake area, a playground and a café.

For those of you who don’t want to stay in a big resort town but still want to be close to the action then choose a holiday home by the sea in Pevensey Bay with its family friendly un-spoilt beach. From Pevensey Bay it’s just a short drive to the South Downs National Park where you can engage in cycling and walks whilst enjoying awesome sea views. Pevensey Bay boasts some of the best Sussex cottages by the sea and is just a short drive away from all the fun in Eastbourne.

Camber and Rye

Between Camber Sands stunning beach and the historic coastal town of Rye there are so many fabulous things for families to discover. Rye is filled with sights and attractions, namely Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Rye Castle and Museum, Henry VIII’s Camber Castle, all the wonderful Tudor architecture and the medieval fortifications. Rye is filled with quirky, arty shops and eateries, which you can wonder around endlessly for fun.

The main attraction in Camber Sands is obviously the beach! These golden sands are perfect for a family day on the beach whether you’re into bucket and spade says with the kids or hardcore water sports. Families can try windsurfing, dinghy sailing, paddle-boarding or book kayaking lessons, either in the sea or in the safety of the beautiful lake between Rye and Camber Sands. And in the evening you can skip off to the National Trust Bodium Castle, just a little inland, where kids can run free and dress as knights, enjoy some jousting, medieval fairs and theatre.

Hastings and St Leonards on Sea

Hastings and St Leonards on Sea are all about Georgian architecture and are linked by the most alluring promenade, which runs west from the trendy shopping centre in Hastings to the arty St Leonards on Sea galleries, museums, restaurants and movie theatre/art centre. There are four beaches to choose from and plenty of attractions including Hastings Castle, The Victorian Pier, Jerwood Gallery and Smugglers Adventure Museum. Don’t miss the hilarious Dr Jekyll’s Cabaret Bar or the Old Roar Gill and Coronation Wood, a stunning Nature Reserve.

If you fancy all this, whist wanting to be a little off the beaten track then base yourself at Bexhill on Sea. It’s a tad quieter and has a monumental promenade, great golf courses, a treasure of a museum and ample, elegant coastal cottages and apartments to rent by the sea.

Bognor Regis

Bognor Regis claims to have the sunniest coastline in the UK and it has no less than six beaches to choose from, amongst them are the beautiful Marine Park Gardens and West Beach, which has a lovely slope with a mix of pebbles and sand backed by lovely beach huts and is quieter than the other beaches with the bonus of parking directly next door. Definitely try the Aldwick Beach Café which is a favourite! A stone’s throw away lies Bognor Regis Butlins fun park which the kids will adore and of course the seaside resort of West Wittering which offers a host of water-sports!

Brighton and Hove

Brighton has it all, and easily makes up a full day’s itinerary of fun and action with its impressive and very funky restaurants, cafes, shops and markets, not to mention its totally vibrant seafront and pier. If it all gets too much and too crowded then head to the quiet suburb of Saltdean, where there is a Lido and a quiet beach that is the best kept secret in town.

If you need some inspiration in terms of accommodation then you'll find plenty of Sussex holiday homes suitable for hot tub holidays or luxury beach houses for large families or groups listed with us, many that allow pets and enjoy sea views.