Cottages in East Sussex

Festivals, fairs and parades. Sussex is widely known for its celebrations and musical heritage. There is also a strong tradition of bonfire celebrations. Art lovers are drawn in every year to one of England’s largest art festival in Brighton, The Brighton Fringe. Here is also where the multitudinous Brighton Pride takes place. Music lovers will enjoy the Rye Jazz Festival in Bexhill-on-Sea. In June, you can attend the Brighton’s Street & Makers Market with the best local makers and foodies or the monthly Brighton Craft Fair. There is also the Foodies Festival in September. If you prefer vintage items, go to the Eastbourne Vintage Festival in August. There is always something to celebrate, join the fun and enjoy!

East Sussex is the ideal romantic getaway to spoil your loved one. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you gaze at the breathtaking views when the sun goes down on the horizon. Have a nice dinner at a seafront restaurant overlooking the stunning sea views in Brighton & Hove. Enjoy a nice cocktail after dinner on a rooftop terrace with panoramic views and great music in the background. Walk arm-in-arm along the beach of Eastbourne or visit the Garden Vineyard in Ditchling.

In Brighton, you can see the most spectacular palace. The impressive Royal Pavilion will remind you of the Taj Mahal from the outside. With several domes and minarets, the atmosphere of the palace makes you feel in an interpretation of the Far East. Inside you can see collections of chinoiserie, some dragons and a unique dragon holding a chandelier. Throughout the year, the palace is also used a venue for art exhibitions, classical music concerts and an ice rink in the winter!

Take a ride and enjoy one of England’s oldest electric railway. The ride goes for a mile from the Aquarium in Brighton to Black Rock. Sit back in the semi-open carriage, relax and enjoy the trip taking in the sea views on one side and Brighton's promenade on the other. Once you get to Black Rock you can go for a gentle stroll along the Undercliff Walk and visit the quaint village of Rottingdean and its beach, which is ideal if you go with kids as they can go crabbing. Remember to bring a little bucket!

If you love wine, now you can enjoy a tasty day out at the Ridgeview Estate Vineyard in Ditchling. This family-run business are in the beautiful South Downs where vines grow beautifully thanks to its climate conditions. The cool nights help the grapes to keep an acidity level needed in the production of good sparkling wines. Enjoy a Pinot Noir, some Chardonnay or a Pinot Meunier during your tasting. Raise your glass as you gaze to the green landscape. Get a tour around and learn about the process of wine-making.

Have a relaxing time in Eastbourne at one of the best seaside accommodations. Visit the Grand Hotel and treat yourself to a 5 star afternoon tea with great views of the Victorian seafront. The menu will include several options including some for children. A delectable cuppa with glamour, luxury and grandeur and with the chance to listen to the Palm Court Strings Orchestras on certain occasions.

Hastings has a maritime heritage that goes back more than 1000 years. The large fishing fleets of Hastings boats on the beach have inspired photographers or painters such as Joseph M.W. Turner. They provide fresh seafood and professional chefs like Rick Stein use this as an inspiration for his creations. If you take the tour of Hastings Stade beach you will hear about the boys ashore and find out what “RX” means. In the afternoon, you can see how fishermen unload the catch of the day. The link between Hastings and the sea is plausible at the Fishermen’s Museum, based in a former church.

Go back to the magical world of Winnie the Pooh and take a walk through Ashdown Forest where he and Piglet, Rabbit Tigger and Christopher Robin roam. Enjoy a friendly competition with the children on Poohsticks Bridge. You can bring your own sticks and drop them. Run fast and get to the other side to see whose stick came first! Walk the trail and enjoy an afternoon in the forest where “a little boy and a bear will always be playing”.

Do you like history? Get into the past story of an old Tudor mansion in Eastbourne. The mansion used to be an Augustinian monastery surrounded by the longest medieval water-filled moat in the country. Many people believe the mansion grounds are haunted. There is still a working watermill, a forge, a rope museum, and an Elizabethan Great Barn. Enjoy with the family and discover everything you need to know about the mansion.