Holiday rentals and lettings in East Sussex

• Diverse property types: East Sussex features charming cottages, modern holiday homes, glamping sites, and beachfront bungalows, perfect for couples, families, and groups seeking various accommodation styles and amenities.
• Prime locations: Choose between Hastings for history and nature, Rye for medieval charm, coastal Pevensey Bay for beach access, Lewes for South Downs walking, or Battle for rural heritage escapes.
• Excellent amenities: Many properties offer pet-friendly policies and feature private parking, hot tubs, saunas, gardens, swimming pools, fully-equipped kitchens, and BBQ facilities for unforgettable stays.
• Outstanding ratings: Top holiday rentals consistently earn glowing reviews from guests praising stunning coastal and countryside locations, direct beach access, and peaceful, unspoilt natural surroundings.
• Warm welcomes: Guests appreciate personalised touches like welcome packs, family-friendly policies, farm animal encounters, and romantic countryside settings ideal for various traveller preferences and budgets.

East Sussex offers a diverse range of holiday rentals including charming cottages, modern holiday homes, cosy cabins, unique glamping sites, and stylish apartments. Look out for amenities such as:

• Pet-friendly accommodations
• Private parking
• Swimming pools
• Fully-equipped kitchens

Many properties also feature luxury add-ons like hot tubs, saunas, fire pits, and BBQ facilities to enhance your stay - but if you prefer the simpler things in life, take a look at these options for camping in East Sussex instead.

What are the best areas to stay in East Sussex?

The best area to stay in East Sussex depends on your interests: Hastings is ideal for those seeking history and nature, while Battle offers a rural escape with rich heritage. The table below details regions for specific interests:

East Sussex holiday rentals consistently receive outstanding reviews from guests, who particularly praise the stunning coastal and countryside locations, warm welcomes with welcome packs, direct beach access, luxury amenities like hot tubs and fire pits, and the peaceful, unspoilt natural surroundings. Here are some of our top-rated properties from the past year:

The Quarter House with fireplace in Rye- 9.8+: The half-timbered façade of this four-person house will make you feel like you're stepping back in time, but the interior is furnished with modern comforts. Guests love the town centre location.
1. Woodland View retreat with terrace and hot tub - 9.7+: This quiet cottage in Kingston near Lewes is perfect for a couple seeking a romantic getaway. The outdoor hot tub is the highlight for most guests.
2. Apple Cottage with garden - 9.4+: This charming cottage for two sits right on the 1066 Walk, great for anyone who wants to do a spot of quiet rambling during their East Sussex break.

Nestled along England's scenic south coast between Brighton and Hastings, East Sussex captivates with dramatic chalk cliffs, quaint medieval villages, and rich 1066 Norman heritage alongside some of the UK's finest beaches.

✈️What is the best way to get to East Sussex?

East Sussex is well connected by road, rail, and air. Here are the most common ways to get there:

• By car: The A21, A27 and A26 connect East Sussex's towns to the wider South East and the M25.
• By train: Mainline rail stations at Lewes, Hastings, Eastbourne and Rye offer direct services to London (Victoria or St Pancras), typically taking one and a half to two hours.
• By air: The nearest major airport is London Gatwick, around 40-60 minutes' drive from most of the county.

🍴Where to eat in East Sussex?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Dishoom Permit Room Brighton is the best rated restaurant in East Sussex. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller James recommends Harry's at The Gallivant near Camber Sands: this boutique coastal restaurant serves thoughtful, soulful food a few steps from the beach, a relaxed alternative to East Sussex's town-centre dining scene.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit East Sussex is summer, the warmest and busiest season, ideal for the beaches and the Royal Pavilion's gardens.

Summer

• Best for: The beaches and the Royal Pavilion's gardens.
• Weather: Warm, with generally the driest and sunniest conditions of the year.
• Atmosphere: Busy and lively, with the coast and gardens at their most popular.

Winter

• Best for: Exploring historic towns like Rye without the crowds.
• Weather: Cold, with shorter days and a higher chance of rain.
• Atmosphere: Quiet and atmospheric, with a low-key feel across the county.

Shoulder season (spring and autumn)

• Best for: South Downs walking and the cliff paths around Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters.
• Weather: Mild, with fewer extremes than summer or winter.
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and considerably quieter than the summer months.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our East Sussex hosts recommend visiting in August to catch the annual Eastbourne International Airshow. This free airshow features thrilling displays by fighter jets and historic aircraft, and is great fun for the whole family.

1. Explore the Royal Pavilion
2. Dive into SEA LIFE Brighton
3. Soar above the coast on the British Airways i360
4. Ride the Bluebell Railway
5. Visit Battle Abbey

1. Explore the Royal Pavilion

   One of the most opulent buildings in England, this Brighton palace is a showcase of early 19th-century Chinoiserie, from the dragon-themed banqueting hall to the gilded music room.

2. Dive into SEA LIFE Brighton

   The world's oldest operating aquarium is home to over 5,000 sea creatures, including sharks, rays and turtles, in a huge underwater tunnel exhibit.

3. Soar above the coast on the British Airways i360

   This moving observation tower lifts you 138 metres into a glass pod for 360° views over Brighton and the Seven Sisters.

4. Ride the Bluebell Railway

   Hop aboard a vintage steam locomotive for an 11-mile journey through the Sussex countryside between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead.

5. Visit Battle Abbey

   Stand on the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, explore the abbey ruins, and see Harold's stone, marking where King Harold is said to have fallen after taking an arrow to the eye.