Places to visit in East Sussex

There are plenty of things to do in Rye, the starting point for your seaside adventures. Step back in time at the Ypres Tower, which was built in 1249 to defend the town against naval attacks from France. Later, pop over to Lamb House, a 300-year-old National Trust property where writer Henry James once lived. Be sure to check out the town’s vintage shops and soak up old smuggler vibes at haunted hotspot The Mermaid Inn.

This independently-run cafe serves healthy Mediterranean-style food that caters for everyone’s needs, whether you are vegan, vegetarian or on a gluten-free diet. Be sure to check out their pudding menu – anybody for warm banana cake with maple syrup and ice cream?

For a bracing post-lunch treat, you can hire a bicycle and explore Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. With 4,523 recorded species, it is particularly famous for its bird life – here you’ll find breeding colonies of little, common and sandwich terns. Navigate the crests of naturally-formed shingle storm ridges and salt marshes before stopping off at the Discovery Centre for a warming cuppa in the cafe.

This award-winning boutique beach hotel is built around wellness and happiness, with a relaxed California-style vibe. Pamper yourself with organic products from Gloucestershire’s Bamford Wellness Spa and rejuvenate with daily yoga classes, inspirational talks, workshops and community beach cleans at nearby Camber Sands. Indulge in ‘Oyster Happy Hour’ and choose from one of the largest English wine lists in the UK.

Tasting the local seafood is one of the most popular things to do in East Sussex. The Owl Camber is famed for its dishes featuring locally sourced seafood, meat and produce, complemented by local wines. Fish and shellfish are sourced directly from small fisheries in Rye, Dungeness and Hastings; enjoy dishes such as Dover sole, moules marinière and sea bass.

Spend a couple of hours visiting this 14th-century castle (it even has a traditional moat and portcullis) that looks like it came from a Disney film. Bodiam Castle, located in the Rother Valley, played an important role in protecting the upper classes from the Black Death during the Wars of the Roses. Look out for the ancient graffiti and ritual protection marks etched around the battlements.

The tranquil surroundings of Great Dixter House and Gardens provides a great spot for taking a breather. Once the home of famed gardener and writer Christopher Lloyd, his influence can be spotted as you wander the immaculate grounds. If you feel peckish, stop off for a quick bite at the onsite cafe. Keen gardeners should check out the shop for goodies.

Explore up to 12 miles of the River Rother in a kayak or paddleboard, followed by a casual lunch at Lime Wharf Cafe in Northam. In one direction, you can paddle up to Bodiam Castle (please note that you can’t alight here) or the historic Military Road downstream, passing quaint countryside along the way.

Treat yourself to a unique night’s stay at Oastbrook’s Vineyard Hollow, a luxurious two-bedroom ‘burrow’ built by local craftsmen into a hillside. You can cook in the open-plan kitchen, enjoy the views from the circular window nook or take a relaxing soak in the adjacent hot tub. Spice up your stay with a vineyard tour and tasting.

Jump into the passenger seat for a quick drive to this crossroads eatery, set in a former coaching inn. Combining creativity and simplicity, the seasonal menu showcases locally produced food. The rustic interior includes squishy armchairs and a log burner, making it a cosy place to relax with your meal.

Start your third day with a visit to one of the most famous battle sites in British history. The 1066 Battle of Hastings is brought to vivid life through the Abbey’s award-winning historical exhibition – if you visit during October you could catch the annual live re-enactment. If you’ve worked up an appetite, stop for a quick bite to eat at the on-site cafe, or get some retail therapy at the nearby BRITISH Made shop.

How’s this for a fun thing to do in East Sussex? Take a 20-min detour north to Fisherwood Farm near Battle for your own private meet-and-greet with alpacas (you’ll get to feed them too). You can also brush and cuddle adorable baby pygmy goats to your heart’s content, before saying hello to the sheep and chickens roaming about.

Head south again for 20 minutes to Blacksmiths Inn at Ninfield for a tasty lunch. Try their fresh fish, house-made pies or burgers (including vegan and vegetarian options) for a wholesome meal to refuel you for your afternoon ahead. They also do tasting platters if you’d prefer something lighter.

Walk off your lunch with a two-mile round-trip stomp from the beach west to Beaulieu Cliff View and visit the wave-inspired De La Warr Pavilion, which happens to be Britain’s first Modernist public building, known as ‘the People’s Palace’. The grounds are also worth visiting, hosting frequent art installations.

This very Instagrammable area of Bexhill features the ancient Saxon-era St Peter’s Church and a ruined manor house dating back to the 13th century. Afterwards, take a stroll around the wide Georgian streets, where charming timber-framed buildings overlook manicured gardens. Be sure to check out the retro and charity shops for some pre-loved bargains.