Destination guide

A county escape in East Sussex

An abundance of green fields, hedgerows, rustic farms and half-timbered buildings in towns that ooze medieval history from every pore, make East Sussex easy to love. Its beaches – from blustery Camber to cliff-backed Seaford – are just a couple of hours' train ride from the big city, making it a weekend playground for London-dwellers during the summer. Then come the enchanting towns – Rye, with its Tudor frontispieces and cozy pubs, buzzing Brighton, and its vintage shops and student bars. And for adventurers? East Sussex vacation rentals also pepper the boundaries of the handsome High Weald and the South Downs National Park.

Things to do

Battling through East Sussex's sights

East Sussex has some of the most enthralling historical sites in southern England. Hastings is the place to go to follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror – the one-time king who did battle here back in 1066. Be sure to visit ruined Hastings Castle while you're there. The nearby town of Battle has the spot of that great Anglo-Norman showdown marked by a beautiful – also semi-ruined – Benedictine abbey. For even more culture, head for Brighton and Hove. The Mughal-esque Royal Pavilion might draw the eye, but the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery is where the rich art collections await.

Activities

Going countryside in East Sussex

If you're the sort who dreams of snuggling up in a cozy cottage surrounded by an English rose garden, East Sussex vacation rentals could just be the perfect pick. These stays, away from London's hustle and surrounded by the rolling South Downs and green High Weald, promise a taste of quaint, countryside England. Morning walks over wooded dales and farmers' markets in medieval towns are all part of the East Sussex package. So, too, are horse-riding excursions and scenic drives.

Weather

England's summer days in East Sussex

It's hardly a surprise that East Sussex, with its beaches and leafy backcountry, is most popular with travelers during the English summer. That season lasts from late May to August in this southern corner of the country. It's not always dry, but there's much less chance of rain at this time of year, and the temperatures tend to linger in the high 60s and low 70s. Spring, in April and May, is also usually warm and sunny, while fall, in September and October, promises fewer crowds on the beaches and in the nature parks.

Natural features

Quaint country and soaring cliffs in East Sussex

A national park and a vast area of outstanding natural beauty combine to make East Sussex a truly handsome cut-out of south-east England. Start in the South Downs National Park, which is famed for the glimmering chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. There, the headland soars more than 500 feet above the lighthouse that stands watch in the English Channel. Further north is the High Weald AONB, a patchwork of primeval woodland and green valleys, where farms and rivers weave around the very edges of London.

Can I find a vacation rental around East Sussex?

Yes, our 2019 property listings offer a large selection of 2,333 vacation rentals near East Sussex. From 496 Cottages to 1,037 Houses, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near East Sussex for a holiday or a weekend are on HomeAway.

What are the most popular destinations to visit in East Sussex?

There are many lovely places to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in East Sussex. From HomeAway travelers, the most popular destinations to visit are:

  • Rye: 799 vacation rentals
  • Hastings: 908 vacation rentals
  • Eastbourne: 395 vacation rentals
  • Lewes: 1,084 vacation rentals
  • Seaford: 579 vacation rentals

And HomeAway offers you the chance to discover many other popular destinations in East Sussex! Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available in other popular destinations.

What are the main cities to discover in East Sussex?

Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the cities with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in East Sussex:

  • Rye: 799 rentals
  • Hastings: 908 rentals
  • Eastbourne: 395 rentals
  • Lewes: 1,084 rentals
  • Seaford: 579 rentals

For other cities, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

Can I find easy-access vacation rentals when traveling by plane to East Sussex?

Yes of course. Our owners offer a large selection of vacation rentals near airports. The airports with a large selection of vacation rentals in East Sussex are:

  • Gatwick Airport (LGW): 647 vacation rentals
  • Rochester (RCS): 557 vacation rentals
  • Lydd Airport (LYX): 1,187 vacation rentals

For other airports, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

Near which points of interest can I spend my holidays in East Sussex?

HomeAway offers a large selection of rentals near lovely places in East Sussex. From HomeAway travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

  • Bodiam Castle: 1,591 rentals
  • Eastbourne Harbour: 949 rentals
  • Sovereign Harbour: 935 rentals
  • Ashdown Forest: 972 rentals
  • Southover Grange Gardens: 1,192 rentals

But there are many other points of interest around East Sussex listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Just write your wanted destination in our search bar and have a look at our selection.

Explore destinations around East Sussex

Rye
799 vacation rentals
Hastings
908 vacation rentals
Eastbourne
395 vacation rentals
Lewes
1,084 vacation rentals
Seaford
579 vacation rentals
Bexhill-on-Sea
681 vacation rentals
Hartfield
209 vacation rentals
Alfriston
344 vacation rentals
Battle
1,096 vacation rentals
Uckfield
190 vacation rentals
Mayfield and Five Ashes
386 vacation rentals
Newhaven
715 vacation rentals
Robertsbridge
962 vacation rentals
Saint Leonards-on-sea
707 vacation rentals
Crowborough
314 vacation rentals
Broad Oak
887 vacation rentals
Beckley
984 vacation rentals
Crowhurst
600 vacation rentals
Forest Row
185 vacation rentals
Winchelsea
843 vacation rentals