The Best Things to do in Port Isaac: A 48 Hour Guide
You voted Port Isaac as the best place for a spring short break, so we've put together the a...
by Jack Price / Day Out Guides
Are you planning your next unforgettable holiday to Sussex? If so, you’ll want to read our guide to the best beaches in Sussex!
With its stunning coastline and charming seaside towns, Sussex is home to some of the finest beaches in the UK. Whether you’re searching for hidden coves for a peaceful escape or golden sands to relax or build sandcastles with the whole family, this coastal county has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best beaches in Sussex, which are perfect options for sunbathers, swimmers and adventure seekers alike.
So grab your suncream and read on to find the best beaches in Sussex today…
First on this list of the best beaches in Sussex is Birling Gap Beach, nestled beneath the dramatic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters, which is one of Sussex’s most breathtaking coastal spots.
The National Trust looks after this land, which offers stunning views of the iconic white cliffs and the English Channel, making it a fantastic destination for nature lovers and photographers.
There are a number of facilities around this pebble and shingle beach to enjoy, including a café that serves hot and cold drinks and a number of food options, from breakfast baps in the morning to sausage rolls and pasties in the afternoon. There are also toilets on-site, a shop selling a wide range of fantastic gifts to remember your visit and a bookshop located in the cafe.
If you are bringing your dog away with you on holiday, then Birling Gap Beach is perfect for you, as your pampered pooch is allowed to explore the beach on a lead! Perfect for those looking to enjoy coastal walks. Keen ramblers will be in their element as this Sussex beach has access to one of our spring bucket list activities, the Seven Sister Coast Path, and the beautiful South Downs Way, making it a great starting point for scenic hikes along the coastline.
Whether you’re after a photography adventure or a refreshing coastal walk, Birling Gap is a must-visit gem on the Sussex coast.
Key information about Birling Gap Beach:
Type: Pebble and Shingle
Parking: National Trust
Parking Charge: Up to 2 hours – £3.30
Postcode: BN20 0AB
Dog-friendly?: Dogs are permitted on the beach but must be on a lead
Next on the list is a very popular beach, which is arguably the first that comes to mind when you think of the best beaches in Sussex. Camber Sands Beach is one of Sussex’s most iconic coastal destinations, and of course, it is one we have to discuss when bringing up the best beaches in Sussex.
The beach is known for its golden sands, as it is one of the only true sand dune beaches in the region. This stretch of sand meanders around the coast for nearly five miles and is a fantastic spot for sunbathing, beachcombing, and family-friendly fun. It is also a very popular location for kite surfers and windsurfers, who travel from across the country to experience Camber Sands.
Camber Sands is very popular in the summer, so I would advise heading to the beach as early as possible to get a spot on the sands and, most importantly, a spot in the car park! Don’t worry, though, as it is also a joy in the cooler months, with the expansive dunes and shoreline making for incredible scenic walks with views out towards the channel and maybe even France on a good day.
This beautiful Sussex beach is also in close proximity to the historic town of Rye, where, after your trip to the beach, you can explore the charming cobbled streets and cosy pubs on offer throughout the town.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day building sandcastles with the family or to enjoy an action-packed day on the water, Camber Sands remains one of the most beloved beaches in Sussex.
Key information about Camber Sands:
Type: Sandy
Parking: Camber Sands Car Park
Parking Charge: Summer: Up to 3 hours – £8.00 | Winter: Up to 3 hours – £3.80
Postcode: TN31 7RJ
Dog-friendly?: Dogs are welcome year round
If you’re looking for a peaceful and unspoiled stretch of coast, then the next entry on our guide to the best Sussex beaches could be perfect for you. Cooden Beach near Bexhill-on-Sea is one of the quieter beaches along this part of the UK coastline, offering a more tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
This beach is mainly a mix of pebbles and sand, but if you are lucky enough to catch it at low tide, the sea reveals sandier areas and rocks, which provide plenty of opportunities for beachcombing, rockpooling and exploring. This Sussex beach is also dog-friendly all year round, making it one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK.
One plus of heading to Cooden Beach is the luxurious Cooden Beach Hotel, which sits right on the waterfront, offering a fantastic place to enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the coastal views.
If you are looking for a quieter but still great beach option, then look no further than Cooden Beach, a hidden gem on the Sussex coast.
Key information about Cooden Beach:
Type: Shingle
Parking: The Gorses Car Park
Parking Charge: Free but limited spaces
Postcode: TN39 3BS
Dog-friendly?: Dogs are welcome year-round
Next on the list of the best beaches in Sussex is a British classic, Eastbourne Beach. The beach stretches for miles and features a combination of shingle and sand, with stunning views of the English Channel.
One of the stand-out features along this stretch of beach is the Victorian-era Eastbourne Pier, a historic landmark that adds to the town’s seaside appeal. There is a vibrant promenade perfectly suited for a leisurely stroll from one stretch of the beach to another, with a wide range of pubs and cafés as well as one of the best beach bars in the UK.
There is also Treasure Island Adventure Park, which includes a mini golf course, the perfect activity when close to the seaside; all you need is a classic spot for fish and chips and maybe an ice cream to top off the experience.
So, whether you’re looking to relax on a deckchair or take part in watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking, Eastbourne Beach has something for everyone to enjoy.
Key information about Eastbourne Beach:
Type: Mainly Shingle
Parking: Fisherman’s Green Car Park
Parking Charge: Up to 3 hours – £4.40
Postcode: BN22 7LH
Dog-friendly?: Dogs are permitted on the beach between October – April
Another classic seaside town hits this list of the best beaches in Sussex. This time, we head to Hastings Beach, a lively and historic seaside destination with iconic locations such as Hastings Pier and Promenade and a wide variety of seaside attractions.
The beach itself offers a mix of shingle and sand, and the gentle waters make it a great spot for wild swimming in the UK. Along the parade, you’ll find a number of fish and chip shops and cafés with stunning sea views out towards the channel.
There is also a great range of attractions along the seafront, from a mini golf course to a karting track and a number of classic amusement rides and arcades, a perfect mix to find something for the whole family. After a day on the shores, you can enjoy countless other attractions, including the ruins of Hastings Castle and West Hill Lift, which take you to the best spot to appreciate the sea views.
Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled day by the sea or a relaxing spot to soak in the history of the Sussex coast, Hastings Beach is a great choice with something to offer everyone. We aren’t surprised that it’s often considered one of the best beaches in the UK.
Key information about Hastings Beach:
Type: Shingle & Sand
Parking: Pelham Place Car Park
Parking Charge: Up to 2 hours – £4.80 | Up to 3 hours – £6.40
Postcode: TN34 3AD
Dog-friendly?: Dogs are permitted on the beach between October – April
Kingston Beach is the penultimate beach in our guide to the best beaches in Sussex. This small but charming shingle beach offers a peaceful alternative to some of the busier seaside spots in the region.
Situated between Goring-by-Sea and Ferring, this beach is popular with locals who enjoy a more natural and tranquil seaside experience. This Sussex beach is also a perfect setting if you are bringing your dog with you on holiday and looking for a spot to let them run to their heart’s content, as this beach welcomes pets all year round.
The best spot for parking at Kingston Beach is the Bluebird Cafe, which has free parking and easy access to the beach. Once you have enjoyed the fresh sea air and tired your pup out, why not head back into the warm café and take a look at the wide selection of food and drink options, from a selection of coffees to a breakfast bap or lunchtime toasties?
Kingston Beach is a perfect option for a quiet beach walk, a spot to watch the waves or a place to relax.
Key information about Kingston Beach:
Type: Shingle & Sand
Parking: The Bluebird Cafe Car Park
Parking Charge: Free parking
Postcode: BN12 5QU
Dog-friendly?: Dogs are welcome year-round
Last but certainly not least in our guide to the best beaches in Sussex is the quaint Winchelsea Beach. Located near the historic town of Winchelsea, this shingle beach offers stunning views across the English Channel and is the perfect location for nature lovers.
Winchelsea Beach is ideal for long walks along the coast without the usual seaside amusements, giving you a more rugged, back-to-nature experience. Close by is the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, which also adds an appeal to visiting. It has excellent birdwatching opportunities and a number of bird hides where you can relax and see what you can find.
Winchelsea Beach café is a great place not only to park but also to eat after your trek along the shingled beach. With items such as a full English breakfast to burgers and paninis, you cannot go wrong by stopping here for lunch.
Only moments away is the charming village of Winchelsea and the historic town of Rye, both offering cosy pubs, independent shops, and fascinating heritage sites to explore after a day by the sea. Make sure you head to Rye Castle Museum, where you can admire great views out towards Rye Harbour.
Try to stop at the 15th-century Mermaid Inn for a drink, which is known as one of the most haunted places in the UK. Winchelsea Beach is a true hidden gem in Sussex and a must-visit for anyone wanting to make the most of the fantastic beaches in Sussex.
Key information about Winchelsea Beach:
Type: Sandy
Parking: Options for free parking at the side of the road close to the beach or at Winchelsea Beach Café
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: TN36 4ND
Dog-friendly?: Dogs are permitted on the beach between October – April
Has this list of the best beaches in Sussex sparked your need for a beach holiday? Then book one of these coastal cottages today! Use our guide to the best beaches in England and our guide to the UK’s hidden beaches to help plan your adventures.
by Jack Price / Day Out Guides
I joined the Sykes team in November 2021, helping to produce content for existing and potential owners. I love a good film, tr...
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