Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
Sussex is one of the easiest parts of England to build a short break around. It has a long stretch of coast, a national park on the doorstep, historic market towns, castles, vineyards and one of the most talked-about seaside cities in the country. At Unique Holiday Shop we are a Sussex-based travel specialist, and Brighton is where much of our thinking about travel begins. This guide is the hub for everything we cover in and around Brighton and Sussex, with ideas for weekends, midweek escapes and longer stays, plus practical advice on getting around and where to stay.
If you are looking further afield, our guides to UK holidays and short breaks, city breaks and cheap holidays cover the rest of the country and beyond. But if you want to explore Sussex properly, start here.
Why choose Sussex for a short break
Sussex works well for short breaks because it packs a lot into a small area. You can swim or walk on the seafront in the morning, hike across chalk hills in the afternoon and eat dinner in a historic town in the evening, all without a long journey. Gatwick Airport sits on the northern edge of the county, and fast rail services link the coast with London, so it suits visitors from the UK and from overseas.
- Variety in a small area. Lively seaside resorts, quiet shingle beaches, cathedral cities and rolling downland are all within a short journey of each other.
- Good transport links. Many Sussex towns can be reached by train, which means you can enjoy a weekend away without hiring a car.
- Options all year round. Summer is the obvious season for the coast, but autumn walks, winter pub lunches and spring gardens are all worth planning around.
- Something for every budget. From self-catering flats to boutique hotels and campsites, there is a wide range of places to stay.
Brighton: the heart of a Sussex break
Brighton is the natural starting point for most visitors. The city is known for its seafront, its independent shops in the Lanes and North Laine, its food and drink scene, its live music and its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It is also very walkable, so you can see a great deal in a weekend without needing transport at all.
What to do in Brighton
- Walk along the seafront and the promenade, and take a look at the pier and the beach.
- Explore the Lanes and North Laine for independent shops, cafes, vintage stores and street food.
- Visit the Royal Pavilion, one of the city’s best-known landmarks, and the museums and galleries nearby.
- Try the local food scene, which ranges from fresh seafood to vegan restaurants and craft breweries.
- Take a short walk or bus ride up to the Downs for a change of scenery.
For detailed, regularly updated ideas on what to do in the city, including events, family days out and evenings out, see our sister site What To Do In Brighton. It is the best companion to this guide if you are planning your time in the city itself.
Where to stay in Brighton
Brighton has a very wide choice of accommodation, from large seafront hotels to guesthouses, apartments and hostels. As a rule, staying close to the seafront and the Lanes gives you the most atmosphere, while the areas further back from the sea can be quieter and sometimes better value. Book early for summer weekends, bank holidays and major events, because the city can fill up quickly. If you are comparing options, our cheap holidays guide explains how to judge real value rather than just the headline price.
Hove and the wider Brighton area
Next door to Brighton, Hove has a calmer feel. Its wide seafront, beach huts, Georgian squares and busy Church Road and Western Road areas make it a good choice if you want to be close to Brighton without the crowds. It is easy to walk or cycle along the coast between the two, and many visitors split their time between them. Further along the coast, Shoreham and Portslade give a glimpse of a more working harbour side of Sussex.
Eastbourne and the Seven Sisters coast
East of Brighton, Eastbourne is a classic seaside town with a long promenade, a pier, gardens and a more traditional pace. It is a popular base for families and for older visitors, and it is also close to some of the most dramatic scenery in the south of England, where the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters meet the sea. Walkers can follow coastal paths with long views along the cliffs, while those who prefer something gentler can explore the town’s gardens and seafront.
- Good for: families, walking, relaxed seaside weekends.
- Consider: checking the weather and tides before any cliff-top or beach walk, and keeping well back from cliff edges.
Worthing and the west Sussex coast
West of Brighton, Worthing has a long pebbly beach, a pier and a growing cafe and arts scene. It tends to feel quieter and more relaxed than Brighton, which makes it a good option for a low-key break. Nearby villages and coastal paths offer easy walks, and the town is well placed for onward trips along the coast towards Chichester and Bognor Regis.
Chichester and the south west of the county
Chichester is a compact cathedral city with Roman origins, a historic centre and good independent shops. It is well suited to a cultural weekend, with theatre, galleries and gardens, and it sits close to the harbour and the coast around Chichester Harbour, which is popular for sailing, walking and birdwatching. Add in the countryside around Goodwood and the South Downs, and it is an appealing base for people who prefer an unhurried, scenic stay.
Lewes: a historic market town
Lewes is a short journey from Brighton and has a very different character. Its steep, narrow streets, castle, antique and book shops and independent pubs make it ideal for a slow day or an overnight stay. It also sits right on the edge of the South Downs, so it is easy to combine a town visit with a walk. If you are staying in Brighton, Lewes is one of the best easy day trips, and we cover it further in our guide to day trips from Brighton.
Arundel: castle and countryside
Arundel is a small town dominated by its castle and cathedral, with antique shops, riverside walks and a strong sense of history. It makes a charming overnight stop or a longer day out, and it combines well with the surrounding countryside, including walks along the river and into the Downs. Arrive early in peak season, as it can be busy at weekends.
Rye: a medieval town near the coast
Rye, on the eastern edge of Sussex, is known for its cobbled streets, timber-framed buildings, independent shops and tea rooms. It is further from Brighton than most of the places above, so it is often better as an overnight stay than a quick visit, but it rewards the extra effort. The nearby coast and nature reserves add variety for anyone who wants to be outdoors.
The South Downs National Park
The South Downs National Park stretches across Sussex and into Hampshire, and it is one of the main reasons to visit the county. Rolling chalk hills, ancient woodland, villages and long-distance walking routes make it excellent for walkers and cyclists of all abilities. You can reach the Downs from Brighton, Lewes, Arundel and other towns, and many walks begin close to railway stations or bus routes.
Tips for walking in the Downs
- Check the weather forecast and wear suitable footwear, as chalk paths can be slippery when wet.
- Take water, snacks and a map or navigation app, as mobile signal can be patchy in places.
- Leave gates as you find them and keep dogs under control around livestock.
- Plan your route around public transport if you are not driving.
Getting around Sussex
Sussex is well served by trains along the coast and between the coast and London, so many of the places in this guide can be reached without a car. Bus services connect towns and reach many Downs walking routes, and the coast is well suited to cycling and walking. That said, a car makes rural areas, vineyards and smaller villages much easier to reach. If you plan to hire one, read our car hire guide for advice on comparing providers, checking fuel policies and avoiding extra charges.
Arriving by air
Gatwick Airport is close to the north of the county and offers flights to a wide range of European and long-haul destinations. Fast train services link the airport with Brighton, which makes it simple to combine a Sussex stay with a trip abroad. If you are thinking of flying out, see our holidays from Gatwick guide.
When to visit
- Spring. Gardens and woodland come into leaf, the Downs turn green and crowds are generally smaller than in summer.
- Summer. The best season for beaches, seafront cafes and outdoor events, but also the busiest and most expensive.
- Autumn. A lovely time for walking, food festivals and quieter coastal towns, and accommodation can be better value.
- Winter. Cosy pubs, bracing coastal walks and city-break style visits to Brighton, Chichester and Lewes, although some seasonal attractions have reduced hours.
Opening times and seasonal arrangements change, so check directly with attractions before you travel.
Sample Sussex itineraries
A weekend in Brighton and Hove
Arrive on Friday evening and settle into the Lanes for dinner. On Saturday, walk the seafront, explore the Royal Pavilion and shops, and spend the evening at a live music venue or a restaurant. On Sunday, walk along the coast to Hove or take a short trip to the Downs before heading home. For more ideas, see our guide to weekend breaks from Brighton.
A coast and countryside break
Base yourself in Eastbourne or Lewes. Spend one day walking on the coast and Downs, and another exploring towns and local food and drink. This suits couples and friends who like a mix of outdoor time and good places to eat.
A cultural weekend in west Sussex
Stay in Chichester or Arundel, visit the cathedral and castle, enjoy a theatre or gallery visit and take a walk through the surrounding countryside. This works well outside the peak summer months.
A family week on the Sussex coast
Choose a base such as Eastbourne, Worthing or Brighton, mix beach days with attractions and short day trips, and keep one or two days free for rest. If you want a wider range of ideas across the country, our UK coastal holidays guide is a good companion.
Saving money on a Sussex break
- Travel midweek or outside school holidays where you can, as prices are usually lower.
- Book early for summer weekends and major events, when accommodation fills up.
- Consider staying in a nearby town and travelling in, rather than paying central prices.
- Use trains and buses instead of a car to avoid parking charges, which can be significant in busy centres.
- Look for self-catering options if you are travelling as a family or group.
If your dates are flexible, our last minute holidays guide explains how to find late deals. And whichever trip you book, it is worth arranging cover first. Our travel insurance guide explains what to look for.
Beyond Sussex
Sussex also makes a very good starting point for wider travel. From Brighton and Gatwick you can reach other parts of England quickly by train, and you can fly to Europe in a short time. If you fancy a longer or more exotic trip, our guides to all inclusive holidays and city breaks are a good next step, and the UK holidays and short breaks guide covers destinations across the country.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best town in Sussex for a weekend break?
It depends on what you want. Brighton is the best choice for nightlife, food and a lively seafront, while Lewes, Arundel and Rye suit those who prefer history and quieter streets. Eastbourne and Worthing are good for relaxed seaside stays, and Chichester suits a cultural break.
Can I visit Sussex without a car?
Yes. Many of the main towns and coastal areas can be reached by train, and local buses and walking routes cover much of the South Downs. A car is useful for rural areas and villages that are not close to a station.
How many days do I need to see Sussex?
A long weekend of two or three nights is enough to enjoy one or two bases, such as Brighton and Lewes. If you want to see both the east and west of the county, plan for four or five nights, or split your trip across more than one visit.
Is Sussex suitable for families?
Yes. Beaches, piers, parks, castles, nature reserves and walks give families plenty of choice. Check opening times, age guidance and any booking requirements for attractions before you go.
When is the cheapest time to visit Sussex?
Prices tend to be lower outside school holidays and the summer peak, and midweek stays are often cheaper than weekends. Autumn and early spring can offer good value, but always compare the total cost including travel and parking.
How do I get from Gatwick Airport to Brighton?
Direct train services link Gatwick and Brighton, and the journey is usually fairly short. Check current timetables and any engineering works before you travel.
Where can I find more things to do in Brighton?
Our sister site, What To Do In Brighton, covers attractions, events and ideas in detail. For help with planning, you can also get in touch or read more about us.
Plan your Sussex trip
Whether you want a lively weekend in Brighton, a countryside walk on the Downs or a quiet stay in a historic town, Sussex has something to suit. Start with the places that fit your interests, check transport and opening times, and book accommodation early for busy dates. As a Sussex-based travel specialist, we will keep adding guides and ideas across the county and the rest of the UK, so check back for new content.