East Sussex is home to some of the most distinctive and characterful seaside towns in the UK.
From working harbours and historic fishing quarters to elegant promenades and creative coastal communities, the region offers a wide variety of places to explore.
Whether you’re drawn to maritime heritage, independent shops, dramatic scenery or peaceful beaches, East Sussex delivers coastal experiences that feel both timeless and refreshingly modern.
Here, we take a look at the best seaside towns worth visiting, each offering its own unique blend of history, charm and coastal atmosphere.
Hastings: A Blend of History, Fishing Heritage and Creative Energy
A Working Harbour with Centuries of Tradition
Hastings is one of the most distinctive coastal towns in England, home to Europe’s largest beach‑launched fishing fleet. The Stade, with its tall black net huts and colourful boats pulled up on the shingle, offers a rare glimpse into a living maritime tradition. The fishing quarter remains active year‑round, giving visitors an authentic sense of coastal life.
The Old Town’s Historic Streets
Just behind the harbour lies Hastings Old Town, a maze of medieval streets, timber‑framed houses and narrow twittens. All Saints Street and the High Street are lined with buildings dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, while George Street offers independent shops, cafés and pubs full of character. It’s a place where history, creativity and community blend seamlessly.
A Town with a Modern Cultural Edge
Hastings Contemporary, located on the seafront, showcases modern and contemporary art in a striking building overlooking the fishing beach. The pier, rebuilt in 2016, adds a modern architectural landmark to the coastline.
Don't forget to check out our beautiful self-catering apartments located just a 10-minute walk from Hastings Old Town.
Rye Harbour and Winchelsea Beach: Quiet Coastlines and Wildlife
A Haven for Nature Lovers
Just east of Hastings, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve offers one of the most peaceful and wildlife‑rich coastal landscapes in East Sussex. Its shingle ridges, salt marsh, and lagoons attract thousands of birds throughout the year, making it a favourite for walkers and photographers.
Winchelsea Beach: Wide Horizons and Open Space
Winchelsea Beach offers a quieter, more spacious coastline than many traditional resorts. Its long shingle stretch is ideal for peaceful walks, sea views and relaxed afternoons by the water. The area’s open skies and gentle tides create a calming atmosphere perfect for slow travel.
Rye: A Hilltop Town with Maritime Roots
A Medieval Town with Coastal Views
Although not directly on the water, Rye sits just above the marshes and has strong historic ties to the sea. Once a major Cinque Port, the town’s cobbled streets, ancient inns and medieval architecture make it one of the most picturesque destinations in the region.
Mermaid Street and the Ypres Tower
Mermaid Street is one of the most photographed streets in England, lined with half‑timbered houses and steep cobbles. The Ypres Tower, built in the 14th century, overlooks the marshes and offers insight into Rye’s defensive past.
Bexhill‑on‑Sea: Elegant Promenades and Modernist Architecture
A Seaside Town with a Cultural Twist
Bexhill‑on‑Sea is known for its wide promenade, peaceful beaches and the iconic De La Warr Pavilion. This Grade I listed modernist building, opened in 1935, hosts exhibitions, live performances and cultural events throughout the year.
A Relaxed Coastal Atmosphere
The town’s gentle pace, clean seafront and open lawns make it ideal for visitors seeking a quieter coastal experience. Its long, flat promenade is perfect for walking, cycling or simply enjoying the sea air.
Eastbourne: Victorian Grandeur and Dramatic Cliffs
A Classic Seaside Resort
Eastbourne combines traditional seaside charm with impressive natural scenery. Its Victorian pier, bandstand and elegant seafront hotels give the town a timeless appeal.
Gateway to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters
Just west of the town lies Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain. The Seven Sisters cliffs, part of the South Downs National Park, offer some of the most dramatic coastal views in the country. Walking routes along the cliffs provide unforgettable scenery and a sense of scale that defines the East Sussex coastline.
Seaford: A Quiet Town with Big Scenery
A Peaceful Alternative to Busier Resorts
Seaford offers a quieter, more understated coastal experience. Its long shingle beach, traditional seafront and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for visitors seeking calm and simplicity.
Close to the Cuckmere Valley
Just outside the town lies Cuckmere Haven, where the River Cuckmere meets the sea. The view of the Seven Sisters from this spot is one of the most iconic coastal scenes in the UK.
Newhaven and Tide Mills: Industrial Heritage Meets Coastal Wilderness
A Harbour with Historic Significance
Newhaven has long served as an important port, with ferries connecting the UK to France. Its harbour, fort and maritime history offer a different perspective on coastal life.
Tide Mills: A Forgotten Village by the Sea
Just east of Newhaven lies Tide Mills, the atmospheric remains of a 19th‑century village abandoned in the 1930s. The ruins, set against open shingle and wide skies, create a unique and evocative coastal landscape.
Why East Sussex Is Perfect for Coastal Exploration
East Sussex offers a rare combination of working harbours, historic towns, creative communities and dramatic natural scenery.
Whether you’re drawn to the fishing heritage of Hastings, the elegance of Bexhill, the cliffs of Eastbourne or the tranquillity of Winchelsea Beach, the region provides coastal experiences that feel both authentic and varied.
