East Sussex
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All our collections in East Sussex:
Bordered by West Sussex, Kent, Surrey and the English Channel, East Sussex is one of the greenest and least spoilt counties in the south of England. It has some striking scenery, charming towns and historic buildings but no motorways.
The Hotel Guru selection of the best places to stay in East Sussex ranges from Old Whyly, a luxury B&B with a house party feel and ideal for Glyndebourne to The Gallivant a 1960s motel which has been given a new lease of life à la New England beach house style, right on Camber Sands.
Rural Highlights
The landscape varies from rugged chalky cliffs, the most famous being Beachy Head, to the rolling hills and forests of the Weald. This is wonderful walking country, whether you ramble through Ashdown Forest or tackle one of a number of long-distance trails, such as the Sussex Border Path or the Vanguard Way.
East Sussex Towns
Of the towns, Rye, a picturesque medieval port, the county town of Lewes, historical Hastings and Battle, the resorts of Eastbourne and Bexhill-on-Sea, and Hailsham, a thriving market town, are all worth a detour.
East Sussex for Culture Vultures
There are castles to visit at Bodiam and Herstmonceux, and an Abbey at Battle, built to commemorate the Battle of Hastings. At Bateman’s, a stunning 17th-century house just outside Burwash and home to Rudyard Kipling, it feels like the writer has just walked out of his book-lined study. Other attractions are its beaches, including Camber Sands, with its windswept dunes, and the wide flats of Normans Bay.
Best places to stay in East Sussex - Rural
The best places to stay in East Sussex if you're planning to explore the great outdoors are
- The Griffin Inn a hugely popular village gastropub with outstanding views over the Ouse Valley and its very own cricket team.
- Stone House in Rushlake Green which is set in 1000 acres and offers shooting on site.
- Ashdown Park Hotel also offers activities galore and is surrounded by the Ashdown Forest which was the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh.
Best places to stay in East Sussex - Towns
Our pick of the best places to stay in East Sussex includes hotels in Hastings, Battle and Eastbourne though the best served appears to be Rye, where one can choose from Jeake's House, The George in Rye, The Ship Inn or Rye Windmill B&B located in one of the town's most iconic landmarks.
Best places to stay in East Sussex - Seaside
For seaside escapes try
- The Zanzibar International Hotel in St Leonards on Sea, a contemporary hotel fashioned from a Victorian townhouse.
- The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, locally known as the "White Palace" and full of 5* trappings, but not the stuffy attitudes!
If you can't find what you're looking for in our selection of the best places to stay in East Sussex, then try our Brighton choices.
The best hotels in East Sussex
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The Grand Hotel
Eastbourne, East Sussex
Eastbourne's 'White Palace' - a luxurious English seaside hotel. A host of facilities - spa, indoor and outdoor pools, award-winning restaurant, children's playroom.
152 rooms from $321Kids Club - Fully staffed.Seaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor5* Luxury - Very high service standards.Recommended by - Johansens, Small Luxury Hotels -
Ashdown Park Hotel
East Sussex
Country house hotel with excellent facilities for the whole family in Ashdown Forest. Acres of parkland, spa facilities, golf course, tennis courts. Award-winning restaurant with forest views.
106 rooms from $321SpaGreat walks - Good for walkers.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoor -
Newick Park Hotel and Country Estate
East Sussex
Privately owned luxury country house retreat close to Glyndebourne and Brighton. Think antiques, oil paintings and huge log fires. Well appointed rooms, award-winning restaurant, rural pursuits in the gardens.
16 rooms from $266 -
Stone House
Heathfield, East Sussex
Antique filled country house B&B owned by the same family since 1495, just outside the village of Rushlake Green. Excellent dinners offered, and pheasant shooting in the woods.
8 rooms from $222Garden - 1000 acre estateCooking classes - Overseen by Master Chef Jane DunnRestrictions on children - No children under 9Full of characterRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
The George in Rye
Rye, East Sussex
'Rye’s most luxurious hotel,’ they claim, and we think that is fair: newly renovated historic inn with plenty of special touches. Great seafood, sumptuous rooms with chic styling.
34 rooms from $217Restaurant - Recommended.Lively - Hip and happening.Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Sawdays, Travel Intelligence -
The Gallivant
Rye, East Sussex
1960s motel reborn as stylish New England beach hotel with good cafe and bistro dining, on Camber Beach. Driftwood style, retro detailing and a magnificent sandy beach.
18 rooms from $217Views - Fantastic views over Camber SandsCooking classes - Overnight packages availableSeaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.On the beach - In front of the hotel.Recommended by - Sawdays, Mr & Mrs Smith -
Zanzibar International Hotel
East Sussex
Contemporary and stylish romantic refuge on the seafront. Impeccably decorated in whites and nudes, large light rooms, sea views. Fish restaurant.
8 rooms from $185Restrictions on children - No children under 5 years.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.Seaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
Swan House
East Sussex
Former 15th century bakery. Stylish B&B in the heart of mediaeval Hastings. Tasteful interiors - original features complement contemporary designs. Guest lounge, breakfast room, courtyard.
4 rooms from $185Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
The Ship Inn
East Sussex
Michelin recommended laid back pub with rooms in the centre of Rye. Old beams, wooden floors, pine tables. Simple and comfortable rooms.
10 rooms from $161Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Hastings House
Hastings, East Sussex
Newly renovated victorian townhouse B&B in the centre of town. Modern bedrooms with vivid colours. Breakfast included and snacks on demand.
8 rooms from $159Seaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
Old Whyly
East Sussex
Listed manor house set in beautiful gardens with heated pool and tennis court. Luxury B & B with antiques and a house party feel. Dinners can be arranged. Good base for Glyndebourne.
3 rooms from $153Garden - Attractive outside space.Romantic - Good for couples.Great walks - Good for walkers.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Jeake's House
Rye, East Sussex
An old favourite; quirky, old-fashioned and slightly theatrical B&B bang in the centre of Rye. Full of character, in a wonderful town for weekending.
11 rooms from $145Sights nearby - Situated bang in the centre of town.Full of characterFour poster beds - For romantics.Quirky - An experience!Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Griffin Inn
East Sussex
Very popular village gastropub with excellent food and 13 comfortable rooms, many with 4 posters, in picturesque Fletching, with fabulous views over the Ouse valley. Ideal for families.
13 rooms from $137Restaurant - Recommended.Views - Lovely garden views over Sheffield ParkFull of character -
Rye Windmill B&B
Rye, East Sussex
Charming and unusual B&B - two rooms in the mill itself (one of Rye's most famous landmarks) the rest attached. Next to the river and within walking distance of Rye town centre.
10 rooms from $129Landmark - Comes with a reputation.
