There’s nothing quite like waking up by the sea, and with 90 miles of coastline to choose from, Sussex is the place to do just that. We asked Zoe Bassett, founder of Cabins and Castles, for her pick of the best holiday rentals within two minutes of the beach.
With around 90 miles of shoreline stretching from Camber in the east to Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the west, Sussex is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. And with landscapes ranging from the rugged cliffs of Seven Sisters to the sandy shores of the Witterings, there’s enough to keep you coming back time and again.
Here are 10 exceptional Sussex holiday cottages with direct beach access, where you can roll out of bed and be in the sea in literally less than two minutes.
This exceptional property can accommodate up to 19 guests, perfect for multi-generational stays. Amble down the 400 yard private track to Church Norton beach, a secluded spot where you can enjoy long walks and a paddle without bumping into anyone. Enjoying sunsets with a beach picnic is a favourite activity for guests. More details and booking.
The Coach House at Norton Priory.
The Camber Beach House is just moments away from the sand dunes of Camber Sands. Sleeping 10 in five double and ensuite bedrooms that have all been individually styled, The Camber Beach House blends modern living by allowing guests their privacy, yet offering plenty of shared areas to socialise. Most importantly, you can have breakfast and be on the sandy beach in just two minutes. More details and booking.
Sunrise at Camber Sands
Located in East Preston, a quiet seaside village, Sea Corner is the perfect base for families and friends looking to explore the Sussex coast without the crowds. An unspoilt beach, where you can walk for miles, or for the keen paddleboarders, enjoy a peaceful hour paddling down to pick up your morning coffee. A stylish home away from home, there’s everything you need here for a summer holiday with all of your friends and family. Sleeps eight guests. More details and booking.
Sea Corner
Perched above Pett Level Beach with far reaching views across the south coast and across the Sussex countryside, Cliff End View has been stylishly renovated offering a luxury stay for everyone. From playing croquet on the front lawn, to spending the day at the beach and cooling off in the outdoor shower, Cliff End View is the ultimate Sussex summer holiday home. More details and booking.
Cliff End View (Pett Level Beach)
This serene haven on Pett Level coastline is the perfect place to get away from it all. Sleeping eight guests across five bedrooms, Palm Beach House is a modern sanctuary with seaside hints throughout. From Sonos in every room to electric car charging, this is the future of seaside escapes. More details and booking.
Palm Beach House
Pett Level Beach House is just moments away from the gentle shores of Pett Level beach. Mixing Scandi-chic with reclaimed beach treasure finds, Pett Level Beach House offers a family or group of six the chance to escape from the hustle and bustle. From rock pooling to beachcombing and long sunny strolls along the coast with all of the family, there’s no better place to switch off and unwind. Sleeps six guests. More details and book.
Pett Level Beach House
An architectural delight mixed with stylishly cool coastal chic interiors, Crab Cottage is located in Selsey, just outside of Chichester on the West Sussex coast. Bright and spacious, Crab Cottage sleeps up to eight guests in four double bedrooms, all with their own private outside terrace and balconies. With direct access to the beach, you’ll be sure to unwind, relax and make the most of that fresh air. More details and book.
Crab Cottage
The Bolthole on Pagham Beach is a partly converted 1900's railway carriage that boasts ocean views in the village of Pagham. You can sleep beneath the curved ceilings of the carriage compartments whilst taking advantage of the property's first class location. Guests have direct access to the beach and can spend long evenings around the fire pit. There's now a new shepherd's hut that can be rented out in addition to the main house (which sleeps 8) to allow an extra two guests to visit. More details and book.
The Bolthouse on Pagham Beach
This slice of architectural history is situated within 4.5 acres of land, with streams and forests to explore. Spot the local Peregrine Falcons as you relax on the private raised garden terrace watching the bird flight path to Pagham Harbour. The Nest is equipped for four guests in two bedrooms, the perfect number for a swing ball or badminton competition. Prices start from £499 for a two night stay throughout July and August. More details and book.
The Nest at Severels
Tucked between the Sussex Weald and the South Downs is The Manor Retreat. Sleeping up to 14 guests, this former shooting lodge of George II has enough space for all of the family. Set in beautiful gardens, the property has a swimming pool and tennis court. More details and book.
The Manor Retreat
For more information and to book, please visit www.cabinsandcastles.co.uk.
Landscape
Sussex Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve is a 465 hectares mosaic of coastal habitats – shingle, saltmarsh, saline lagoons, coastal grazing marsh, freshwater ditches and gravel pits, and reedbeds. It is home to 4,500 species of plants and animals of which more than 300 are nationally rare or endangered.
Accommodation | Hotel
Located two hours from London, this stunning Sussex seaside hotel offers a modern take on a classic English hotel experience.
Landscape
The dramatic Seven Sisters Country Park, with its chalk sea cliffs, chalk grassland and the meandering Cuckmere estuary is set within the South Downs National Park, along the Sussex Heritage Coast.
Overnight | Art | Landscape | Wine
Small enough to explore in a day, exciting enough to stay for a week, Eastbourne has got it going on. So if you do like to be beside the seaside, here are just some of the things to do, places to stay, eat and drink in Britain’s new cultural hotspot.
Overnight | Accommodation | Self-catering
Choose from a handpicked selection of stylish places to stay in Sussex, from cabins to castles and everything in between.
Overnight | Accommodation | Hotel
Port Hotel & Restaurant is a contemporary boutique hotel in a lovingly restored Victorian townhouse on Eastbourne's glistening seafront. Stay in one of 19 modern bedrooms, with a relaxed restaurant and inviting cocktail bar.
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