Top 10 Best Beaches and Resorts in East Sussex

From the popular seaside destination of Brighton with its amusement pier and long shingle beach to the myriad of castles, there’s much to see and enjoy in East Sussex.

The seaside towns comes alive every summer with the more than 28 beaches found throughout the county being major attractions. Here are the top 10 best beaches and resorts in East Sussex (random order).

Camber Sands

A spectacular, largely unspoilt beach located in East Sussex, Camber Sands carries that one unusual element for Sussex beaches… Sand! Most beaches along the Sussex coast are clothed in pebbles and shingle held in place by groynes, but Camber Sands is bathed in fine, golden sand and shingle. Stretches approximately 5 miles east of the village Camber with a large tidal range, with low tide exposing even more golden sand. Great for sandcastle builders! Wind and kite surfing, beach combing, and even donkey riding are popular activities.

• Dogs: Allowed. Time/zone restrictions.
• Activities: Swimming/bathing, Kite/Wind surfing, Donkey rides
• Facilities: Cafe/restaurant, Lost child centre, Disabled facilities, Shop, First aid point, Toilets

Broomhill Sands Beach

Located just east of Camber Sands, this very long stretch of beach is one of East Sussex’s best offerings. Broomhill is ideal for beach goers who prefer a less crowded experience. Low tide unveils a very flat and sandy expanse which is ideal for sand-buggies and other activities. A favourite kitesurfing destination, rookies can get lessons and hire equipment from the Kitesurf Centre.

• Dogs: Allowed. Time/zone restrictions.
• Activities: Surfing, Boating, Pony/horse rides, Kites
• Facilities: Shops, Cafe/restaurant, Toilets, Promenade

Royal Parade Beach (Eastbourne)

Popular with both residents and visitors, this easily accessed stretch of beach sitting pretty close to Eastbourne’s main stretch carries an abundance of facilities for your comfort and convenience. Its wide promenade is a hit with skaters, cyclists and runners. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are also popular activities, and there’s a local sailing club right on the beach. There’s ample parking and places to grab some refreshments.

Birling Gap Beach

A memorable experience guaranteed! Synonyms and thoughts related to scenic and tranquil floods the mind as one tries to absorb the beautiful scenery. Set below the backdrop of the Seven Sisters cliffs and nestled on the National Trust protected seashore between Brighton and Eastbourne is the scenic enclosed pebble beach, Birling Gap. Be sure to climb the tower staircase and enjoy wonderful views of the cliffs from both the top and the bottom. Recharged and refuel at the nice, clean shop and café managed by the National Trust and visit the museum/gallery.

Cooden Beach

An easily accessible stretch of coast with the train station almost on the beach, this shingle beach is a hit with kite surfers and windsurfers as well as jet skiers. Tide fall exposes sandy flats, making it ideal for paddling and building sandcastles. Free parking is available on the beach front.

Eastbourne Beach

Stretching from the Pier to Wish Tower, this largely pebbles beach with its 1,000ft long pier offers visitors a treat to a good seaside experience. The seafront also plays host to the Floral Carpet Gardens, a fine bandstand and beach shops next to the pier. This is Eastbourne’s main resort beach and comes with a slew of goodies: clean water for bathing, lifeguards and kids wristbands, deckchairs and sun loungers.

Brighton Palace Pier Beach

Also called Central Beach, this stretch of shingle and sand sits right at the centre of Brighton, one of East Sussex’s and indeed the country’s finest and most famous seaside resorts. Besides swimming and surfing there’s a lot on offer for visitors to enjoy on a day out in Brighton: shops, arcades, the pier, funfairs, a sea life centre.

Seaford Bay

A four mile stretch pebble beach with the chalk cliffs of Seaford Head Nature Reserve forming the backdrop. Seaford Bay stretches between Newhaven Harbour and Seaford Head and is ideal for activities such as diving, kayaking, fishing, and watching the ferries make its journey to and from Dieppe. Be cautious of falling rocks when sitting under the cliffs and take care when swimming.

Hastings Beach

A summer hot spot for tourists, this the predominantly shingle beach has the advantage of being located pretty close to the town’s most popular facilities and attractions. A two-layered promenade and magnificent whitewashed Edwardian hotels forms an impressive backdrop. Low tide reveals a good expanse of sand, great for building sand castles and enjoying some beach games. Other fun activities including playing crazy golf, visiting the Blue Reef Aquarium, and gambling in the arcades.

Bexhill Beach

A family-friendly, traditional south coast seaside resort with a long stretch of promenade for pleasure walking. Bexhill is quieter than neighbouring Hastings and Eastbourne. Hire a beach hut or a deck chair and relax on the beach, engage in some crazy golf on the seafront, or go on a rock pool exploration when the tide is out.