East Sussex Beaches

Planning a trip to the East Sussex Coast? Use our coastal holiday guide to discover beautiful East Sussex beaches.

Find your favourite East Sussex Beaches

There is a beach for everyone, from the bustling seaside towns of Eastbourne and Hastings, where the scent of fish and chips mingles with the salty sea air, to the wide open shores of Camber Sands.

Full List of East Sussex Beaches

See our full list of beaches in East Sussex in alphabetical order. From Hastings to Brighton.

Bexhill Beach

Bexhill Beach is a charming coastal town situated between Eastbourne and Hastings. The two-mile-long beachfront is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Birling Gap

Birling Gap Beach is a picturesque pebble beach enclosed by the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. This beach is ideal for seeking a secluded and scenic spot.

Black Rock Beach

Black Rock Beach, also known as Cliff Bathing Beach, is located just east of Brighton Palace Pier. This beach is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Brighton Palace Pier

Brighton Palace Pier is a Victorian-era pier that offers a variety of food and drink outlets and fairground attractions. Take a stroll along the pier and enjoy the seaside atmosphere.

Brighton Beach

Famous Brighton Beach is an iconic seaside destination that offers something for everyone. Take a dip in the sea or relax on the pebbled beach with the stunning Brighton Pier in the background.

Camber Sands

Camber Sands is one of the best sandy beaches in East Sussex. The dunes and vast stretch of beach make it the perfect spot for a day out.

Cooden Beach

Cooden Beach is a tranquil spot situated in the village of Bexhill-on-Sea. It is the perfect destination for a peaceful day at the beach.

Cuckmere Haven Beach

Cuckmere Haven Beach is a remote and peaceful pebble and shingle beach located on the East Sussex coast. It is an excellent spot for a quiet walk and enjoying the scenery.

Fairlight Glen

Fairlight Glen, also known as Covehurst Bay, is a secluded and rocky beach that is just past Hastings. It is a perfect spot for a private picnic and a day away from the crowds.

Grand Parade Beach

Grand Parade Beach is the main resort beach in Eastbourne, stretching from the Pier to Wish Tower. The wide beachfront is perfect for taking a stroll and enjoying the seaside ambiance.

Harbour Reach Beach

Harbour Reach Beach is a stunning coastal stretch, highly regarded by walkers and cyclists alike for its picturesque views…

Barton on Sea Beach

Barton on Sea Beach, in the popular seaside town of Hastings, is a scenic pebble beach with sand exposed during low tide. The popular seaside town of Hastings

Holywell Retreat

Holywell Retreat beach in the South Downs. Visitors can stay in the available beach chalets and enjoy the serene beauty of the area.

Hove Beach

Hove Beach, situated just a short quarter-mile west of Brighton, is a more subdued and tranquil alternative to its bustling neighbor.

Royal Parade Beach

Royal Parade Beach is a dog-friendly beach with no restrictions, offering a great seaside experience for dog owners and their furry companions.

Marine Parade Beach

Marine Parade Beach, stretching from the Pier to The Pavilion, is a highly popular destination for visitors to enjoy the sandy beach and nearby attractions.

Newhaven West Quay Beach

Newhaven West Quay Beach is an unspoilt sandy beach located west of Newhaven Harbour. It offers visitors a peaceful and tranquil escape from the busy city life.

Norman’s Bay

Norman’s Bay is a quaint village situated on the marshes of the Pevensey Levels. Its flat and natural surroundings make it an ideal destination for a quiet day at the beach.

Peacehaven Beach

Peacehaven Beach is a tranquil and peaceful shingle beach situated in Lewes, East Sussex, around six miles east of Brighton. The beach offers breathtaking views of the English Channel and is perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.

Pett Level Beach

Pett Level Beach is a hidden gem on the East Sussex coast, located just east of Hastings. This secluded shingle beach is ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape from the crowds, and its long stretch of shoreline is perfect for coastal walks and wildlife spotting.

Pevensey Bay Beach

Pevensey Bay Beach is located in a charming and historic fishing village on the Sussex coast. The rural shingle beach, known as the landing place of William the Conqueror.

Rottingdean Beach

Rottingdean Beach is a beautiful and unspoiled beach located below the chalk cliffs in East Sussex. The Undercliff Path running from Rottingdean to Brighton is a popular with walkers and cyclists.

Saltdean Beach

Saltdean Beach is a beautiful shingle beach in Brighton and Hove. Although dogs are restricted on the beach between May and September, visitors can still enjoy the stunning views and relax in the peaceful surroundings.

Seaford Bay

Seaford Bay is a charming and unspoiled shingle and pebble beach located between Brighton and Eastbourne. The beach is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and coastal walks.

St Leonards on Sea

St Leonards on Sea is a quiet and unspoiled seaside resort located to the west of Hastings. The town has a beautiful shingle beach that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing.

Winchelsea Beach

Winchelsea Beach is a peaceful and unspoiled shingle beach situated just west of Camber Sands. This quiet and secluded beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic while enjoying the beautiful views of the English Channel.

Shingle Beaches and Harbors

The East Sussex coastline is also renowned for its shingle beaches and historic harbors. Winchelsea Beach, a shingle ridge of great ecological importance, home to various wildlife species. Rye Harbour, a nature reserve with shingle ridges, saltmarshes, and a historic harbor town.

Nature

Yet, for all its ruggedness, the East Sussex coast also possesses a serene beauty that captivates the senses. The tranquil marshlands of the Pevensey Levels, once flooded by the sea, now offer a sanctuary for migratory birds and a respite for those seeking solace in nature.

Coastal History

This coastline is no stranger to conflict, having borne witness to countless invasions and battles throughout history. The remnants of ancient fortifications, such as the imposing Pevensey Castle and the stalwart Martello towers

What’s On

Coastal events in East Sussex for your diary

Annual events taking place for 2024.

Food Festivals
Sailing
Sporting Events

Places of Interest on the East Sussex Coast

In East Sussex, the Seven Sisters command center stage, undulating chalk cliffs that appear carved by the deft hand of a masterful sculptor. Presiding over this theatrical scene is Beachy Head, Britain’s highest precipice with wild crashing waves below. Visit the many historical landmarks and places of interest around the East Sussex Coast.

Hastings Castle

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Reculver Beach

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

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Winchelsea Beach

Seven Sisters Cliffs

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Cuckmere Haven

Seaford Museum

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Seaford Beach

Brighton Palace Pier

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Brighton Beach

Viking ship

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Pegwell Bay

Dover Castle

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Dover Harbour Beach

Top East Sussex Beaches

Looking for top East Sussex Coast destinations? Miles of sandy beaches, traditional seaside towns and family attractions. Walk the coastal path or find family friendly Blue Flag beaches. There are sandy beaches in East Sussex which are safe for swimming as well as dog friendly beaches for long walks with our four legged friends.

Blue Flag

Family Friendly award winning beaches

Dog friendly

For long walks with our four legged friends.

What’s On

Find out What’s On – from festivals to cultural events along the coast

Explore other areas near East Sussex

Explore the miles of UK coastline with popular seaside destinations, coastal walks and water sports. Find more beaches in the southeast coast of England, covering the counties of Kent, West Sussex, Isle of Wight, Hampshire and Hayling Island. Stop off at a beach for the day or walk or cycle the coastal trails.

UK Beach Guide

Go to the Beach Guide

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