Holiday cottages in Sussex

East Sussex and West Sussex

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Within easy reach of London and several airports and ferry terminals, Sussex enjoys an accessible location and excellent range of things to see and do. A holiday cottage in Sussex will offer access to splendid seaside towns, impressive stately homes and numerous family-friendly attractions. The beaches of Bognor Regis have won several Blue Flag and seaside awards and are popular with young families. The town also has some pleasant cafes and restaurants and bustling shopping centres. Arundel Castle is set high on the nearby hills and commands stunning views out to sea. It dates back to the 11th century and still contains paintings, tapestries and furniture which belonged to the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors. The Victorian kitchen and flower gardens have been recently restored. Nature lovers will enjoy Arundel Wildfowl and Wetlands centre, where visitors can feed and learn about some of the rarest wetland birds and wildlife. If you are looking for a self-catering cottage in Bognor Regis or a holiday house near Arundel Castle then you will have plenty of choice of excellent vacation rental homes.

If you are on holiday in Sussex and enjoy stately homes then head to Petworth House and park, an impressive late 17th century mansion set in a 700-acre deer park. It was landscaped by the famous 'Capability' Brown and painted by Turner. The house is now under the care of the National Trust and has paintings by Van Dyke, Gainsborough and Reynolds. Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is another Sussex treasure, a 240-acre valley with seven tranquil lakes. There are beautiful azaleas and rhododendrons, and you can look out for semi-wild wallabies and fallow deer. You can rent a holiday cottage in Petworth or look in nearby towns - there are a good range of self-catering cottages in Midhurst.

If you're looking for a more lively stay in Sussex then have a look at holiday cottages in Brighton, which include modern apartments to rent and traditional cottages by the sea. Enjoy a bracing walk along Brighton's seafront, a trip along the prom or a drive to Brighton marina. There are plenty of amusements, rides, art and craft stalls, boutique shops, trendy eateries and watering holes to enjoy. While the elegant esplanades and peaceful lawns are good for leisurely strolls, active holidaymakers in Brighton can try various watersports, kite-flying and rollerblading. Brighton is also great for nightlife and boasts a diverse gay scene.

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Those who want to find out more about the marine life in Brighton and beyond can visit the Sea Life Centre and come face to face with all sorts of sea creatures including jellyfish, sea snakes and lion fish. Along the coast at Underwater World in Hastings, visitors can walk through a 15 metre glass tunnel beneath a large pool home to sharks, crabs, rays and starfish. Both centres are dedicated to the conservation of fragile marine environments. Self-catering in Hastings and Brighton range from idyllic country cottages to town appartments Eastbourne is a traditional seaside resort with five miles of unspoilt beaches, palm-lined promenades and four golf courses. The Eastbourne coast offers plenty of sporting and leisure activities, including windsurfing, canoeing and pleasure boat trips. There are continental-style restaurants, a traditional pier and a bandstand hosting regular live music. With great access to the South Downs and proximity to several stately homes, vineyards and gardens, renting a cottage in Eastbourne is a great base from which to explore the many delights of Sussex.

Top picks in Sussex

There are lots of types of holiday accommodation to rent in East Sussex and West Sussex. Staying in self-catering near the South Downs is a popular option for a vacation in this lovely part of England.