We’re in a sunny state of mind with our county drenched in more hours of sunshine than most of the UK. In fact, Eastbourne is said to be one of the sunniest spots in the entire UK!

With over 50 miles of coastline, East Sussex is famed for it’s chalky headlands, with the South Downs Way starting at the edge of Eastbourne and running 100 miles across East and West Sussex, through undulating coastal paths and expansive views.

East Sussex has long been admired for its rolling green hills and ancient woodlands, so whether you’re pining for coast or countryside, East Sussex perfectly fuses both.

Port Hotel in Eastbourne is ideally located to anchor you during your holiday, as you explore East Sussex and all it has to offer.

Eastbourne

A sleepy retirement town no more, Eastbourne has been slowly reinventing itself over the years, and attracts those looking to escape the city for a seaside break where art, coast and countryside are a heady mix.

The award-winning Towner Gallery has spearheaded this cultural movement with independent galleries such as VOLT and New Art Gallery offering a dynamic mix of exhibitions throughout the year.

Wine and craft beer lovers will enjoy sipping some local brews at Bottle Grove and can sample some fantastic local wines at Levels Tasting Room, with Hardy’s expert knowledge to guide you.

For more information on things to do in Eastbourne please see here.

Seven Sisters Cliffs – South Downs Way

We are spoilt to have the South Downs Way on our doorstep, which starts at the edge of Eastbourne and continues for 100 miles to Winchester.

No trip to Port is complete without a venture into the South Downs Way, choosing a section to lap up the views and soak up the fresh sea air.

The world famous Seven Sisters Cliffs are a series of white chalk cliffs that stand proudly against the English Channel, running between Seaford and Eastbourne.

With uninterrupted views and undulating paths that offer up view after view, make sure you include a walk along the South Downs to see these majestic cliffs.

Think dramatic coastal views, turquoise waters, backed with boundless views of verdant hills.

There’s a great guide here that is well worth a read.

Cuckmere Valley and East Dean

Spend the day at Cuckmere Valley and explore the waterways by kayak or paddleboard.

Cuckmere River is one of four main rivers in Sussex, and remains the only undeveloped Sussex river mouth.

The area is a haven for nature and wildlife with grassy pastures that meander from source to the sea mouth, here and there passing through quintessential small towns and villages.

Enjoy a gentle afternoon paddling along the river, stopping to enjoy a picnic riverside, ending the day at Tiger Inn, located in the gorgeous village of East Dean, to enjoy a beer and nibbles.

There’s a great tour organised by SUP Haven that flows from Cuckmere to Alfriston.

Rathfinny Vineyard

Sussex has the same climate that the Champagne region had 30 years ago, so it’s fast producing some of the best sparkling wines in the world.

Rathfinny’s first sparkling wines launched in 2018 and are now poured in some of the top bars, restaurants and hotels across the UK and overseas, including Port.

The vineyard is a scenic 30 minute drive from Port Hotel and is a beautiful way to spend a day, with tour and tasting and a restaurant on site that serves up a delicious menu.

Endless pale cornfields unfurl to the North with their lush vineyards cascading across slopes as far as the eye can see.

There are breath-taking views as you journey both in and out of the estate with the rolling landscape expanding before you.

For a lovely review of Rathfinny take a read through this.

Hastings & St Leonards

Just 40 minutes drive or a speedy 30 minute train ride, Hastings is well worth a visit during your stay at Port.

Start at Kings Road in St Leonards, right by St Leonards Warrior Square Train Station, and have a browse around the many vintage and gift shops, with a stop for a coffee at Milk & Hustle on London Road.

Head onto Norman Road for more retail therapy with a favourite being The Shop.

Next stop is Hastings Old Town where you’ll find Hastings Contemporary gallery, set amongst the towering net huts, and just a stone’s throw from the shingle beach. There are lots of stalls selling freshly caught fish, cockles and shrimps, with of course plenty of fish & chip shops to choose from.

Head up the funicular for great views over Hastings and across the sea, and then explore the narrow streets and weather-boarded shops and quaint houses. The High Street is dotted with lots of independent shops selling all manner of curiosities, art and artisan breads.

Charleston Trust and Firle Beacon

Explore the decorative home and gardens of painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, which showcases more than sixty years of their creativity.

Charleston is famed for bringing the Bloomsbury group together - a collection of friends that spanned artists, writers, historians and economists. Frequent visitors included Virginia Woolf, E. M. Forster and Roger Fry, with artworks on show throughout the house by Auguste Renior, Picasso and Derain.

Charleston also boasts a year round calendar of events and exhibitions in a suite of galleries designed by Jamie Fobert Architects. Plus there’s a rather delicious café on site that serves up fresh pasta and mouth-watering bakes.

The trust was set up in 1980 to allow the unique collection at Charleston to be experienced and enjoyed by the public. It’s an incredibly inspiring place, in a beautiful setting.

End the day by heading to Firle Beacon, which sits east of the River Ouse and commands expansive views of the countryside and sea. Charleston Walking Route is a great guide with various walks of varying lengths. Or if it’s been a long day and feet are wary, you can simply drive up to the top, and park to breathe in the views.

View towards Firle Beacon, Derry Robinson

Lewes

Just 25 minutes by train or a 40 minute drive, the hilltop town of Lewes is packed full of independent spirit, stunning views and steeped in history.

The undulating hills in the town are definitely a work out, but add to the olde-worlde charm of this picture perfect place. Visit Lewes Castle, and enjoy some stunning views over Sussex or take a dip at the Lewes Lido which is open from May-October and is the perfect tonic after a busy day around town. We also love Lewes Railway Land Nature Reserve, an independent wildlife trust with some gentle walks that weave along the River Ouse.

For more tips on a trip to Lewes there’s a great article on Londonist.

Whatever you decide to do on your holiday, please share your photos with us on Instagram @stayatport #stayatport.

We’d lke to add to this feature with guest recommendations so can’t wait to see where your port of call is when you stay at Port.

Enjoy!

Many thanks to Emma Croman for photography.

A Week In East Sussex