Where to go…
For piers and arcades
Sussex is a seaside wonderland, with arcades, candy floss, fish n’ chips and even a bar. However, you’ll also find charming Victorian piers up and down the coast, in Eastbourne, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis and Hastings. Just make sure you have some change for the penny pushers.
For swimming and sandcastles
Although famous for its pebbled beaches, Sussex has some stunning stretches of sand. Camber Sands – not too far from Hastings – is arguably the pick of the bunch, with stunning views to boot. Bognor Regis and Littlehampton are also lovely locations for bringing your bucket and spade and going for a dip. Or for something a little quieter, head over to Climping Beach, Felpham, Shoreham Beach or Tide Mills in Newhaven.
For fish n’ chips and ice cream
Fish n’ chips for lunch, ice cream for dessert. That’s how it goes, right? Well, it does in the summer, anyhow. You won’t struggle to find great spots for battered cod or a 99 in Sussex, but some of the best-known are Maggie’s in Hastings and Pinks Parlour in Bognor Regis. Or how about trying Marocco’s in Brighton, which has been making its own ice cream since 1969? It’s clearly doing something right.
For being on the water
Rather be on the water than in it? Check out the range of watersports at The Beach at Littlehampton, from paddleboarding to kitesurfing. They offer taster sessions and beginner lessons, with expert instructors showing you the ropes. Fancy hiring your own equipment? Head to Hastings where you can rent a paddleboard or kayak at Epic Life.
For freshly caught seafood
It doesn’t get much fresher than the seafood at Webbe’s Rock-a-Nore in Hastings, which travels a matter of metres from boat to plate. The Landing Place in Bognor Regis is also a fabulous, family friendly restaurant, serving oh-so-flaky fish. And pay a visit to the fishermen's huts in Hastings, where you can tuck into freshly caught shellfish and seafood platters or buy fresh fish to cook yourself.
For rockpooling
If you haven’t been to Seven Sisters Country Park before, what are you waiting for? It’s a fantastic day out with the kids. Make your way to Birling Gap, where you can take a staircase down to the beach. Here, little ones (and not-so-little ones) can enjoy rockpooling and fossil hunting, combing the coast for historic finds.
For amusement parks
Found in Littlehampton, Harbour Park has rides, arcades, indoor play – and even a pirate-themed escape room. This is a place where primary school kids can let their imaginations run wild, under the watchful eyes of their parents. See them whirl on the waltzers, drive on the dodgems and putt their way around adventure golf. 100% fun, guaranteed.
For miniature railways
The charming Littlehampton Miniature railway runs along the seafront, departing every 40 minutes. (It leaves from Mewsbrook Park, which has a boating lake if you fancied swapping the train for a pedalo). In Brighton, you can also take the Volk’s railway – the world’s oldest working electric train. Which one will you choo, choo, choose?
For escaping the crowds
The buzz in the air on those hot summer days is what makes them so exciting. But we get it. Not everyone loves a crowd. If that sounds like you, then you might want to swap Brighton, Eastbourne and Bognor Regis for Littlehampton, Hastings or Bexhill. Or sometimes it’s just a case of walking a little further along the beach – you’ll be surprised how quickly it can start getting quieter.
