Spotted Sussex on Screen? Here are the favourite filming locations on the Sussex Coast

Sussex boasts dramatic coastline and crashing waves, rolling hills and serene beaches. Its iconic seaside towns capture both the glamour and romance of the English Riviera and the nostalgia of a bygone age. It’s easy to see why the Sussex coastline is a magnet for filmmakers past and present seeking the perfect backdrop! 

 

Seven Sisters, Eastbourne

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Seven Sisters, Eastbourne

The stunning chalk cliffs known as the Seven Sisters have featured in several films and series, including ‘Atonement’, ‘Anatomy of a Scandal’, ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ and ‘Wicked’. The magical 1960’s scene from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang of the car driving into the air was shot here too. Fashionistas among you might spot the Seven Sisters country park and cliffs in the dreamy Burberry open spaces Ad campaign. ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ made an appearance too, you can see the cliffs in a scene from the Quidditch world cup. Plus, Ben Affleck also crashes his spitfire along the Seven Sisters coastline in ‘Pearl Harbour’. Did he win the Battle of Britain? Answers on a postcard please… 

Seven sisters cliffs

Brighton Pavilion

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Royal Pavilion, Brighton

This exotic palace has provided an opulent backdrop in films such as ‘The Madness of King George’ and ‘On a Clear Day You Can See Forever’. Its unique architecture is instantly recognisable. Nestled in the heart of Brighton, it boasts incredible Indian and Chinese architecture and lush green gardens. Harry Styles filmed here in My Policeman, set in 1950’s Brighton. ‘The End of the Affair’ was also a Royal Pavilion location, featuring Ralph Fiennes and Julianne Moore in a moving and emotive scene. Star-studded historic drama ‘Richard III’ also makes an appearance here.  

Worthing Seafront

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Worthing Seafront

Just down the coast from Brighton is Worthing, described as the UK’s 3rd most romantic filming location. Academy Award winner Olivia Coleman has shot two films here. The first, Empire of Light shot at the Pavilion Theatre, and second ‘Wicked Little Letters’, filmed at Worthing beach and lido. Worthing’s Art Deco pier has provided a classic seaside setting in films such as ‘Stan & Ollie’ and ‘Wish You Were Here’ (the Dome cinema can also be seen in this movie). BAFTA nominee Matt Smith was also spotted in 2024 filming along Worthing seafront for the darkly comic series, ‘The Death of Bunnie Monro’. 

Group of people enjoying a BBQ on the beach at Worthing, with a view of Worthing Pier

De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea

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De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-onSea

An iconic symbol of architecture, this modernist 1930’s building has been the setting for films like ‘The Darkest Hour’ and ‘End of the Affair’. The sleek design of the De La Warr Pavilion contrasts beautifully with the coastal backdrop. Poirot also made an appearance here, in the ABC Murders (the B referring to Bexhill). Budding sleuths can spot detective Poirot in this 1992 series taking tea at the Art Deco setting of the De La Warr. The nearby colonnade pavilion was also a location for the classic film ‘Richard III’ featuring Sir Ian McKellen.  

 

Hastings Old Town

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Hastings Old Town

A captivating destination for film enthusiasts, Hastings Old Town has been a sought-after location for several period dramas. Its cobbled streets, medieval buildings and quaint fishing cottages provide an atmospheric of nostalgia. In ‘Foyle’s War’, the Old Town’s preserved 1940’s atmosphere was perfect for depicting wartime Britain – key scenes were shot around the picturesque George Street and All Saints Street. ‘Les Misérables’ utilised the Stade area to evoke 19th-century France. Comedy drama ‘Is there anybody there’ brought Sir Michael Caine and Anne-Marie Duff to Hastings along West Hill and the seafront.  

Panoramic views of Hastings Old town towards the sea from the top of the hills

Birling Gap, Eastbourne

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Birling Gap, Eastbourne

Another picturesque location with a rugged cliff location and fisherman's cottages, Birling Gap has appeared in several movies. Bond fans might know Timothy Dalton filmed ‘The Living Daylights’ here. Whilst scenes from ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ were also filmed here with a stellar cast including Christian Bale.  

Those who love nostalgia may be interested to know the cliffs at Birling Gap feature in the 1971 Disney classic ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’.  

Brighton Seafront

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Brighton Seafront

From the iconic Brighton Pier to the beach, Brighton is a magnet for filmmakers and boasts a proud history of cult films. Mods, rockers, mopeds, and motorbikes were immortalised in the cult film ‘Quadrophenia’, there’s even a street named Quadrophenia Alley in Brighton’s lanes. ‘Brighton Rock’ (one of British Cinema’s most influential crime thrillers) was shot on the Palace Pier and bustling seafront. Its lively atmosphere and vintage charm make it a quintessential Sussex location. Anyone for tennis? ‘Wimbledon’ was also filmed here on the seafront with Kirsten Dunst.  

Brighton pier at low tide with the sun rising in the background

Newhaven Fort, Newhaven

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Newhaven Fort, Newhaven

East of Brighton lies Newhaven Fort. Cloaked in mystery and set high up on the cliffs, its dramatic views make it a compelling location for action and war films. A suitable location for espionage and mystery, several action films have been shot here including ‘Brothers of War’ and ‘Cage’. The fort also has underground tunnels which have been used in several music videos and horror flicks. Nearby, at the bottom of the fort, is a hidden beach, where the indomitable Harry Styles was spotted filming ‘My Policeman’.  

Aerial view of the grounds and red brick buildings of Newhaven Fort with sea in the distance

Eastbourne

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Eastbourne 

With its unspoilt Victorian seafront, Eastbourne is the go-to grand English seaside experience with regency buildings and sweeping promenades. The seafront and grand Eastbourne Pier were prominent in ‘Made in Dagenham’, offering a nostalgic backdrop for 1960’s Britain. The biopic ‘Diana’ captured the elegance of the Grand Hotel and Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ brought the towns majestic settings to life. ‘Wish You Were Here’ (based loosely on the life of Madam Cynthia Payne) was shot here as was the Brighton Rock remake with Helen Mirren. The seafront’s famous colourful Carpet Gardens have provided the backdrop for numerous scenes, including Little Britain’s Ladies played by Matt Lucas and David Walliams.  

Littlehampton

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Littlehampton

Remember ‘Minder’ and Arthur Daley the small-time conman? In 1980 they filmed a comedic episode in Littlehampton featuring a trip to the seaside and a racehorse called Pelmet. However, it was the true story of poison pen letters that shook Littlehampton for real in the 1920’s. The scandalous comedy, Wicked Little Letters (2024) featuring Olivia Coleman was set in Littlehampton and filmed in Worthing and Arundel. Rather than shoot in Littlehampton itself, a radically different-looking town a century on, the production used the nearby Sussex towns of Arundel and Worthing to recreate it. 

Yachts moored on the river at Littlehampton harbour, with riverside apartments on the opposite side

Bognor Regis

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Bognor Regis

The traditional British seaside charm of Bognor Regis is captured in the raucous 1987 film ‘Wish You Were Here’ notably in the famous scene on the esplanade, where Emily Lloyd cycles along the sea-front and sits on the railings to display her legs to passers-by! A little less glamorous, but just as iconic, was the filming of ‘Steptoe and Son,’ who (on a rare outing away from the junkyard) filmed madcap capers on the promenade. The psychological thriller series Jekyll, featuring James Nesbitt was also filmed here.  

Hove Lawns, Hove

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Hove Lawns, Brighton & Hove

You can find genteel grandeur in Hove, with its expansive lawns and elegant Regency and Victorian architecture. Hove’s serene setting is given a lively twist in ‘Me Without You’, a coming-of-age film starring Anna Friel and spanning three decades of friendship. On the detective tip, John Simms has been spotted in Hove lagoon filming ‘Grace’. He plays a dogged investigator who, haunted by the disappearance of his wife, solves a variety of cases. 

Town Centre, Rye

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Town Centre, Rye

Rye’s rich architectural heritage and scenic landscapes offer a truly versatile setting. This picturesque Sussex town recently hosted season six of the eerie and dystopian sci-fi series ‘Black Mirror’. Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul was spotted in 1950’s style clothing at local café ‘The Old Grain Store’ which was unrecognisable as it had been transformed into the centre of an alternative 1960’s America. Season 3 of ‘The Crown’ was filmed in Rye high street, with Helena Bonham-Carter playing Princess Margaret in the 1970’s.  

Rye cobbled street at sunset