5 Perfect Summer Days in Sussex: Local Favourites for Sun, Sea and Scenery

A day on the water

I do love a river, but my favourite place to be on a Summer’s day is by, in or on the sea. My perfect day would be a sunny and windless one and would start on the beach with a walking meditation as close to sun rise as is reasonably possible! If the tide is low I’ll grab my binoculars and wander along the sand bars and rock pools - as there is often a Little Egret or some Oyster Catchers poking around in the sand for food.  

Later as the sun’s warmth takes hold it’s time to get out on the paddleboard. Sometimes I will go for a longer tour along the coast, towards Worthing Pier, keeping an eye out for dolphins, and often being spotted by the local seals.

On a really hot day, I love to paddleboard and swim just off Lancing beach – home to the amazing Perch on Lancing beach, great for lunch or a caffeine hit. Lancing is perfectly set up for swimming with a cordoned off area marked by swim buoys. Sometimes I tie my board up to the farthest buoy and slip into the turquoise-blue sea to float. Totally immersed except for my face, I can hear the sea whispering – ‘you are water’ ‘we are life’.

I have also now fallen in love with saunas – they are popping up all over the place including right on my beach. The lovely Seaside Sauna (right next to the Perch) is a top place to relax after a paddle session. But you don’t really need an excuse – saunas are great any time of day! This sauna has three cool off options – a cold water tin bath, a cold shower, or cold dip in the sea. And they often offer a full moon session followed by a beach fire.

And this day by the water doesn’t end here. In the Summer months, The Perch stays open and does woodfired pizzas every evening until 9.00 pm so I can finish the day on the beach with friends, pizza and a pint.

Sea Swimming & Afternoon Tea

On a sunny Saturday morning in Sussex my first stop is Tide Mills, near Newhaven. With a magical walk to the beach—winding through the old ruins of a long-abandoned village, then it’s straight into the sea for a swim with friends. The water’s fresh, the views are stunning, and there’s just something about that first plunge that makes you feel totally alive.

After we’ve had our fill of swimming we’ll head over to Mamoosh by the riverside for a well-earned coffee. It’s warm, it’s cosy, and the smell of fresh pitta bread is absolutely irresistible. I always grab a few to take home—plus a pot of their spicy, zingy zoug.

The afternoon is all about the Downs. I’ll head out with the dog and the family for a long, rambling walk—starting in Lewes, winding our way over Mount Caburn, and eventually making it to Glynde. The views are beautiful, and there’s something so peaceful about being up there, just soaking it all in. After all that walking it’s time for a proper treat—so we wrap things up at the Little Cottage Tea Room. Think scones, jam, clotted cream, and a big pot of tea. Heaven. Then it’s a quick train ride back to Lewes.

If I’ve still got some energy left, I might end the day at the Depot in Lewes. They do these amazing summer evenings with live music and pop-up food stalls—super relaxed, super local, and always a good time.

History & Heritage

One of my favourite days out with the family starts at the wonderful Amberley Museum. We've been visiting since the kids were toddlers, and in fact I used to visit as a child myself! Located in Amberley in the South Downs, it’s a place that has something for everyone in the family. My son is completely captivated by the steam train that you can ride from one end of the site to the other. There’s something so captivating about the sound of the whistle and the smell of the steam - but a vintage open top bus is often available too!

We all enjoy learning about the history of the area and the industries that once thrived here in Sussex. From traditional crafts to vintage vehicles, there’s so much to explore. My daughter especially loves the printing workshop. She always gets stuck in, trying her hand at using the old presses and coming away with her own little printed masterpiece. It’s hands-on, educational and just good fun.

After a few hours of exploring, it's a very short but scenic journey (by train or car!) to Arundel for a treat. A stop for ice cream is a must, with a stroll around Swanbourne Lake. It’s a peaceful place, surrounded by trees and wildlife, and you can even hire a rowing boat if you fancy a paddle. As we stroll, we get a fantastic view of Arundel Castle rising above the town—it’s like something out of a storybook and despite living ten minutes away we'll always take a photo as if it's the first time we've seen it!

For dinner it's a toss up between a pub meal at The Black Rabbit or Fish & Chips on the beach. The Black Rabbit is just a little way out of Arundel past the lake. We love it because the scenery is beautiful - just open space, the river Arun and the odd boat going past.

If we've opted for an alfresco chip supper then we'll head home to Littlehampton, stroll along the riverside to Fort Road and visit the Fish & Chip shop (Oscas is our favourite). There’s nothing quite like sitting on the beach with a portion of fish and chips, listening to the waves and watching the sun go down. 

Cycling the Coast near Rye

My perfect summer’s day in Sussex starts with a bit of adventure. I'll be up early for a bike ride, either on my own bike or if I feel like taking it easy a e-bike hire from Rye. From there, I cycle through to the beautiful Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. The route hugs the coast and takes me all the way to Winchelsea Beach. It’s only about 6 miles round trip, but there’s so much to see along the way.

Halfway through, I always make time for a coffee stop—either at the Winchelsea Beach Café or the Lime Kiln Café at the Rye Harbour Discovery Centre. Both have a lovely, relaxed vibe and great views. The wetlands and coastal habitats around here are stunning and full of life—perfect for a bit of birdwatching or just soaking in the scenery.

By lunchtime, I head over to Tillingham Wine Estate (pictured below). On weekends, they serve delicious wood-fired pizzas, and I always pair mine with a glass of their own sustainably produced wine. It’s such a peaceful spot, surrounded by rolling countryside and vines.

For the afternoon I'll make my way to Pett Level Beach. It’s the ideal place to unwind—whether I’m diving into a good book or taking a refreshing dip in the sea. If I’m lucky, I might even spot a seal or two popping up to say hello! If we've got enough energy for a walk, the coastal path (part of the King Charles III Coastal Path) from Pett Beach to Fairlight is a beautiful stretch of coastline, and it leads me right to The Cove Pub for dinner.

Evenings at The Cove are always a treat. The menu is small but thoughtfully put together, with locally sourced ingredients and a cosy atmosphere. 

Wittering Wanders

My love of Sussex revolves around the seaside. I grew up in East Preston and spent a childhood on the beach and recently celebrated my ‘big’ birthday at the great local pub, The Seaview.

A new favourite in Bracklesham Bay; a Rewild sauna session after a ‘refreshing’ dip in the sea is an awesome way to start the day any time of year, and the views are incredible. Nearby, one of my favourite walks is the circular route around Chichester Harbour, from Itchenor to East Head in the Witterings (finishing with a pint at the Ship Inn at Itchenor!). My son loves catching the little ferry across Itchenor harbour to Bosham Hoe, for an added adventure in the summer!

Pagham Harbour is an absolute gem, and you can watch the tide come in and out and see the landscape change. It’s great for spotting marine life and birds, as well as picking wild Samphire. I love the Crab & Lobster at the edge of the harbour, the food is fabulous.  

Don’t tell the locals I sent you, but my favourite hidden bathing spot is at Elmer beach (near Bognor), a lovely, sheltered cove with a sandy shore – swim out to the rocks and perfect your best Little Mermaid impression.

Oh and special mention to our local vineyard, Tinwood and Fauna brewery in Arundel for providing refreshments!