Are you craving a relaxing and rejuvenating long weekend to re-centre yourself and reconnect with nature? Look no further than Sussex.
With its perfect blend of coast and countryside, it’s the ideal destination for escaping the everyday and leaving your worries behind. From yoga to forest bathing, there are plenty of wellness activities to keep you busy. Want to practise your downward dog on a paddle board? Fancy a sauna session to clear your pores – and your mind? How about embracing the elements as you breathe in that salty sea air? This is the place to be. Whether you’re going for a 72-hour ‘Me Time’ getaway or an extended break, here are a few ideas to give you inspiration for the itinerary.
Endorphin-boosting exercise
Hike in the hills
The Seven Sisters Country Park is a nature lover’s dream. Our suggestion? Put on your walking boots for a twilight stroll with Pied a Terre Adventures. Take in the scenery, listen to the wildlife and be entirely in the moment, as you admire the golden hues reflecting off the water, in a moment of calmness and contemplation.
Swim in the sea
Nothing beats the feel-good feeling of a morning dip in the sea in those warmer months. Come autumn and winter, the brave out there might want to try wild swimming, taking the chilly plunge in our seas and rivers. Always make sure it’s safe to swim and that there aren’t any red flags. If you’re going open water swimming, check out the RNLI’s advice beforehand and – above all – don’t take any risks!
Cycle on the seafront
With mile after mile of coastline, you can enjoy a peaceful pedal along the seafront, following promenades and cycle paths. The Living Coast by Bike has lots of suggested routes in Sussex, including the flat and accessible It’s a Breeze route. If you’ve left your bike at home, you could hire a bike.
… or simply savour the moment
There aren’t many joys as simple and satisfying as watching the sunset. Why not savour a sundowner on a pier or while sitting on the shingle? In the winter months, this is the perfect precursor to dinner in town. Or how about heading to Beachy Head, with its awe-inspiring views across the Channel?
Sauna sessions
Seven Sisters sauna
The Nomadic Sauna in Seaford – the gateway to Seven Sisters – is a picturesque spot for putting your feet up after hiking in the hills. With its seafront location, you can also enjoy a sauna session before or after taking a dip.
Hot stuff in Hastings
Hidden away on Hastings Pier, Samphire Sauna is a cosy, Nordic-inspired sauna in a beautifully converted horsebox. Unwind while getting hot under the collar, as you look out over the sea, with the waves lapping beneath you.
Into the woods
Forest bathing
For something a little different, Brighton Yoga runs regular 4–5-hour forest bathing sessions. You’ll start the day at a yoga studio in the heart of the city, before venturing out to immerse yourself in the surrounding woodlands. A guide will be on hand to share their advice and talk you through the process. Forest bathing, for the uninitiated, is a Japanese practice proven to enhance calmness and mental wellbeing by immersing yourself in nature.
Embrace the outdoors
Been forest bathing before? You can always go it alone. Friston Forest in the South Downs National Park is an expansive area of woodland, with plenty of quiet nooks to sit down and reflect. There are also walking and cycling trails, if you just fancied a day under the canopy, appreciating the wildlife.
Sing with songbirds
Visiting in spring? Don’t miss Singing with Nightingales. From mid-April until the end of May, musicians duet with these songbirds at dusk in a secret woodland location, not far from Brighton. A magical night that you’ll never forget.
Yoga
On the water
How do you like the sound of finding your inner balance while balancing on a paddleboard? This unique yoga session at Hove Lagoon will do wonders for your core. And don’t worry, the paddleboards are tethered; there’s no chance of floating out to sea while in the crab pose. In fact, you don’t even need prior paddleboard experience to take part.
Yoga with a twist
Love art? Love yoga? Well, you’re going to love this. Yoga in the Gallery is a 60- minute flow session, held in the award-winning Towner Eastbourne gallery. Surrounded by artworks and exhibitions, this is a calm, uplifting session unlike any other. A true masterpiece.
Beach yoga
The award-winning boutique hotel, The Gallivant, holds wonderful wellness experiences on Camber Sands, including yoga on the beach and runners’ retreats. Or why not time your trip with their Supermoon Yoga session, which sees you practise under the stars with the dunes as your backdrop? They also have a serene on-site studio for when the weather’s not playing ball.
Where to unwind?
- Gayles: A silent retreat in the heart of Seven Sisters Country Park. Step back from your everyday life and take time to reflect, refresh and reset in a special location.
- Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa: Found only a short drive from Littlehampton, this is a dream location for a spa weekend, with beautiful treatment rooms, two swimming pools, a yoga studio and more.
- Tinwood Estate: About 20 minutes from Bognor Regis, Tinwood Estate offers luxury lodges in a family-run vineyard, where you can slow down and take in the tranquillity.
- Rose & Glow: Offering relaxing one-day experiences in a beautiful vineyard, Rose & Glow run women-only yoga and pilates sessions, followed by a hike in the country or by the coast.
- Florence House: This beautiful stonehouse in the Seaford countryside holds wellness retreats throughout the year. Keep an eye on their Instagram for details of upcoming events.
