An aerial view of woods and fields in high summer with a large tiled cottage overlooking a lane in the foreground.

Find My Favourite Holiday Cottages in East Sussex

Tranquil countryside, glorious beaches and some of the UK’s sunniest weather can all be enjoyed on self-catering holidays in East Sussex. This southern county is dominated by green, gently rolling hills, with a stunning coast scattered with unique towns such as Hastings and Brighton. East Sussex is bordered by Kent, Surrey and West Sussex. East Sussex holiday cottages are perfect for visitors who want to make the most of the quintessentially English countryside in this unspoiled county. The South Downs National Park runs east and west a few miles inland, with sweeping valleys, ancient woods and farmland. The park is crisscrossed by paths and bridleways, making it a paradise for walkers, wildlife watchers and horse riders.

A 2-storey barn conversion with  terracotta tiles nestles against a cluster of small trees overlooking a large garden and fields in East Sussex.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

In an East Sussex valley north of the South Downs, Cherrystone Barn is a rural retreat near Lewes. A perfect holiday getaway for couples, this romantic countryside cottage with a hot tub has an enclosed garden offering expansive views, an open-plan living area, and a separate bedroom with an en-suite rolltop bath.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a weather-boarded East Sussex Cottage and lawned garden.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Cherry Cottage is a spacious, modern rural holiday cottage in East Sussex boasting seclusion and tradition. The pet-friendly cottage lies in Ripe, near Lewes and boasts stunning rural views, exposed beams and outdoor entertaining areas. Beautiful walks lead from its doorstep, and the wonders of Sussex await.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A timber eco-lodge backed by trees overlooks an open field.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Brooks Lodge is an award-winning eco-friendly cottage surrounded by lush green fields in Piddinghoe, Sussex, just moments from the scenic Egrets Way Footpath. This rural cottage boasts wonderful countryside views and offers extensive grounds, large windows to capture the views, and a stylish contemporary interior.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Bakers Farm Oast is a stunningly authentic detached rural cottage in the High Weald AONB in Ticehurst. Set on the Sussex/Kent border, the rural cottage sleeps four and offers contemporary chic and country charm, a delightful private garden, local wildlife, lovely views, and a wood-burning stove.

 

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Quayside holiday apartment in Rye overlooks small craft moored to the waterfront at high tide
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Complete with a breakfast bar and Juliet balcony overlooking the quay of the River Rother, 16 The Boathouse is a romantic waterfront holiday apartment in Rye, affording couples on holiday along the East Sussex coastline the perfect home base to explore this historic port town.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages

Don’t miss Brighton, home to a massive stretch of shingle beach with a graceful pier. The town is scattered with historical landmarks such as the extravagant Royal Pavilion, built for the Prince Regent in 1822. Visit the Volk’s Electric Railway before weaving through The Laynes, home to a host of off-beat independent shops. Brighton hosts two of England’s biggest festivals: the Brighton Festival in May and the Paramount Comedy Festival in October.

Staying in a holiday cottage in East Sussex is an excellent opportunity to experience southeast England’s best-loved events, such as the opera at Glyndebourne, where you can take your own picnic, complete with candelabra. Visit the quaint fishing harbour at Hastings and see where King Harold fell in 1066, or walk along the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs with breathtaking views across the English Channel towards France. Rudyard Kipling lived and wrote many of his literary works in East Sussex while living at Batemans near Burwash. His home, reputedly haunted by Kipling’s ghost, is now owned by the National Trust and open to the public.