Our favourite holiday cottages on the Sussex coast

Scattered with seaside resorts, beautiful beaches and a variety of fantastic days out for families and couples alike, the Sussex coast is one of the UK’s top seaside holiday destinations. Imagine stepping from your holiday cottage right on to the beach at Camber Sands, waking to sea views in Hastings or dining on fish and chips on the pier before retreating to your coastal cottage in Eastbourne.

We have handpicked some of our favourite holiday cottages on the Sussex coast that offer unique and memorable seaside holidays. Or you can skip straight to our coastal collection... 

The best cottages on the Sussex coast with beach access

The ultimate beach holiday in the UK is one where you can wander straight out the door and on to your own private beach.

Old Coastguard Cottage – Pett Level

Exuding coastal charm, this cosy seaside hideaway is just a few steps below Pett Level beach, which you have direct access to from the garden. Early risers can fill up a flask and enjoy their first coffee of the day during a stroll along the shingle or why not pack a picnic lunch or take a sunset stroll?

Sleeps: 4 + 1 dog

Best for: Quiet seaside holidays in Sussex

4 Marine Cottages – Camber Sands

Beach-loving families will be in their element in this whitewashed 1930s cottage, which looks out over the sprawling Camber Sands. Built directly on the beach, the cottage shares a private section of sand with neighbouring Camber Sands cottages. So, no matter how busy the beach gets in summer, you will always be guaranteed a spot on the sand.

Discover more about the area with our guide to Camber Sands. 

Sleeps: 5

Best for: Traditional family beach holidays

Pevensey Bay Beach Retreat – Pevensey Bay

This impressive coastal cottage is located right on the seafront at Pevensey Bay with beautiful views out to sea. Roll back the stylish bifold doors from the open-plan living space to reveal a beautiful spot for dining alfresco. Step through the garden gate and straight on to the quiet and unspoilt Pevensey Bay beach. Walk into town or head for larger coastal resorts such as Eastbourne.

Sleeps: 8 + 1 dog

Best for: The ultimate beach retreat

Chenies – Middleton-on-Sea

This large family home offers an abundance of luxury extras that make it the perfect accommodation for large gatherings. As well as a lawn that backs right onto the beach, and a balcony that soaks up the sunset views over the sea, there is also a swimming pool, hot tub and a huge garden for relaxing and playing games! 

Sleeps: 16 + 1 dog

Best for: Big multi-generational family holidays

The best cottages on the Sussex coast with sea views

Nothing beats waking to sound of waves or enjoying your morning coffee on the balcony as you gaze out to sea wondering what the day ahead will hold.

Beachside – Bexhill on Sea

A pleasant Edwardian holiday apartment set just back across the promenade in Bexhill-on-Sea. Wake to sea views from the master bedroom and listen to the waves as you lie back and feel a sense of calm and serenity. A full-length conservatory and balcony offer up the best sunny spot for enjoying the views and the fresh sea air. 

Sleeps: 4

Best for: A romantic couple’s holiday or a small family break

Beach View Apartment - Eastbourne

Close to Eastbourne’s Sovereign Harbour Marina with its restaurants and bars, this elegant apartment overlooks the beach. With the gentle sound of the waves and a fresh nautical interior, this delightful apartment offers a true taste of beachside living and a chance to rejuvenate away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Sleeps: 4

Best for: A mix of tranquillity with the buzz of the seaside 

Vista Sul Mar   – St Leonards-on-Sea

This tranquil apartment is just a 3-minute walk to the seafront, and it offers a stylish and spacious base for a couple. You will love spending time in the pretty patio garden – a beautiful space for dining alfresco, with views out to sea. Explore St Leonards’ galleries, shop and restaurants or take a pleasant stroll beyond the pier and into the bustling centre of Hastings. 

Sleeps: 2

Best for: Romantic, good old-fashioned seaside breaks

House on the Hill – Hastings

This spectacular property with a boutique hotel style sits high upon a hill in Hastings Old Town with views out to sea. There are plenty of cosy corners to take in the views like soaking in the tub in the master bedroom. Complete with decadent interiors, a cinema room, pretty courtyards for alfresco dining and spacious living areas and beautiful bedrooms, it is the perfect holiday cottage for a crowd.

Sleeps: 10

Best for: Reunions or big celebrations with friends  

The best cottages within 5 miles of the Sussex coast

Combine the very best of Sussex coast and countryside and base yourselves just a few miles away from some of the most popular seaside towns in Sussex.

The Old Vicarage – Icklesham

This stunning Georgian house is made for family gatherings, enjoying sumptuous, spacious rooms, a pool table, a large garden with a summerhouse, and is located within walking distance to the local pub. Just 5 miles from the port town of Rye and just a little further to Winchelsea Beach and Camber, the Sussex coast is just far enough away to benefit from the best of coast and country.

Discover more about Rye in our guide to the pretty town.  

Sleeps: 12

Best for: Enjoying the best of coast and country as a family

Hollis Street Cottage – Nr Bexhill-on-Sea

This beautiful listed cottage with bundles of charm is in the East Sussex village of Ninfield with its village shop, farm shop and two pubs that you can walk to from the cottage. Here you can enjoy the peace and charm of staying in a rural village with the benefit of being able to reach Bexhill-on-Sea in less than 5 miles and Hastings in less than 10.

Sleeps: 6 + 1 dog

Best for: Walkers and history lovers

Have we inspired you to take a seaside holiday on the Sussex coast? Whether you have fallen in love with one of these stunning holiday cottages or you would like to see the full collection, we are sure you will find somewhere simply perfect to rediscover classic seaside holidays on the Great British coast.

To help plan your break in Sussex, check out our complete guide, find the best family days out and discover the very best of Camber Sands and Rye.