Sussex

The very best places to stay in Sussex

Home to Winnie the Pooh, South Downs National Park, magnificent castles and windswept beaches, Sussex offers a truly diverse blend. Nature is everywhere – ancient woodlands blend into rolling hills, which stretch right down to the white chalk Seven Sisters cliffs.

But this region is also home to some super-cool urban areas. Trendy Brighton & Hove; historic Rye, Lewes & Petworth, all of them packed with great independent shops and creative flair. Add world-class wineries, foodie restaurants and local farmers’ markets into the equation and you’ve all the ingredients for an amazing Suffolk holiday.
Base yourself at one of our romantic cabins with hot tub, seaside homes or dog-friendly cottages. Or bring a crowd: we’ve found some fantastic big houses here, that families and friends will love; one the former home of AA Milne (cleverly looping back to the start there!)

Kip tips:
• Architecture: keep an eye out for flint-built cottages combined with timber beams; both hallmarks of the region. We also love the futurisric, eco-friendly glasshouses at Wakehurst Place, an offshoot of Kew Gardens, and the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, an exotic fusion of Indian and Chinese influences, with its striking domes and minarets.
• Must-do: hike the hidden South Downs hotspots. Places like Devil’s Dyke or the remote paths around Harting Down are much quieter than the well-trodden lanes, with stunning panoramic views.
• With kids: spend a day at 11thC Arundel Castle, which is full of interactive displays to enchant children. They can try on costumes in the Knight’s Hall – including medieval armour – then run free in the Jungle Garden outside.
• Foodie treat: book in for the tasting menu The Salt Room in Brighton. Coastal inspired, the seafood is freshly pulled from the sea each morning, and the shellfish bisque is a thing of beauty.
• Best activity: While Brighton gets all the attention, the sandy stretches and quiet coves around Selsey and Pagham offer a more peaceful seaside day. Pack a picnic, find a quiet spot, and enjoy the calm waters.
• Secret Kip tip: Knepp Estate is a pioneering rewilding project, where you can spot purple emperor butterflies, nightingales, turtle doves or even nesting white storks between April and August.

Why book a Sussex holiday with Kip Hideaways?
We endlessly research and curate the very best places to stay across the UK: all gorgeous and great value. Beautiful, unique style is a must for us but it’s the thoughtful detail and owners who really care that make our hideaways so special. Our Sussex hideaways include romantic cabins with hot tubs, beachside homes, big historic houses for a group, family-friendly places with cool kids’ bedrooms and some amazing architecture…