Holiday destination under an hour from London has ‘UK’s only desert’ and warmest beach, plus plenty of free attractions
With 140 miles of beautiful coastline, rolling countryside dotted with nature reserves and endless eating and drinking options, Sussex offers all your holiday essentials.
This is a county packed with things to do, from wildlife watching to delving into a history that will intrigue both adults and children.
If you’re into seafood, in Sidlesham is a good choice, while in Worthing and in Brighton are also highly rated for theirs.
You’ve also got your choice of chippies by the sea, with in Selsey and in Dungeness being recommended by Sun readers and local experts.
Read More on UK beaches
Dungeness used to be called Britain's only desert, but the Met Office stopped that officially in 2015, as deserts need little rainfall and large differences in day and night temperatures... and it has neither.
When it’s time to burn it all off, take your pick of activities, including paddleboarding in a sheltered inland lake near Camber Sands with a company like .
A recent actually showed that Camber Sands is the Uk beach to get warmest first in spring, hitting highs of 19C.
Active families could hit a cycle path together, with options that include the , which traces the seafront of Worthing and beyond.
Wet weather options include Sussex’s impressive range of free museums, like in Chichester and in Hastings, which both offer activities for children.
, and Brighton’s are also highly rated as indoor options.
To dive deeper into Tudor life, you could head to the in Lewes, which has a traditional Tudor garden and a dressing-up box for kids.
Near Chichester, is home to an ancient forest of yews, while is teeming with wildlife.
If your idea of holiday bliss is simply to relax on the beach, then Sussex has you covered.
You’re in for a treat with both pebble and sandy beaches running right along the coastline, and traditional seaside resorts.
Brighton, Bognor Regis, Eastbourne and Rye offer pretty promenades and piers loaded with attractions and arcades.
And West Wittering, Camber Sands, Seaford and Worthing beaches are all consistently highly rated, with West Wittering and Hove awarded Blue Flag status for safety and water quality.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
But you’re also never far from a quieter beach.
Those looking to escape the crowds can slink off to somewhere like the far end of Seal Bay in West Sussex or the beach at Rye Nature Reserve, both recommended by our £9.50 Holiday park staff.