The Best Free Things To Do In East Sussex

A host of free days out in East Sussex

When it comes to planning an adventure in East Sussex, you won’t be stuck for things to do. With stunning scenery in every direction, you cast your eye at an abundance of activities for the young and the young at heart. It’s no wonder it’s such a popular all-year round destination for couples, friends, families - and your four-legged friends of course!

Did we mention the best bit? There’s a huge variety of free activities and things to do in the area. We’ve listed some of our favourites, and then we’ll leave the difficult task of itinerary planning to you - we know for sure there’ll be a number of things you’ll want to add to the list!

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Grab your spades, buckets and bodyboards

You simply can’t beat a sunny day on the beach, and in East Sussex you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to seaside spots to choose from. There’s Beachy Head on Beachy Head Road in Eastbourne; beautiful scenery, blue skies (hopefully!) and glorious white chalk cliffs alongside the famous lighthouse. Brighton Beach is another incredibly popular choice with ice cream for days. Follow the masses for the ultimate family day out.

Grab your towels, walking boots and the whole family and head over to the beach!

Follow the trail

Cycling and walking are two of the obvious choices for a free day out, but when it’s East Sussex that you’re trekking through, trust us when we say it’ll feel more like a luxury one-of-a-kind experience - the routes are simply breathtaking.

Some iconic spots for cycling and walking include The Cuckoo Trail, a 16-mile route which takes you from Heathfield to Eastbourne SeaFront via Hampden Park. The Undercliff Walk under Brighton's cliff top is a must-do too, with a wide and flat concrete path following the coast with amazing views along the way. As a Traveller Choice for 2021, spend two or three hours exploring Devil’s Dyke National Trust, just five miles north of Brighton, which offers stunning panoramas, a record breaking valley and a blanket of beautiful flowers all year around.

People and boat watching

Another popular way to spend an afternoon in East Sussex is wandering around the Brighton Marina watching the world, boats and people go by. It's one of Europe’s largest marinas and a lifestyle hotspot in Brighton. The marina features a working harbour and residential housing alongside a variety of leisure and retail activities - as well as fantastic bars and restaurants.

Seven Sisters

You simply can’t come to East Sussex and not spend some time at the Seven Sisters. Located at the point where the South Downs meets the sea, the seven peaks were created when ancient rivers cut valleys into the chalk. It comprises 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland. The ‘Sisters’ are part of the Heritage Coast, and will be protected for generations to come as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.

Picnic in the Park

There’s a number of green spaces around East Sussex ideal for a family day out. Pack a picnic and bring your furry friends to one of these parks for a day filled with fresh air and space: there’s Hove Park located in Goldstone Crescent, Hove; Stanmer Park on Lewes Road in Brighton; Preston Park on your way into Brighton; and Alexandra Park in Hastings.

A street that you have never visited is a book that you have never read!

If it’s the hustle and bustle of narrow streets, shops and friendly faces you’re after then head to one of these touristy spots in East Sussex.

No trip to Rye would be complete without a walk down Mermaid Street - a beautiful route with old houses and full of history. The Lanes in Brighton are steeped in culture with an array of interesting shops and restaurants. The high street in Old Town Hastings is another must-do and an easy and interesting way to spend a morning. Finally, if that’s still not enough to excite the kids, then Brighton Palace Pier featuring arcades and great amusements is bound to do the job!

These are simply a handful of options when it comes to free days out in East Sussex - the more you look the more you’ll find which is why people come back time and time again!