Photo: Jim Osley, CC BY-SA 2.0Things to do in East Sussex
East Sussex packs a lot into one county: the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, the site of the Battle of Hastings, Kipling's home, a moated castle straight out of a picture book and the heath and woodland of Ashdown Forest.
We have included Brighton here too. Brighton and Hove is a unitary authority in its own right, but it sits within the ceremonial county of East Sussex.
This is also bonfire country. Lewes on 5 November is the best known, but Firle, Battle, Hastings and Robertsbridge each hold their own nights through the autumn.
Coast and cliffs
From Cuckmere Haven to Hastings Old Town.
Image: Seven Sisters Country ParkSeven Sisters Country Park
The classic view of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs starts here, where the Cuckmere river meanders down to the sea. A level trail runs about 2km to the shingle beach at Cuckmere Haven, so it works for pushchairs and less confident walkers too.
Why it's here: The classic view of the Seven Sisters, with a level trail of about 2km to the beach and the Saltmarsh Café open daily from 9am.
Image: National TrustBirling Gap and the Seven Sisters
Birling Gap is where the South Downs meet the sea at the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, one of the longest undeveloped stretches of the south coast. Walk the clifftop downland, or take the steps down to the shingle beach for rock pools and fossil hunting. The National Trust café, shop and visitor centre sit on the cliff top.
Why it's here: Clifftop downland, rock pools and fossil hunting below the Seven Sisters, with a National Trust café on top.
Image: Visit Eastbourne (Eastbourne Borough Council)Beachy Head
Britain's highest chalk sea cliff, rising 162 metres above the lighthouse and the Channel. Walk up from the western end of Eastbourne seafront on the South Downs Way, or park at the top and stroll towards Belle Tout.
Why it's here: Britain's highest chalk sea cliff, 162 metres above the lighthouse, on the South Downs Way.
Image: Visit 1066 Country (Hastings Borough Council)East Hill Cliff Railway, Hastings
A short, steep cliff railway climbing from Hastings Old Town to the clifftop at East Hill. At the top, Hastings Country Park opens out with sweeping coastal views, and at the bottom you are beside the beach-launched fishing fleet.
Why it's here: A steep cliff railway from Hastings Old Town to Hastings Country Park, beside the beach-launched fishing fleet.
History and great houses
Castles, a battlefield, a writer's home and a palace.
Image: National TrustBodiam Castle
A moated 14th-century castle in the Rother valley that looks exactly like a child's drawing of a castle. Inside the walls it is an open ruin, so you can climb the towers and explore the courtyard, then walk the grounds and parkland around the moat.
Why it's here: A moated 14th-century castle in the Rother valley with towers to climb and a riverside tea-room.
Image: English Heritage1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
The place where the Battle of Hastings was fought in 1066, with the abbey William the Conqueror built on the spot where Harold is said to have fallen. Walk the battlefield with an audio tour, climb the gatehouse for views and finish at the playground by the café.
Why it's here: The 1066 battlefield, the abbey built where Harold is said to have fallen and a history-themed playground by the café.
Image: National TrustBateman's
Rudyard Kipling's 17th-century Jacobean home, with his study and rooms kept much as he left them. Outside there is a quiet garden, a working watermill he wrote about and 300 acres of High Weald countryside to walk.
Why it's here: Rudyard Kipling's 17th-century home, with a working watermill and 300 acres of High Weald countryside to walk.
Image: Sussex Archaeological Society (Sussex Past)Lewes Castle and Museum
A Norman castle built after the Battle of Hastings, with steep steps up to the keep and panoramic views across Lewes and the Sussex countryside. The museum covers prehistoric to medieval Sussex, which makes it a handy rainy-day add-on.
Why it's here: A Norman castle with panoramic views from the keep and a museum of prehistoric to medieval Sussex.
Image: Brighton & Hove MuseumsRoyal Pavilion
George IV's seaside palace, Indian-style domes outside and lavish Chinese-inspired interiors inside. It is Brighton's best wet-weather visit, a short walk from the pier and the Lanes.
Why it's here: George IV's seaside palace in Brighton, with Indian-style domes and lavish Chinese-inspired interiors.
Family days
A zoo, a landscape garden and a forest.
Image: Drusillas ParkDrusillas Park
A family zoo aimed at younger children, mixing animals with rides, play areas and soft play. It is one of the easiest full days out in East Sussex for families with under-10s.
Why it's here: A family zoo for younger children near Alfriston, open every day except 24 to 26 December.
Image: National TrustSheffield Park and Garden
A Grade I listed landscape garden built around five lakes linked by cascades, shaped by 'Capability' Brown and Humphry Repton. The wider parkland and East Park suit a longer walk with the dog.
Why it's here: Five lakes linked by cascades, with more than 300 acres of parkland and free parking.
Image: Ashdown ForestAshdown Forest
Open heathland and woodland that inspired the Hundred Acre Wood in the Winnie-the-Pooh stories. Big skies, long views and miles of paths make it a favourite for dog walks and family rambles, with Poohsticks Bridge an easy target for younger children.
Why it's here: Open heathland, Poohsticks Bridge and the Ashdown Forest Centre's information barn and café.
Bonfire nights
Two very different ways to see a Sussex bonfire.
Image: Cliffe Bonfire SocietyLewes Bonfire Night
The UK's most famous bonfire night sees six Lewes societies march torch-lit processions through the narrow streets before heading to separate fire sites for bonfires and fireworks. It is held on 5 November itself, with visiting societies from across Sussex.
Why it's here: Six societies march torch-lit processions through Lewes on Thursday 5 November. Very noisy and crowded, and visitors are advised not to travel in if they do not live in Lewes.
Image: Firle Bonfire SocietyFirle Bonfire Night
Firle Bonfire Society's night combines a flaming torchlit procession through the village with a grand bonfire and a large fireworks display in the park. It is a traditional Sussex bonfire in a downland village setting near Lewes.
Why it's here: A torchlit procession through Firle village at 7pm on Saturday 24 October, then a bonfire and fireworks in the park, with free stewarded parking and under-13s free.
Questions people ask
What is there to do in East Sussex?
Walk the Seven Sisters from Seven Sisters Country Park or Birling Gap, visit Bodiam Castle, Battle Abbey and Bateman's, spend a day at Drusillas, or explore Ashdown Forest. In autumn, the bonfire season adds processions and fireworks.
Should I travel to Lewes for Bonfire Night?
Visit Lewes and the district council advise people who do not live in Lewes not to travel in. Roads close from 4.45pm, no trains stop at Lewes after 3pm and there is no town centre parking.
Is Brighton in East Sussex?
Brighton and Hove is a unitary authority, separate from East Sussex County Council, but it lies within the ceremonial county of East Sussex.