The Kent and Sussex coastline stretches all the way from Gravesend in the east round to Chichester Harbour in the west and includes some of the South coast's most iconic cliff top locations, plus an array of traditional seaside resorts with sandy, shingle and pebble beaches to explore, rock pools to discover and the cosmopilitian city of Brighton to experience.
Take a look below and discover some of the South Coast's beauty spots, where you enjoy stunning natural beauty, copious amounts of fresh air, breathtaking views, wildlife, walks and time away from it all. Mixed in with some of the iconic man made treasures that shouldn't be missed on your next visit to the South East England.
South East England’s coastline is recognised around the world by its distinctive white chalk cliffs that greet you on arrival at Dover. The cliffs, on both sides of the town of Dover in Kent, stretch for eight miles and offer stunning views of the English Channel.
Deal was once a major port and is steeped in history. A former smuggling haunt, the seafront now overlooks a pebble beach that offers breathtaking views of the Channel. Many agree that Deal is a unique and special place and was recently rated the best seaside resort out of 91 resorts in the UK.
Margate main sands, Thanet, a wide sweeping golden sandy beach with children's rides and amusement arcades, ideal for a traditional beach holiday destination, full of English charm and morden culture. The regenerated Old Town and Harbour Arm are packed with hip hangouts and retro shops, artists and galleries following in the footsteps of JMW Turner and Tracey Emin.
Botany Bay, Kent, is located on the outskirts of Broadstairs. The beach features a number of iconic chalk stacks and is a great location for fossil hunting and rock pooling . A hotspot for smuggling in its day, it is said Botany Bay got its name from the fate of those caught and deportation to Botany Bay, Australia. The 32 mile Viking Coastal Trail stretches around the entire peninsular which makes this an ideal walkers paradise.
Situated in the heart of White Cliffs Country, St Margaret’s is an ideal place for walking, cycling or just enjoying the surroundings of this tranquil village. Paths from the bay lead up to the cliff top (image above) where you can take a walk and admire the stunning views. Make a pit stop at The Coastguard public house - Britain's nearest pub to France.
In 2021, Kent's Heritage Coast which stretches from the south of Folkestone to the beaches north of Dover, was on only part of the UK featured in the Lonely Planet’s list of the world’s best regions to visit in 2022, definitely one to add to your visit list.
Ramsgate Harbour, a scenic marina in Thanet and the only 'Royal Harbour' in the country. It is over 200 years since this title was bestowed by King George IV and today you can enjoy the sandy bays either side of this working marina or time in one of the many alfresco cafes and resturants lining the harbour walls.
Connecting 1400km of shoreline from the South Downs to Thames Estuary, England's Creative Coast, links outstanding galleries and arts organisations across the Kent, Sussex & Essex coastlines.
The Seven Sisters are part of a magnificent stretch of coastline between Seaford and Eastbourne and include the beauty spot of Beachy Head. This area is designated and protected as a 'Heritage Coast' and offers 8 miles of amazing walks from one end to the other.
If love the feel of sand between your toes, don’t miss the chance to visit Camber Sands in 1066 Country. The two miles of golden sands are the only ones with a dune system, in East Sussex, and are perfect for long winter walks or summer sandcastle building. Take to the water and learn to kite surf, or hire an e bike in Camber and explore this stunning section of the coast.
Enjoy a visit to the new Discovery Centre at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Hire a bicycle from Rye and cycle out to the nature reserve, where the magnificent new discovery centre and Henry VIII’s Camber Castle reflect styles of architecture over 400 years apart. The reserve is a paradise for bird watchers, walkers, cyclists and beach combers.
Take a ride on the steepest cliff railway in England, the East Hill funicular in Hastings. As well as superb views across Hastings Old Town and the English Channel to Beachy Head you’ll gain access to Hastings Country Park – an area of outstanding natural beauty and site of special scientific interest. The park is a mixture of glens, coastal walks, waterfalls and streams.
Dscover and explore one of the UK's 7 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, at Brighton. These areas promote conservation with sustainable use. The Brighton biosphere combines rural, marine and urban environments from the chalk hill, coast of the south downs and within and around the city.
Admire the Pier of the Year. Worthing's Victorian / Art Deco landmark on the south east coast is a true icon of the British seaside. Colourful artwork and great architecture make this a top instagrammable location in Sussex. Will Young also filmed his ‘My Love’ video here!
Take a seat on the longest bench in the UK at Littlehampton, West Sussex. Opened on the 30th July 2010, the bench seats over 300 people and overlooks the town’s award-winning Blue Flag beach.
A visit to the Sussex coast is not complete without spending some time in Brighton. This cosmopolitan city has a unique vibe and personality, offering a host Brighton beach attractions, a rich Victorian heritage and the criss crossing 'Lanes' for wandering, shopping and exploring in. Take a trip out the Rampion offshore windfarm, from Brighton. The Rampion Offshore Wind Farm generates enough green electricity to power the equivalent of around 350,000 UK homes. It comprises 116 turbines on a 70 square kilometre site located between 13 and 20 kilometres off the Sussex coast in the English Channel. Ride the world’s oldest working electric railway which runs for one and a quarter mile along the top of Brighton beach from the Aquarium. Built in 1883 by Magnus Volk, who lived, designed, and built the Volks Railway. Take a trip up the Brighton i360, now part of the Brighton skyline and offers the chance to enjoy 360 degree views over the city and Sussex coastline. Located just in front of the former West Peir, you can admire two of Brighton's coastal icons in one go.
Why not explore the best places to visit on the Hampshire and Dorset coast too?
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