East Sussex is an English county full of surprises, where traditional British charm meets a touch of eccentricity and plenty of creativity.
From unusual outdoor festivals and lively music venues to unexpected street performances, there’s rarely a dull moment in this corner of England.
Yet, despite its modern character, this part of England has never lost touch with its history. Ancient castles tell stories of epic battles, while medieval towns invite you to wander through their winding streets and experience centuries-old traditions.
And, of course, no picture of East Sussex would be complete without its rolling green hills, striking white cliffs and the blue waters of the English Channel, where the sea breeze is never far away.
Rye, the medieval gem
Rye is a beautiful medieval town nestled among the gentle hills of East Sussex, just a few miles from the coast.
Its history stretches back more than a thousand years, and you can see traces of its fascinating past almost everywhere you look. Narrow, winding cobbled streets lead you past historic buildings, while Rye Castle, also known as Ypres Tower, offers a glimpse into the town’s turbulent history.
The town is full of colour, with the warm tones of its timber-framed houses and old stone buildings contrasting beautifully with the surrounding countryside, from green meadows to colourful flowers.
Every street offers something new to discover, whether it’s a little antique shop, an independent boutique or a cosy café where you can sample local specialities.
Rye is also a wonderfully creative place. Its art galleries and independent workshops celebrate local artists and craftspeople, while cultural events, markets and food festivals bring even more life to its historic streets.
Perhaps one of Rye’s most appealing features, however, is its connection to the sea. Although the town itself is no longer directly on the coastline, the nearby River Rother, Rye Harbour and surrounding stunning coastal landscapes offer plenty of opportunities for peaceful walks and beautiful views across the countryside.
Hastings, where history meets the sea
Hastings is much more than a traditional seaside resort. It’s a town with an extraordinary history, where centuries-old traditions sit alongside a thriving contemporary arts scene.
Its name is famously associated with the Battle of Hastings in 1066, when William the Conqueror defeated the Anglo-Saxon King Harold II, changing the course of English history forever.
Although the battle actually took place several miles away, near the present-day town of Battle, Hastings Castle is an excellent place to learn more about the Norman period. Standing high above the town, the ruins offer wonderful views over the coastline.
But Hastings isn’t a town that lives entirely in the past. Over the years, it has developed a lively cultural identity while preserving the traditions that make it special.
One of its most interesting areas is the Stade Fishing Quarter, home to one of Britain’s largest beach-launched fishing fleets. Here, you can wander among traditional fishermen’s huts, visit local pubs and explore small shops and markets.
Hastings Beach has a charm of its own, with its pebble shoreline and colourful seaside atmosphere. Along the seafront, you’ll also find street art, traditional amusements and the historic funicular railways, which carry visitors up the surrounding cliffs.
The town is full of unexpected discoveries, particularly when it comes to art. The Hastings Contemporary gallery, formerly known as the Jerwood Gallery, showcases modern and contemporary works in a striking building overlooking the fishing beach.
It’s a wonderful example of how Hastings combines its maritime heritage with a modern creative identity.
South Downs, the enchanting rolling hills
The South Downs are among England’s most beautiful natural landscapes, with rolling chalk hills stretching across southern England from Winchester to Eastbourne.
The South Downs Way, a long-distance National Trail, runs for approximately 100 miles (160 kilometres), taking walkers through some of the region’s most spectacular scenery.
Here, you’ll find numerous walking routes winding through open grasslands, woodlands, farmland and picturesque villages. Along the coast, the landscape becomes even more dramatic, with the famous white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head rising above the English Channel.
The South Downs are also home to a remarkable variety of wildlife.
As you explore, you may spot colourful wildflowers, butterflies and numerous bird species. The chalk grasslands are particularly important habitats for rare plants and insects, including several species of orchid, while peregrine falcons can sometimes be seen soaring above the coastal cliffs.
Whether you enjoy long countryside walks, wildlife watching or simply admiring beautiful scenery, the South Downs offer a wonderful opportunity to experience England’s natural beauty.
Brighton, East Sussex’s most eclectic city
With its colourful seafront, unusual independent shops and magnificent Royal Pavilion, Brighton is one of the most creative and exciting cities on England’s south coast.
Its distinctive atmosphere comes from its lively cultural scene, fashionable boutiques and famous nightlife, making it a popular destination for visitors of all ages.
One of Brighton’s best-known attractions is Brighton Palace Pier, a historic pleasure pier stretching out into the English Channel.
Here, you’ll find cafés, restaurants, traditional fairground rides and amusement arcades, all accompanied by wonderful views across the sea. The pier has become one of Brighton’s most recognisable landmarks and remains a favourite with visitors and locals.
Another fascinating part of Brighton is its historic shopping district, known as The Lanes.
This maze of narrow streets and alleyways is filled with independent shops, jewellery boutiques, cafés and traditional pubs. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon shopping, stopping for something to eat or simply enjoying the city’s distinctive atmosphere.
Brighton’s architectural masterpiece is undoubtedly the Royal Pavilion, an extraordinary former royal residence associated with King George IV.
Originally developed as a seaside retreat, the palace was transformed during the early nineteenth century into an extravagant building inspired by Indian architecture, with lavish interiors influenced by Chinese decorative styles.
Its spectacular domes, towers, gardens and richly decorated rooms make it one of the most unusual royal buildings in Britain. Today, the Pavilion is open to visitors and hosts exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.
As evening approaches, Brighton takes on a different character, with its many bars, clubs and live music venues welcoming people looking to enjoy the city’s nightlife.
With its flourishing arts scene, progressive culture and lively atmosphere, Brighton is a place where creativity and individuality are celebrated.
Eastbourne, elegance and natural beauty
Eastbourne is one of East Sussex’s most attractive seaside towns, welcoming visitors with its elegant seafront, traditional Victorian architecture and proximity to the famous red-and-white Beachy Head Lighthouse.
The heart of the town is its seafront, where you’ll find cafés, restaurants, shops and the celebrated Eastbourne Pier, a Victorian landmark extending out over the English Channel.
The pier offers traditional seaside attractions, places to eat and beautiful coastal views, making it a popular stop during a visit to the town.
Eastbourne is surrounded by some of the most spectacular natural scenery in southern England.
Nearby Beachy Head is the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, offering breathtaking views along the coast. The Seven Sisters Country Park is another highlight, providing access to the famous series of white chalk cliffs, open grassland and walking trails.
Culture also plays an important role in Eastbourne, with an excellent selection of theatres, art galleries and cultural events.
The Congress Theatre and Devonshire Park Theatre are two of the town’s main performance venues, hosting everything from musicals and plays to concerts, comedy and dance.
Eastbourne is also home to Towner Eastbourne, a leading contemporary art gallery featuring works by British and international artists. Its exhibitions and collections make it an excellent destination for anyone interested in modern art.
Lewes, the historic heart of the South Downs
Surrounded by the rolling hills of the South Downs, Lewes is a historic market town dominated by its impressive Norman castle, which dates back to the eleventh century.
Lewes Castle is one of the town’s most important historic landmarks, offering visitors the chance to explore its medieval remains and enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.
The adjoining Barbican House Museum houses collections exploring the archaeology and history of Sussex, providing a fascinating insight into the area’s past.
Lewes is particularly famous for its picturesque streets, lined with historic timber-framed houses, some of which date back to medieval times.
Among its most interesting buildings is Anne of Cleves House, named after Henry VIII’s fourth wife. Although Anne never lived there, the property formed part of the settlement following the annulment of their marriage.
The town also has connections to Thomas Paine, the influential political thinker and revolutionary who lived in Lewes during the eighteenth century.
Lewes High Street is the town’s main shopping street, reflecting its independent and distinctive character. Here, you’ll find traditional pubs, welcoming cafés, independent shops and local businesses offering a refreshing alternative to larger shopping centres.
The town is especially famous for its Bonfire Night celebrations, held every November to commemorate the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, alongside other historical and local traditions.
The celebrations are among the largest and most elaborate in Britain, featuring torchlit processions, costumes, bonfires and spectacular fireworks displays.
The River Ouse also flows through Lewes, adding to the town’s picturesque setting.
Nearby historic attractions include the remains of Lewes Priory, a former Cluniac monastery, and sites associated with the Battle of Lewes in 1264, an important conflict during the reign of Henry III.
Discover East Sussex on a study holiday in Eastbourne with Astrolabio
For your study holiday in Eastbourne, we offer accommodation at Eastbourne College, a prestigious boarding school in an excellent location, just a short walk from the seafront and town centre.
You can stay in single, double or shared rooms with communal bathrooms, located in different buildings across the campus. If you’d prefer to experience everyday life with a local family, host family accommodation is also available on request for students aged 14 and over.
Your English course includes 30 hours of lessons over the two-week programme, including three hours of cultural exchange sessions. Classes are organised according to your English level, which is assessed through a placement test, and students follow age-appropriate courses.
Your programme also includes three full-day excursions, with two visits to London and one to Brighton. In London, you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour and a museum visit, while the Brighton excursion includes a sightseeing tour and admission to the magnificent Royal Pavilion.
You’ll also have two half-day outings in Eastbourne, giving you the chance to discover more of the town and enjoy some free time.
Back at the college, there’s a fantastic selection of sports and creative activities organised by the school staff. You can take part in tennis, cricket, fitness sessions, team games, arts and crafts, and music workshops.
You’ll also have access to the college’s excellent facilities, including extensive green spaces, sports courts, a multifunctional theatre and a modern sports centre with a gym and swimming pool.
And when evening arrives, the fun continues! Our English-speaking Activity Leaders organise social events where you can spend time with your new friends from Britain and around the world.
From disco nights and murder mystery games to casino evenings and a memorable sunset walk to Beachy Head, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy yourself while practising your English!
