10 of the best Sussex beaches around Brighton and beyond

From shingle beaches to windswept ones, here are the 10 best Sussex beaches, ranked by The Beach Guide, around Brighton and Hove, and into Sussex beyond. 

1 Camber Sands Beach

One of the few sandy beaches in Sussex, Camber Sands’ shoreline lies behind undulating windswept sand dunes. Close to Rye and to where the River Rother runs into the sea, Camber Sands is a long stretch of beach, so it’s a good call in the peak of summer when the crowds are flocking to the sea. It’s also a good spot for windsurfing and kite-surfing.

2 Birling Gap Beach

With dramatic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs looming overhead, Birling Gap Beach is a long stretch of untampered shoreline that has a raw and wild beauty to it. Found between Eastbourne and Brighton, the beach is made up of pebbles, with some sandy patches. A Tripadvisor review said: “We knew the White Cliffs of Dover, but it looked somehow more different and spectacular here. Many tourists were around, but we all knew it was worth it to come here.”

3 Brighton Beach

Perhaps Britain’s most famous beach, Blue Flag Brighton Beach is home to the iconic Palace Pier. Busy all year round, whatever the weather, there’s rides, snacks and food as well as entertainment nearby. One Tripadvisor reviewer said: “This is a pebble beach quite close to London. We spent the day at the beach sun bathing. The water was cold but not freezing. The beach was reasonably clean and litter free… Do carry slippers or sandals because it’s nearly impossible to walk on the beach bare foot owing to the sharp small stones near the water’s edge.”

4 Cuckmere Haven Beach

This quiet beach sits to the east of the Seven Sister which make for a beautiful background. Found at the mouth of Cuckmere river, the pebbly beach comes with lots of idyllic countryside charm and has been used as a location for films such as Harry Potter and Robin Hood. It’s also a popular spot for anglers. A Tripadvisor user commented: “It is just a really nice walk to the stony beach and then it is normally a bit wild and rough and just a great view on the Seven Sisters. You will recognize this place in many English movies.”

5 Bexhill Beach

A Victorian era seaside resort, the shingle Bexhill beach has a long promenade and quaint beach huts. On the quiet side and manned by lifeguards in season, it’s also a good choice for families. A Tripadvisor review stated: “On the day we visited the beach was extremely quiet which surprised me as the weather was gorgeous. The beach is lined by a lovely prom, which is dotted with several cafes and ice cream parlours. A lovely place for a walk with the dog.”

6 Fairlight Glen Beach

A nudist beach, frequented by nudists and non-nudists, Fairlight Glen Beach is on the way to Hastings. More a beach for working on your tan lines, the beach has no lifeguard and rocks are submerged in the surf. A review on the naturuist.guide said: “Amazing beach. Went down yesterday morning to lunchtime as was sunny and low tide was able to walk a fairly long way along the tide line on the sand. Absolutely relaxing and joyful. Real mix of people from the usual 60+ and at least as many 20 to 50 in couples and singles including single women which for me demonstrates how laid back and cool this place is. A few non nudies but mainly nude.”

7 Pevensey Bay

Just near Eastbourne, Pevensey Bay is where William the Conqueror landed in 1066 before the Battle of Hastings. The middle-ages port town is now a fairly quiet beach that has views over the channel. Tripadvisor said: “Lovely pebbly beach to visit any time of the day and evening, nature as it should be beautiful & serene. Beach clean and quiet. Very relaxing place to be. Lots of dog walkers.”

8 Seaford Bay

Found between Seaford Head and Newhaven, Seaford Bay is a pebble beach that is good for families, thanks to its ample parking and volunteer lifeguards who patrol the beach on weekends during high season. A Tripadvisor said: “Quiet, lovely wide pebble beach. Wide concrete walkway. On road parking. There was a beach side kiosk with deck chairs on the beach selling hot drinks, toasties and cakes.”

9 Cooden Beach

A quintessential Sussex beach popular with kite-surfers and windsurfers, Cooden Beach is super easy to get to thanks to the beachside train station. A Google review said that the beach was “a great place for walking and catching some sea air”.

10 Normans Bay

Sitting between Eastbourne and Bexhill, Normans Bay has a camping and caravan ground nearby. A fairly windy beach, this is a good kite-flying spot and depending on the weather, you can see Beachy Head’s chalky cliffs. With no lifeguards and signs warning of sinking sand, it’s best to stick to the shingle patches. One part of the bay is popular with nudists.