Not so long ago, visiting East Sussex meant a day trip to Brighton or possibly extending your visit to a mildly hungover night in the nearest available B&B. But the county has so much more to offer than a sunburnt nose and a throbbing head: witness award-winning vineyards, fab gardens, great walks along the South Downs National Park and a clutch of super-cool art galleries. Thanks to these, there’s no shortage of gorgeous hotels to choose from – and with the news that Towner art gallery will be hosting the Turner Prize next year, we’ve included in our recommendations a couple of Eastbourne boltholes that will please even the pickiest of art lovers.
The best hotels in East Sussex are:
The perfect place to sip a glass of wine
(Flint Barns)
Neighbourhood: near Alfriston
Worry no longer about drink-driving limits – some of the county’s biggest players on the vineyard scene now offer overnight stays. The sprawling Rathfinny Estate, where you can even marry among the vines, has an exquisitely converted flintstone barn constructed from locally sourced materials. Its 10 light-flooded rooms have the look of a highly glam hostel: vintage blankets and old-school bedsteads mix with bare flint walls, vaulted ceilings and picture windows overlooking the vines. There’s a communal living room with slouchy sofas, alongside a courtyard where you can relax over a glass of Rathfinny’s finest sparkling. Afterwards, dine at Flint Barns or the Michelin-recommended Tasting Room. Both offer locally sourced goodies like Sussex asparagus, Romney Marsh lamb and Newhaven seabream.
Charleston, the spiritual home of the Bloomsbury Set, is six miles away; pretty Alfriston village, just two miles; and the 100-mile long South Downs Way is easily accessible.
Price: Doubles from £100, B&B
This boutique hotel is worth a trip in itself
(The Gallivant)
Neighbourhood: near Rye
Brighton too crowded? Head instead to Camber Sands and you’ll find The Gallivant – a stunning adults-only boutique hotel plonked within coastal gardens opposite the beach. Half hotel, half members-only club, this former motel is pure Scandi-chic meets New-England cool. Weathered timber walls and breezy beachy furnishings enliven its 20 smallish bedrooms. Some have private sun decks, and despite the lack of sea-views, all have divine mattresses alongside quirky details like framed vintage swimming costumes. Spend time in historic Rye or on blustery dune walks, then pop into the Beach Hut Spa for an…
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