East Sussex, English Coast

The East Sussex coast is known for offering energetic towns such as Brighton, but also the unspoilt picturesque coastal scenery of locations such as Beachy Head. Historically, East Sussex is best known as the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. East Sussex is part of the kingdom of the South Saxons established after the departure of the Romans in around the 5th century AD.

The eastern coast line begins at the border with Kent around Camber Sands, following round west to the estuary of the River Rother at the ancient 'cinque port' town of Rye. Winchelsea Beach and the Pett Levels follows, and the rocky beach at Fairlight Cove which is a good fossil hunting area. The remains of a submerged forest are visible here at at low tide. Next is the historic town of Hastings. Bexhill is a traditional seaside town, as the coast goes around to the popular tourist resort of Eastbourne, and to the beautiful Beachy Head. 500 foot cliffs go around to Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters Country Park. The coastline now reaches the bustling seaside town of Brighton, after passing through Newhaven and the River Ouse, and Cuckmere Haven.

Points of nature interest include the Rye Harbour nature reserve, which has been named as one of the UK's top 10 locations for bird watching. You will find sanderlings, terns, waders, ducks, Smew and bitterns. At Pett Pools there is a habitat for rare species of bird such as the Smew. East Sussex has many Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) such as in Rye Bay, Special Protection Areas (SPA), Important Bird Areas (IBA) , and Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI). The Pett Level to Dungeness area is to be designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The coastline is mostly shingle, but there are sandy beaches at Camber Sands and Broomhill Sands. The Camber Sands beach is unusual in East Sussex in that you will find the only sand dunes in this area.

East of Rye, the Romney Marshes are one of the largest coastal marshes in England. The marsh is dotted with grazing sheep, and a series of ditches to control water levels.