things to do in East Sussex

8 Best Things to do in East Sussex

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

This list of things to do in East Sussex is sponsored by Classic Cottages.

When planning a weekend break in the UK, East Sussex might not be the first destination that springs to mind.

With the likes of Norfolk, the New Forest and the Cotswolds  dominating the short break headlines, East Sussex is often overlooked – and unjustly so.

A warren of magical villages filled with ancient timbered homes, historic pubs and cobbled streets, East Sussex is easily one of the most beautiful parts of England. Add to this its proximity to the coast – lying just a stone’s throw from the golden dunes of Camber Sands and the eerily beautiful Dungeness – and East Sussex becomes the entire package.

With plenty of things to do in East Sussex, including trips to beautiful Rye, adventures in Winnie-the-Pooh’s very own Ashdown Forest and the chance to enjoy fish & chips in Hastings Old Town, a trip here is a fantastically wholesome one.

Below is our list of top things to do in East Sussex – including where to stay.

things to do in East Sussex[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

 

Luxury Cottages in East Sussex

Before we begin this list of the best things to do in East Sussex, a quick note on where to stay.

One of the reasons we visited East Sussex was to stay in a luxury cottage, booked through the fantastic Classic Cottages. Originally set up in 1977 by Tony and Clare, today Classic Cottages offer over 1,300 holiday cottages across the UK.

Importantly, these homes are not only incredibly family-friendly, but beautiful, too.

Having stayed with a number of UK holiday cottage companies over the years, we were incredibly impressed by the quality of the homes offered by Classic Cottages. Furthermore, we noticed that they were all incredibly reasonably priced (something not always guaranteed by their competitors).

As our weekend break to East Sussex would be our first time travelling as a six – our partners and toddlers joining us – we were keen to book somewhere suitably spacious. We were hoping to find somewhere that would offer both plenty of room for the kids to run around in, alongside enough bedrooms to ensure we weren’t all waking each other up during the night.

We were also after a big shared living space – one where we could cook, entertain the toddlers and relax with a glass of wine after bed and bath.

After much browsing of Classic Cottages’ properties in East Sussex, we came across the very handsome Castlemans Coach House.

Located in Sedlescombe, a short drive from Battle (the heart of 1066 country), Castlemans Coach House is the ideal luxury cottage for large groups – sleeping up to 8 (plus two cots for little ones). Once three buildings now beautifully combined, the Coach House provides plenty of space for large families, including a pretty garden and a generous outdoor entertaining area.

When we visited, we were blown away by just how characterful and high-end the house felt. Filled with ancient exposed beams, a roaring fire and a gleaming Aga, the Coach House seemed more like a luxury retreat, rather than a holiday cottage.

We had everything we needed for a (more than) comfortable stay, including: two Smart TVs, two living areas (one where the toddlers could play, another where the adults could relax) and – the most impressive feature – a ‘wing’ each.

This was particularly handy as we wanted to ensure Henry and Olive didn’t wake each other up at night – and so the fact that they were at opposite ends of the house was ideal. Next to their rooms, we both had a beautiful bedroom each, alongside our own bathrooms. This provided each family with a bit of privacy, if needed (or when we were hiding from our children).

Outside was a very inviting looking seating area, complete with BBQ and a place to enjoy some al fresco dining. As we were visiting in the depths of January, we didn’t quite make the most of this outdoor space – but can imagine that it would be idyllic come the long summer months.

Overall, the accommodation provided by Classic Cottages surpassed our expectations – and then some. As someone who has previously paid through the nose for other luxury cottages, all of which were of a similar standard to this wonderful Coach House, I will absolutely be using this company again (in fact, we are planning another short break as I type).

[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=””]

Search Classic Cottage’s holiday cottages in Sussex here.

[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=””]

11 Best Things to do in Arundel

[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Things to do in East Sussex

So, perhaps like us, you’ve found the perfect place to stay (in our case, a luxury holiday cottage in East Sussex) and now you’re wondering what there is to do in this ancient county.

Thankfully, this small – yet historic – part of England packs a punch when it comes to sites and attractions. Whether that’s an amble to the local village pub, or a dystopian adventure across England’s only ‘desert’ – Dungeness, there’s something here to suit every type of traveller.

Below is our list of the best things to do in East Sussex.

1. Get to Know 1066 Country

Firstly, a brief introduction to East Sussex and its title – ‘1066 Country’.

In short, this part of the country derives its name from the fact that the famous Battle of Hastings, fought in 1066, took place here – in the (now aptly named) Battle.

The spot where a Norman-French army killed and defeated the Anglo-Saxon King, Harold – therefore signalling the start of the Norman Conquest of England – today Battle is a beautifully quaint (and decidedly peaceful) town.

However, the history of 1066 Country isn’t just limited to this infamous battle, but is a tapestry of other events and invasions, linked to towns and villages across East Sussex.

Thanks to its southerly position, this was where the Saxons and Romans first arrived. It’s where William of Normandy (William the Conqueror) also set afoot English shores, and where smugglers and thieves trafficked their goods and victims (weaving their way through the dark and dank Romney Marshes).

A county filled with crumbling castles, ancient battlefields and haunted inns, it’s thanks to this rich history that there are just so many things to do in East Sussex.

[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=””]

7 Best Things to do in Norfolk, UK (2023)

[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

2. Visit Historical & Charming Rye

Easily one of the best things to do in East Sussex is to pay a visit to romantic Rye.

Sitting high above the myth-laden Romney Marshes, Rye is a small town filled with cobbled streets, leaning timbered buildings and ghost stories aplenty.

Once perched on the coast (before it was separated from the sea by marshland), Rye was the first call for invaders crossing the English Channel. Regularly defending its country against invasions from the French (and even the Spanish), Rye was soon given the esteemed status of a Cinque Port; providing it with certain royal privileges.

A place filled with shadowy winding lanes and one surrounded by dark marshland, Rye was also a popular hangout with smugglers and thieves, whose ghosts are said to still frequent some of the town’s oldest inns.

Today, and now some two miles from the sea, Rye is thankfully free of invading Frenchmen and thieves, and is instead a well-heeled and beautiful place to visit.

For most visiting Rye, their first stop is the historic – and incredibly photogenic – Mermaid Street. One of the most photographed streets in Britain, this cobbled hill, lined with medieval buildings and the famous Mermaid Inn, is hard to resist – especially in the summer months when the old houses are awash with wisteria.

Away from here, Rye’s high street is filled with eclectic independent stores and restaurants, including the fantastic Rae lifestyle store, the hipster-inspired Soap & Salvation and the beautifully styled Merchant & Mills (haberdashery store). Be sure to also pop by Knoops for some delicious hot chocolate and Whitehouse Rye, for a slap-up brunch.

During our own visit to Rye, we visited their small, but perfectly formed, cinema – Kino. Showing the latest releases, alongside classics and arthouse films, the Kino Rye is a fantastic place to come for a date, or with friends.

For those of you who love antiques, then be sure to head down the hill towards the river, where you’ll discover old warehouses filled with vintage stalls and antiques. Our favourite spots include Strand Quay Interiors and The Old Grain Store (complete with cafe).

Lastly, for the cosiest dinner in town – in the most welcoming and eclectic of pubs – then please head to The Globe Inn, Rye. This is perhaps one of my favourite pubs in the UK and it seems to get even homelier with each visit; with even more trinkets and memorabilia filling its nooks and crannies.

[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=””]

Read our full guide on things to do in Rye.

[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

3. Visit Seaside Hastings

Just a few miles from Rye, lies its louder and bigger neighbour – Hastings.

A quick note, Hastings is divided into two distinct parts – the modern (and larger) part and Hastings Old Town, where I’d recommend you spend most of your time. This can be found just behind the seafront, tucked between two chalk cliffs (Hastings main town is a 15 minute walk away).

A muddle of clapboard houses, leaning medieval buildings and artsy stores – linked by ‘twittens’ (narrow alleyways to you and I) – the winding streets of Hastings Old Town are incredibly fun to explore – especially on a sunny day. As seagulls caw overhead, climb the town’s cobbled streets, stopping for coffee and cake along the way.

One of our favourite spots is Hanushka Coffee House, where we stopped for a quick coffee (and babycino for the toddlers). For book lovers, this is a great place for a quick browse of the latest releases. Alongside this sunny coffee spot, I also adore the many vintage and antique stores peppered throughout Hastings Old Town, including the bric-a-brac shops on Court Street, Butler’s Emporium and AG Hendy, which claims the title of Hasting’s ‘quirkiest shop’.

Outside of Hastings Old Town, one of the best things to do in East Sussex is definitely a visit to Hastings seafront and beach.

Its shingle beach – known locally as the Stade (an old Saxon word for ‘landing place) – is a busy area, filled with working fishing boats, Hastings’ famous Net Huts (where you can grab some great fresh seafood) and the unexpectedly interesting Hastings Fishermen’s Museum.

For those travelling with little people, the beach is a fantastic place to set up camp for the afternoon – thanks to the nearby park, fairground attractions and candy floss stalls. Hastings Pier, open during high season, is also a great place to take the kids.

On a clear day, it’s also well worth taking the East Hill Cliff Funicular on Rock-a-Nore Road. Said to be the UK’s steepest funicular railway, this lift provides quick access to Hastings Country Park. From here, you’ll be afforded spectacular views across Hastings Old Town and the coastline – all of which looks beautiful on a sunny day.

Lastly, a trip to Hastings would not be complete without fish and chips on the beach. Head to Maggie’s for the best fish supper in town.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=””]

Our Guide to the Top Things to Do in Margate

[/vc_cta][vc_message css=””]

10 Best UK Weekend Breaks for Families

[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

4. Visit Camber Sands

One of the top things to do in East Sussex is definitely a trip to beautiful Camber Sands.

In stark contrast to the beach you’ll find at Hastings, Camber Sands is a vast expanse of rolling dunes and golden beach – filled with dog walkers, kite surfers and families building sand castles.

Although very busy come the summer months, the beach was almost empty when we visited one cold January afternoon. There are plenty of public car parks behind the dune system to park in, all of which you’ll need to pay to use (most close at 8pm).

For those hoping to cycle the length of the beach, you can hire e-bikes via Rye Bay E-bikes.

things to do in East Sussex

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

5. Visit the Home of Winnie-the-Pooh, Ashdown Forest

If you’re wondering if East Sussex is worth visiting, let this be your answer.

Nestled in the green depths of East Sussex lies Ashdown Forest – the real life 100 Acre Wood. Found in Hartfield, on the edge of the county, this beautiful forest is what inspired A.A.Milne to create Pooh’s magical home (he had a second home in Hartfield and visited regularly).

Alongside welcoming visitors hoping to explore the wider woodland, Ashdown Forest is very much geared towards Winnie-the-Pooh fans and includes a number of fantastic sites and attractions.

Definitely one of the top things to do in East Sussex is to visit Pooh Sticks Bridge, found inside Ashdown Forest. Built in 1907 and originally called Posingford Bridge, this is where historians think Milne and his son, Christopher, first played the game.

After years of wear thanks to its visitors, Disney paid £30,000 to replace the bridge – ensuring this site could be visited by Pooh fans for years to come. If you have little ones, this is a lovely place to walk to for a game – recreating Pooh and Christopher Robin’s favourite pastime.

Another (longer) activity is to take the Pooh Walk, that takes you through the real life 100 Acre Wood. This takes you to some of the main sites of Pooh’s adventures, including the Enchanted Place, the Sandy Pit, the North Pole and Eeyore’s Sad and Gloomy place (a long and short version of the walk are both available).

To start the walk, head to Gills Lap Car Park.

Lastly, no trip to Ashdown Forest would be complete without a ride on the famous Bluebell Railway. Comprising of one of the finest collections of vintage steam locomotives and carriages in the country, visitors to the railway are afforded the rare opportunity to climb aboard an old steam train and chug through East Sussex’s prettiest countryside.

The train’s timetable can be found here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

6. Afternoon Tea at Pooh Corner

While visiting Ashdown Forest, be sure to pop by the village of Hartfield itself – where Milne spent his holidays.

Not only a beautiful little place to stroll around, the village is also home to the wonderful Pooh Corner: a Winnie-the-Pooh themed tearoom.

Housed within a picturesque old building, built in 1703, Pooh Corner has been part of Hartfield since it was founded by Mike Ridley and his wife, June, in 1978. Nestled within the forested hills of East Sussex, the cafe not only offers Winnie-the-Pooh themed food and afternoon tea, but includes a lovely souvenir shop and small museum; dedicated to Pooh memorabilia from across the globe.

Pop by for a cup of tea in Piglet’s tea room and treat yourself to some Pooh-shaped toast (I can also recommend their afternoon tea and mouth-watering scones).

As parents to Winnie-the-Pooh enthusiasts, we may be slightly bias, but a trip here was definitely one of our favourite things to do in East Sussex.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=””]

The Ultimate Lake District Road Trip (2023)

[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

7. Visit Eery Dungeness

Away from the cosy cottages of Hartfield lies Dungeness – perhaps one of the strangest places to visit in the UK.

Said to be the only ‘desert’ in England – lying on the rocky shores of England’s south coast – Dungeness is an isolated and desolate place, yet one also filled with creative and architectural triumphs.

Found on Kent’s southernmost tip, this tiny fishing town – one littered with with tin roof shacks, a nuclear power station and a (somewhat out of place) narrow gauge railway – is an intriguing place to visit.

things to do in East SussexVisit for a walk across Dungeness’ vast shingle beach – heading towards the looming lighthouse you’ll spy ahead. A Grade II listed building, this weather-beaten beacon offers visitors incredible views across Dungeness and the nearby Romney Marshes (it’ll cost you £5 to enter, with a child’s ticket setting you back just £3).

Along the way, you’ll find a few places to eat and drink – including the fantastic Snack Shack, selling super fresh seafood. Think lobster and crab rolls, smoked cod chowder and fisherman’s rolls (containing the catch of the day). Alternatively, grab a quick beer at the small railway station nearby, where you can enjoy the finest ales from Romney Marsh Brewery.

For those culture vultures amongst you, it’s also definitely worth visiting Prospect Cottage – the former home of film director, Derek Jarman. His garden – a maze of flint circles, drift wood and explosions of red poppies – is beautiful and the house itself is unexpectedly photogenic.

things to do in East SussexLastly, and one thing we’d highly recommend is taking the RH&DR railway – from Dungeness to Dymchurch or Hythe. Known as ‘Kent’s Mainline in Miniature’, this little railway and steam train is just a third of the size of a standard locomotive – making it especially popular with families and children.

Taking you along the coast and, at times, seemingly through people’s back gardens, our own journey on the RH&DR railway was a truly lovely one and the toddlers absolutely loved it.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

8. Lunch in Pretty Winchelsea

Visiting pretty Winchelsea has always been one of my top things to do in East Sussex.

One of the smallest towns in England, Winchelsea was once a central trading hub – until ‘Old’ Winchelsea was devastated by a storm in 1287 and ‘New’ Winchelsea was rebuilt upon a nearby hill.

New Winchelsea played an important role during the wine trade (from the 1300s onwards) and as such, a maze of wine cellars (or ‘undercrofts’) still run beneath the town’s many homes. Excitingly, you can actually tour these during your visit.

To really embrace Winchelsea’s past, head to Charles Palmer Vineyards for a tour and wine tasting session. They also put on a wonderful looking ‘Shanty Sunday’ during the summer months, offering fresh seafood and plenty of wine – as live music plays.

For lunch in Winchelsea, head to the lovely New Inn, before walking down the steep hill to Winchelsea Beach (a 30 minute walk).

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Similar Posts

389 Comments

  1. Your blog post inspired me to search on Classic Cottages for our next family getaway. We’re looking to book Castlemans Coach House for my mother in-laws birthday celebration in July ☺️

    Reply

      1. Such dreamy looking destinations ????
        I would love to stay in the St Annes house nr Looe, those views! ????

        Reply

      2. They all resonate idyllic splendour. The locations are fantastically placed, Geographically. My choice @classic_cottages I was to win would be The North Bay Cottage at Bridlington, East Yorkshire. Love the coastline their.

        Reply

    4. Oo it would have to be Moss Farmhouse, Bodmin

      This stay looks great might have to pay a vist there also

      Reply

    6. Great guides! Would love to take my husband to visit the Dannett House in Cornwall , it looks amazing , perfect start to retirement xx

      Reply

  2. I would love to stay in the granary! Close to Bolney vineyard for me and bluebell railway for my daughter! 🙂 they all look amazing though!

    Reply

  3. I would love to stay in number 5 cottage in Ambleside, Lake District. I got engaged in Ambleside in 2015 and would love to go back with our two children ????

    Reply

  5. I’ve honestly been swooning over that coach house you stayed in! Any of their cottages would be amazing!

    Reply

  6. I’ve been swooning over that coach house you stayed in! Any of their cottages would be amazing to stay in!

    Reply

  7. I would love to stay in the castlemans coach house after reading your blog, it looks beautiful and a perfect itinerary for us with a toddler in tow!

    Reply

  9. Lovely blog post, ladies- I’ve had a look at Classic Cottages and it’s Tredis House Barn for me! Gorgeous ????

    Reply

  11. I would love to stay in the park farm cottage in the Cotswolds. I had a baby just before Christmas and my parents have been amazing in helping out, so I’d love to treat them to a little weekend away with the dogs

    Reply

  12. We are new to the UK, having come here from Goa and these cottages have such a nice, warm and homely feel to them. The Cornwall one looks particularly lovely

    Reply

  13. Would love to stay in a cottage with a sea view in Cornwall – spender Cottage in Mousehole looks amazing!

    Reply

  14. We would love to stay in old walls in Weymouth. We spent our honeymoon in Dorset last year with our four year old and had an amazing time, some of the best memories we’ve ever made. This year we’ll have a new addition so would love to recreate some of the magic!

    Reply

  18. I would love to stay in Yachtsman’s Cottage, my husband is from that area originally and we keep saying we will have a break down there.

    Reply

  21. Honey Badger Retreat would be so dreamy! Perfect place to rest & relax especially with the hot tub! Cornwall is my favourite place. As a nurse & with the cost of living we have had to miss our annual trip to Cornwall this year. My insta is katieloveskittycats to check I’m following ❤️

    Reply

  22. Wow so many beautiful places it’s hard to choose! But I’d go for the super unique California Dreaming Airstream so I could finally visit Durdle Door and explore the Jurassic Coast – would definitely take a dip in the wood fired hot tub too ????

    Reply

  23. just so many lovely places to choose but Lady’s Well Shepherds hut near Weston Super Mare looks lovely

    Reply

  29. So many really cute cottages on here. I’m in love with little Yeo in Devon and the old barn in East Sussex!

    Reply

  30. So many cute cottages. I’m in love with little Yeo in Devon and the old barn in east sussex

    Reply

  31. The Old Barn near Battle looks lovely, though I would probably use the voucher for somewhere in Yorkshire, maybe The Workshop in Malton

    Reply

  33. Moonstone in Cheltenham would be ideal for a family get together – and an ideal location as it’s half way between London and the Midlands!

    Reply

  37. Castleman’s coach house looks idyllic- open fire, Aga & wine fridge – what more could you wish for for a family break

    Reply

    1. Hi Paul! Congratulations – you were randomly selected as our winner! We have sent you an email, so we can put you in touch with Classic Cottages, who will be able to send you the £500 voucher. We hope you have a lovely holiday! Claire & Laura

      Reply

    1. My mum turned 70 this month and I would love to take her to the lakes (which she loves) to say thank you for helping me out so much with childcare over the past 7 years for my two children! Although all of the places look amazing!

      Reply

  52. I mean, how could you possibly choose! But for me, anywhere with sea views in Cornwall instantly draws me in 🙂 Roughtor Barn looks glorious and I’d lovely to spend some family time there xxx

    Reply

  57. Me and my boyfriend stayed in a classic cottages shepards hut in Devon for my birthday and it was beautiful. Would love to do another stay like that again, yealm safari in Totnes looks fun

    Reply

  60. All of the places look great and seems like you all had a fab time! Greycott, Westward or Bower Cottage would be ideal for an extended family break (with 2 under 2!) for my Mums 60th. Appreciate the curated selection of cottages. X

    Reply

  66. There’s so many gorgeous ones but I’d probably go for Lambs Lawn, would be perfect to go with the whole fam.. that climbing frame would tire the kids out early enough for a bev in the hot tub ????????

    Reply

  79. I’ve not been to Devon for years so Coastguard Cottages in Ilfracombe on Classic Cottages looks perfect to me!

    Reply

  81. These cottages are gorgeous! Pooks Hill cottage in Devon appeals to me – I’m a sucker for a thatched roof, and it reminds me of a book I studied at uni (Puck of Pooks Hill)

    Reply

  82. They all look beautiful but I’m drawn to Pooks Hill cottage in Devon. I’m a sucker for a thatched roof and it reminds me of a book I studied (Puck of Pooks Hill)

    Reply

  87. I would love to stay in the Jessie Shepherd’s Hut near Battle (not just because of my name ????)- I’ve been wanting to explore this area for a while and feel even more inspired now after reading this!

    Reply

  93. Lovely blog. I’m inspired and can’t wait to copy your itinerary on my trip to Norfolk in May! But for Classic cottages, Tikkidew cottage in Cornwall has been on my wish list for a while! ????

    Reply

  95. I would love to stay at Daybreak Cottage near Port Isaac. I’ve only been to Cornwall once and the weather was stormy so I didn’t get to appreciate it in all its sunny warm beauty and would love to try it again!

    Reply

  96. I would love to stay at Daybreak Cottage, Port Isaac. I’ve only been to Cornwall once and it was stormy so i didn’t get to fully appreciate it in the sun and would love to go back and try again!

    Reply

  99. St Catherine’s house in Tenby would be amazing for a family break for my brothers 40th this year! We need toddler and dog friendly!

    Reply

  100. The Week cottage looks fantastic! Would love to take my partner and dog and take lots of Amazing pics which we could share on Instagram!

    Reply

  110. So many gorgeous cottages. If I had to pick perhaps Willows Rest, I love how baby friendly it looks yet tranquil and relaxing!

    Reply

  111. So many beautiful places to stay. I would absolutely love to take my little boy on his first holiday to the seaside and so If I could choose it would have to be somewhere with a sea view so we can spend our days watching the sea, the boats and the wildlife. Somewhere perhaps like Ocean view in Looe, Cornwall. I can dream ????????????????

    Reply

  112. The Dairy,Settle.I have been trying to get up there for years,even losing a booking due to work and covid..Dark skys,trains,that landscape!,. A photographers dream..

    Reply

  114. I’d love to stay in at Number 4 Coastguard’s Cottage – it looks absolutely beautiful and we love visiting North Devon.

    Reply

  118. Orchard Cottage – although I feel I will want to totally redecorate my house when I get back ????

    Reply

  120. Beudy Gwyn (The White Cowshed) – it looks amazing, will hold our 3 dogs, surrounded by nature, close to the sea – lush!

    Reply

    1. Really enjoyed your blog and want to go to East Sussex now! I’d have to say the Coach house after reading it, it looks GORGEOUS. But to be honest, a lot of them do – including Looe with that sea view ????

      Reply

  123. Would love to stay in North Cornwall as my in laws live near there and we go down there a lot. Would be lovely to have our own space to invite them round!!

    Reply

  128. So many to choose from but Rectory Cottage in the Cotswolds would be dreamy.
    Had a long weekend with two friends last year, it’s a good central point and would love to treat them to a getaway again!

    Reply

  132. I would love to stay at Moonstone in Cheltenham. It looks perfect, and those views. I can already see myself sat on the balcony in the morning with a coffee just watching the world go by and embracing the peace. PERFECT!!

    Reply

  133. The cobbles in north Cornwall with my family and little pooch to celebrate my dads 80th! looks so cosy and can imagine enjoying that beautiful garden!

    Reply

  134. The cottage in East Sussex for a weekend with my mum and sister and kids would be the dream!????????

    Reply

  142. Would love to stay at Bossiney View, looks beautiful, though not sure our youngest could cope with the long car journey…but you can dream!

    Reply

  145. Moonstone 5128 looks absolutely amazing and would be my first choice, for a fun relaxing family getaway!

    Reply

  148. Oh wow! Wringworthy Farm would be perfect for getting our big family away together… we struggle to find places that fit us all but are still characterful and lovely.

    Reply

  149. Penally cottage in boscastle. What. A. Location. Breakfast on the patio with those views and immediate coast path access. Yes please!!

    Reply

  151. Love staying with classic. Would love to go back to lowenna just outside porthscatho. Has great memories for us as went when pregnant and when my boy was a baby. How he’ll be running around the orchard!

    Reply

  155. Great competition and post! I would love to stay at Chapel Cottage St Mawes in Cornwall with my little family this year ????????

    Reply

  165. The Wren’s Nest in Cumbria looks an amazing spot for my husband and I to get away from it all. The hot tub is an added luxury that I would love to experience!

    Reply

  168. I think Daybreak cottage looks lovely. We love a relaxing cottage holiday, getting out and exploring a new place is always fun.

    Reply

  169. I would love to stay in Nolands Ho, Westward Ho! Devon with my husband and daughter and of course our little dog Louis. We would really appreciate a relaxing break by the sea

    Reply

  172. Glas-Mor 9 St Margarets in the beautiful St. Ives, our favourite place. Always special, with so many amazing memories.

    Reply

  173. Arcus in the beautiful St. Ives. We’ve made so many happy memories in St. Ives and would love to go make more.

    Reply

  178. Rectory cottage in the Cotswolds looks absolutely heavenly!! Perfect to take the kids and destress before my sons GCSE’s 🙂

    Reply

  182. Sea view (4432) would be perfect for our delayed honeymoon – wedding delays and busy work schedules have kept as waiting. We’re ready for a holiday and now that we’re moving closer to Wales, this cottage would be a dream for us and our dog Lulu! ????

    Reply

  183. The Acorn barn is just stunning and also looks so spacious and light. Alfriston is one of our favourite places. I’m just imagining the view of the valley from the barn…. Heaven!

    Reply

  186. such a tough decision as so many amazing properties but as I have to choose it would be Seaside House in Little Haven, fabulous spot!

    Reply

  189. Have stayed with Classic Cottages before in Devon ???? – love the look of Meadows near Looe in Cornwall. Beautiful accommodation and a lovely location!

    Reply

  190. Challens Yarde in East Sussex looks gorgeous and it’s a part of the UK we’ve never explored.

    Reply

  200. I would love to stay at The Summer House in Perranporth, we all love going to Cornwall as a family!

    Reply

  202. Orchard Cottage in Cornwall looks like an amazing place to stay. A lovely property – Instagram name @tearoma

    Reply

  209. I’d love to stay in St Catherine’s House in Tenby, Wales. The beach is my favourite place ever, I find it so calming and the house itself looks completely gorgeous!

    Reply

  210. I’d love to stay in the ‘drift’ cottage near Falmouth. I’ve never been to Cornwall so hoping to go on my upcoming maternity leave ????

    Reply

  212. So many beautiful cottages, fab post! I’ve had a look and The Lookout in South Cornwall looks beautiful! Would love to go to one of these with my husband and two year old daughter. ????✨

    Reply

  224. The Bolthole in Portscatho looks absolutely stunning!!
    On another note just wanted to say love the blog, I work in travel and had my twins at a similar time to you having your little ones and it’s so lovely to see women being mums and still seeing the world! There’s more to think about now but we can still do it ????????

    Reply

  235. It’s my dream to stay somewhere with enviable views – looks like The Sea House in Cornwall 100% fits the bill!!!

    Reply

  236. Number 5 in Ambleside I think! We got married in the Lakes last summer and it would be so lovely to go back! X

    Reply

  237. Ooh so many lovely cottages to visit , but I would go for ‘ Pebbles’ in Dorset , such a lovely part of the country and its dog friendly and looks stylish and lovely garden and conservatory. Would be lovely.

    Reply

  238. So many to choose from! We walked the SWCP last year and saw so many places we would love to return to, so I have chosen The Saltbox in Port Isaac.

    Reply

  240. Wow, all the cottages are beautiful. The Granary in Haywards Heath looks gorgeous and would be great to go a visit where my husband was born with our children ❤️

    Reply

  241. Oh, wow! Love your images of East Sussex. There are some really great classic cottage and it’s not a brand I’ve looked at before, so lovely to find. The absolute dream would be Moonstone in Cheltenham! I’m a bit of a fan of quirky architecture, and that place is just insane. Thanks for the inspo!

    Reply

  243. I’d be over the moon to stay at Mill House at Birdforth Hall ..so many amazing properties to choose from

    Reply

  244. There are so many gorgeous places!! It is so tough to pick just one! I have always wanted to stay in a Shepherds hut so I would probably choose Jessie’s Shepherds Hut near Battle! Such a gorgeous setting and perfect for a break away from reality ♥️

    Reply

  251. I would love to stay at The Bird Box…it looks so cosy and my Border Collie would love the location!

    Reply

  252. I’d love to stay at Forget Me Not Cottage on the I.O.W. We are a couple with a very active Toddler! This Cottage looks perfect for families! Our Daughter would adore making sandcastles on the beach! ⛱️ I have liked, commented, and shared on Facebook too!

    Reply

  254. The shippon in dawlish would be my choice – so beautiful, it would mean all my maternal family could get together in my grandmas town for a special holiday. ????????

    Reply

  255. I would love to stay at the Jessie cottage in Sussex it looks fabulous and it’s not an area I’ve previously explored.

    Reply

  259. Number 5 Ambleside Cumbria sounds the perfect location for exploring the Lake District with my family and our beloved dogs too

    Reply

  260. I would choose Ambleside as were due a newborn anyday now & not going to get away any time soon. Would be lovely to spend some quality time with Family together!

    Reply

  264. What a lovely treat this would be! ???? A much needed break and some lovely “me time” with the hubby as we have a newborn and craving for some “us time” together. This would SERIOUSLY be a DREAM prize for us! ???? any place near Wiltshire would be magical!

    Reply

  269. I would love to stay in Eeyores cottage, would be so interesting to stay there with the history it holds.

    Reply

  270. Higher Carnon farmhouse looks perfect for my family. Our last holiday together ended up being cut short to one night out and coupled with all the tears, so maybe we could attempt a do-over with slightly older kids! ????

    Reply

  273. They all look amazing! But I love visiting Cornwall in the summer and Chapel Barn looks alot more luxurious than our tent!

    Reply

  276. We would love to go to “Piggy in the middle” in the Cotswolds. Who wouldn’t with a name like that! We would love to take our boys here on a lovely holiday ❤️

    Reply

  282. I’d love to stay in the stables cottage near Thirsk in north yorkshire. The hot tub looks so inviting ????

    Reply

  287. So many gorgeous cottages to choose from, but I think Goose Yurt is probably near the top of my list!

    Reply

  299. I’ve got great memories of holidays to the Isle of Wight when I was a kid so I’d love to take my boys there. Stargazer’s Retreat looks magical ????

    Reply

  306. I would absolutely love to stay at Number 5 in The Lake District ❤️ it is absolutely stunning, recently renovated and dog friendly – would make for the perfect escape away with the whole family ????????

    Reply

  312. The number 5 holiday cottage in the Lake District would be incredible! Love going paddle boarding and walking in this area, it’s beyond beautiful ???? ☀️

    Reply

  317. Ocean view in Cornwall looks absolutely stunning ???? my fiance and little girl would absolutely love it!!

    Reply

  318. Rockaway in Cornwall looks absolutely AMAZING. Perfect for my little girl who has down syndrome. It looks very safe and child friendly for her ????

    Reply

  320. Medley’s Barn near Crowborough looks like the perfect base for my family to enjoy and explore the area from

    Reply

  334. The Loft, in Coverack, Cornwall. I’ve walked past this gorgon cottage several times over the years whilst staying on The Lizard. It’s in the most amazing spot, overlooking the harbour and the beach. I would love to win a stay there.

    Reply

  335. So many wonderful places, we love the Isle of Wight and the Newclose Houseboat looks amazing for a stay

    Reply

  341. We love Sussex and classic cottages always have so many great cottages and locations to choose from. the Pigeion house looks Idyllic

    Reply

  353. I’d love to go to Leeward Cottage in Pembroke with my partner and dog Kevin the German shepherd. We love the sea and long walks.

    Reply

  358. St Anne’s in Looe would be perfect, it ticks all the boxes with the sea views but we also have friends near there so we really want to get back to see them after a lovely summer with them last year exploring the area

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *