United Kingdom, Europe
Brighton is itself a day trip from London, but the South Downs and the East Sussex coast extend the visit into a longer week.
| Where | Getting there | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Seven Sisters Cliffs | About 1 hr by Brighton & Hove bus 12X | The chalk cliffs above the Cuckmere Estuary, the more photogenic and more walkable alternative to the better-known Dover cliffs. The Beachy Head walk to the Belle Tout lighthouse is the route. Bring real walking shoes. |
| Lewes | About 15 min by direct train | The Sussex county town with the Norman castle, Anne of Cleves House, and the famously raucous Bonfire Night celebrations on November 5. Quieter half-day except on bonfire weekend. |
| Eastbourne and Beachy Head | About 30 min by train | The Edwardian resort town with the long promenade and the start of the Seven Sisters cliff walk on the western side. Pairs naturally with the Seven Sisters trip. |
| Arundel | About 45 min by train | The medieval Sussex town with the castle (still occupied by the Norfolk family) and the Catholic cathedral. The riverside walk to the Black Rabbit pub is the picture. Half-day. |
| Rye | About 1 hr 30 by train (change at Hastings or Ashford) | The cobbled medieval Cinque Port town with the Mermaid Inn and the smugglers' tunnels. The full-day version pairs with Camber Sands beach a 10-minute drive away. |