RETIREMENT LIVING IN EAST SUSSEX
From beautiful beaches to battle sites, there are so many brilliant things to do in East Sussex, there’s no danger of getting bored.
The ceremonial county of East Sussex is home to a host of iconic seaside resorts including Brighton, Lewes, Hastings and Eastbourne, where you can enjoy timeless beach activities, from fish and chips on the prom, to bracing dips in the sea. As well as beautiful beaches, the East Sussex coastline is famous for its striking white chalk cliffs, including the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. Then there’s 1066 and all that. Arguably the most memorable date in British history – is commemorated in the medieval town of Battle.
Retire to East Sussex
Things to do in East Sussex
Where to start? The bright lights and bohemia of Brighton, with its famous pier, Royal Pavilion, legendary nightlife and boutique shopping at The Lanes are definitely not to be missed - or perhaps you’ll prefer the traditional seaside charm of elegant Eastbourne? The best beaches in East Sussex include Seaford Beach, Winchelsea beach and Camber Sands. Ramblers will love the spectacular coastal scenery of the South Downs Way or exploring the beautiful Brighton & Lewes Downs UNESCO Biosphere and Seven Sisters Country Park by foot or bicycle.
If you love history then you’ll enjoy the audio tour, atmosphere and regular re-enactments at the site of the Battle of Hastings, as well as the many medieval castles and stately homes in the region, like the stunning moated Herstmonceux Castle Estate in Hailsham.
Community in East Sussex
East Sussex is a friendly area with plenty of opportunities to get involved with community projects and make friends. It has some lovely communal spaces like Hailsham Community Allotments, Denton Island Community Garden in Newhaven and Willingdon Trees Community Centre, Eastbourne that put on events and social clubs.
The area is blessed with amazing eateries for long lunches and get togethers with friends and family too. The best pubs in East Sussex include the Rye Waterworks Micropub, famed for its traditional cider, ale and scotch eggs in a quirky setting, or the Marine Tavern, Brighton, renowned for its excellent Sunday roasts. For fine dining try The Little Fish Market in Hove or the Gingerman in Brighton.
Looking for retirement homes to rent in East Sussex? Or retirement property for sale in East Sussex? 83% of McCarthy Stone homeowners experience a sense of community in their new retirement home.
Transport and connections
While there are no motorways, A roads make traversing the county and coastline a breeze, while numerous bus routes connect most of the towns and villages too. The country is served by main-line train services including the East Coastway Line and West Coastway Line and Southern Rail offers regular services from Eastbourne, Hastings and Brighton to London Victoria, whereas Great Western Railway provides direct services from Brighton to Cardiff, Bristol and Gloucester.
Whether you’re looking for retirement homes to rent in East Sussex - or for sale - it’s good to know we only choose locations close to amenities like shops, pubs, restaurants and attractions.
Surrounding areas
From vintage rail trips – try the Bluebell Railway Lewes to East Grinstead or the Spa Valley Railway in Royal Tunbridge Wells, to boat trips that offer a new perspective on the famous Seven Sisters cliffs, there are plenty of interesting ways to explore Sussex and the surrounding areas. In West Sussex you’ll discover more seaside delights in Bognar Regis and Worthing, while in the pretty city of Chichester you’ll find the impressive remains of Fishbourne Roman Palace. The nearby Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers endless exploration opportunities for walkers.
Enjoy the artworks at this Inspiring Views trail. All of this and the world class culture and attractions of London are within easy reach too.
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Retirement living in East Sussex. Frequently asked questions
There are lots of variables that make this a difficult question to answer, but one simple tip is to multiply the amount you’d like to live on every year (say £24,000) by 25 (in this case the answer is £600,000). That is the amount you’d need to save. However this figure doesn’t consider things like your annual state pension, benefits, tax, or the equity you might hold in your home.
From the buzz, bright lights and shopping of Brighton to the Victorian charm of Eastbourne, East Sussex is an ideal place for traditional seaside pursuits, while also offering a wealth of history and culture, like the small gem that is Lewes Castle and Barbican Museum or the magnificent, moated, 14th century Bodiam Castle In High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The ceremonial county of East Sussex is in the South East of England on the coast of the English Channel and is bordered by West Sussex, Kent and Surrey. It consists of many well-known coastal resorts like Brighton and Hove, Lewes and Eastbourne, as well as the site of the1066 Battle of Hastings.