Brighton is jam-packed with character, fun attractions, and plenty of people! But, as much as we love spending time here, there’s more to East Sussex than Brighton and Hove. So, when it feels too busy, try one of these beautiful villages instead! This article covers a selection of villages you can visit near Brighton to consider for your next visit.
There are plenty of gorgeous villages close to Brighton if you fancy a more peaceful getaway. These villages offer a little tranquillity and a glimpse into the traditional English way of life with their quaint cottages, historic pubs, and scenic countryside. They are all close to Brighton so you can dip in and out of the lively atmosphere. Here is a selection of villages near Brighton for you to consider visiting.
Rottingdean | 5 miles from Brighton City Centre
Located 5 miles east of Brighton, just 15 minutes away, this delightful coastal village has a gorgeous beach, historic architecture, and plenty of spots to eat and drink. It is easily accessed by bus, bike, car, or foot along the undercliff walk. Here, you can admire the beauty of the Kipling Gardens, the Rottingdean Windmill, and St. Margaret’s Church.
Enjoy the beach at Rottingdean
At the foot of the village’s iconic white cliffs is Rottingdean beach, the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. There are plenty of amenities at this quieter stretch of beach, such as public toilets and a nearby car park. In addition, the beach is minutes from several pubs, restaurants, and ice cream and chip shops. It is also home to Molly’s Coffee Shop, which serves a variety of refreshments and snacks.
Explore the Kipling Gardens
The Kipling Gardens are named after the famous author Rudyard Kipling; they were once part of The Elms, where Rudyard Kipling lived from 1897 to 1902. The gardens are considered a fine example of horticultural excellence and feature a variety of plants, flowers, trees, and several benches and picnic areas. Kipling Gardens is open to the public year-round, and admission is free.
Where to eat in Rottingdean
There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Rottingdean, but Shane’s kitchen is just a few minutes from the seafront and is one of our favourites. It’s a cafe in Rottingdean that serves cooked breakfasts, fresh sandwiches, cream teas, and out-of-this-world homemade cakes. The reviews are great too.
Saltdean | 6 miles from Brighton City Centre
Under 20 minutes from Brighton, Saltdean is a lovely village on the coast. It is a popular destination for visitors seeking a peaceful spot away from busy Brighton.
Visit Saltdean beach
Saltdean beach is excellent for wildlife spotting; it’s stony, but you can explore rock pools during low tide. Coastal erosion has resulted in several concrete defences along the coast. However, the concrete structures provide a flat surface for accessible walks underneath the cliffs. The beach has several entry points, some offering parking facilities, while others require roadside parking. The beach has summer lifeguards, Whitecliffs Cafe, and toilet facilities.
Saltdean Lido
This outdoor swimming pool was built in the 1930s and is currently being restored to its former glory. It is the only grade II listed lido in the UK. It is a popular spot for families and offers a range of activities, including swimming lessons and water aerobics. Follow the restoration via Facebook.
Walk or cycle to Saltdean
Saltdean is located on the Undercliff Walk, a scenic walkway stretching several miles along the coast. The path is just over 5 km long. Both pedestrians and cyclists can use the Undercliff Walk. Please be aware that this is part of the coast defences to prevent the cliffs from erosion. So, check the weather before beginning.
Where to eat in Saltdean
We must mention Saltdean Fish Bar. What is a trip to the seaside without fish and chips? This popular fish and chip shop on Longridge Avenue serves delicious, fresh fish and other chip shop favourites. It’s an excellent spot for a quick and casual meal.
Ditchling | 9 miles from Brighton City Centre
Roughly 25 minutes from Brighton, Ditchling is home to a vibrant community of artists, writers, craftspeople, winemakers, and families who have called this village their home for generations. Their pubs warmly welcome both locals and visitors, pretty cafes serve the finest local produce and well-maintained walking and cycling trails make it effortless to venture out and discover the countryside surrounding the village.
Ditchling is an excellent location for walking
One of Ditchling’s perks is that you can park up and explore on foot. Numerous walking trails from the village lead up towards the South Downs. You can pass the beautifully restored Oldland Windmill and traverse ancient tracks connecting with the neighbouring villages of Plumpton and East Chiltington, which both boast excellent pubs. The South Downs Way serves as a backbone, stretching along the ridge of the Downs and linking the iconic Devils Dyke with the Jack and Jill Windmills and Ditchling Beacon, providing incredible views of inland Sussex to the north and the English Channel to the south.
Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft
If you’re in a creative mood. The Ditchling Art and Craft Museum is a great place to visit. They showcase the work and heritage of the artists and craftspeople who lived and worked in the village during the early 20th century. The museum features over 2,000 objects, including paintings, prints, sculptures, and textiles. We love that they host a variety of exhibitions, workshops, and events throughout the year to get involved. It will leave you inspired to get creative. You can find more information here.
Food and drink in Ditchling
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, Ditchling has several excellent pubs and restaurants. The White Horse Inn is a popular option, offering a menu of locally sourced ingredients and a selection of fine wines. Reviews are fantastic, and the staff are friendly and accommodating.
Lewes | 9.5 miles from Brighton City Centre
Roughly 30 minutes from Brighton, Lewes is well known for its rich history and cultural events. It’s a bustling market town located just 9.5 miles north of Brighton. Visitors can explore Lewes Castle, the Anne of Cleves House, and its many independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Climb to the top of Lewes Castle
You can climb to the top of Lewes Castle. This Norman fortress was constructed by William the Conqueror’s supporters following the Battle of Hastings. Next, explore the adjacent Museum of Sussex Archaeology, which houses an array of relics from prehistoric to medieval times in Sussex, as well as temporary exhibitions that showcase the treasures from our collections. In addition, there are talks and workshops scheduled throughout the year. Remember to pack a picnic to enjoy in the picturesque gardens.
Visit Anne of Cleves House
Anne of Cleves House in Lewes offers a fascinating insight into Tudor and Elizabethan life. This exquisite timber-framed medieval house dates back to the 15th century and was bestowed upon Anne of Cleves after the end of her brief marriage to Henry VIII, although she never lived there.
You can explore the well-preserved interiors of the house, including a Tudor kitchen, a bright and airy parlour, and a bedroom with a four-poster bed. Next, discover the history of Sussex through a collection of historic domestic artefacts. Then, wander around the garden, influenced by a traditional Tudor planting scheme featuring herbs, shrubs, and fruit trees appropriate to the Tudor era.
Where to eat in Lewes
For exquisite locally sourced food, visit Fork in Lewes. They have a constantly changing, seasonal menu. The menu is exciting and creative, whilst the service is friendly and attentive. This is a great place to eat if you want to support local farmers and artisan producers. Their meat, vegetables, fruit, and cheeses come from small local farms, and the fish is fresh off the boat at Newhaven. A spot for you foodies!
About the Author
Hi, I’m Shayle, I hope this article has inspired you to explore more of the surrounding area on your next Brighton trip. Each village has unique character and attractions, from the picturesque Rottingdean to the historic Lewes. There are so many villages near Brighton that it was challenging to pick a selection for this article! Do you have a favourite? Let us know in the comments; we love to hear your thoughts and opinions. If you’re interested in my travels, you can take a look at my Wirral blog, here.
