Sea, Sun and Sand, Sussex Style

Whenever I return from a break/holiday, it's not long before I'm thinking about the next one. It doesn't necessarily have to be a long-distance holiday, or even a holiday that lasts a week; a few days or a night - it all counts in my book.  There is something totally charming about packing up an overnight bag and sneaking off for a day or so; somewhere by the sea, to breathe in the cool air, smell the salt and feel the sand underfoot.  Just pack your swimmers, a jumper, your beachbag and a book and off you go...

Sussex is a county that boasts both rolling hills (the Downs) and coastline with heritage  (Dover/Hastings/Rye/Dungeness) so there's something to appeal to everyone.  Plus, from London it's only about an hour-and-a-half's drive.  I always head for the sea - there's something about the roll of the waves and good old-fashioned English seaside smells that's so therapeutic.  Here's my pick of some lovely places to stay along the Sussex Coast.

The Gallivant Hotel is set in a beautiful location, directly opposite the long golden sands of Camber.  It's in the Top 30 Times best hotels for value, which in these careful times, is nothing to sneer at.  It has the feel of a beach house, bleached wood, beach-hut restaurant and nautically themed rooms.

The chef Trevor Hambley, serves local ingredients all sourced within a thirty-mile radius of the hotel, in a New England style bistro.  The ambiance is informal and glass doors lead out onto sunny terraces where you can relax and enjoy the view whilst eating locally caught fish.

You can work off the delicious food with long walks along the beach, or a visit to Historic Rye, where you can mooch through the cobbled streets, enjoy the boutiques or browse in the vintage sheds down by the harbour.

If a hotel just isn't your style, and you prefer to do-it-yourself, then check out this site.  Not only do they have houses in Sussex, but Uruguay too!  My favourite is this Hamptons Beach House in West Sussex.  The feel and look of the sophisticated Hamptons, but the charm and accessability of Sussex.  The house is only a few minutes walk from the sea and has it's own beach hut too.  It can accommodate up to 14 so perfect for big family get-togethers in a chic and stylish environment.  What's not to love?

Where do you go when you want a quick escape from the city? - somewhere to laze and dream; somewhere for laughter, champagne and fanciful thoughts...

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