Eastbourne Cottages

As well as the meandering paths and cycle routes across the undulating South Downs National Park (five minutes’ drive), there’s much to do along the coastline around Eastbourne: the massive chalk cliffs and lighthouse at Beachy Head (20 minutes’ drive) and the chalky landmark cliffs at Seven Sisters (25 minutes) for starters – you get a clear view of the latter from the pebbly beach at National Trust-owned Birling Gap (25 minutes). Bexhill-on-Sea (half an hour) is the resort to pick for golf on links courses and arty exhibitions at the modernist De La Warr Pavilion, while the quiet shingle beach at Cuckmere Haven is popular for fishing at the mouth of its namesake river (both half an hour). Should you ever tire of Sussex beaches in all their disguises, animal-mad families may consider a day out at Drusillas Park (20 minutes), where you can meet lemurs, sloths and lorikeets or take a spin on carousels. Kids still not tired? Try them out on the pirate-themed rides or adventure golf at Treasure Island Adventure Park in Hastings (40 minutes).