Winter transforms Brighton and Sussex, stripping away the summer crowds to reveal the region’s true heart: a haven of cosy corners, crackling fires, and breath-taking, frost-kissed landscapes. It’s the perfect season to bundle up for an invigorating walk and then retreat into welcoming warmth. This guide is your key to a magical winter escape, filled with ideas to inspire your stay and the perfect holiday rental to return to each evening.
The Ultimate Winter Reward: Cosy Pubs with Roaring Fires
After a day exploring in the crisp air, there’s no greater pleasure than settling into a traditional pub beside a roaring fire. You’ll find this quintessential winter experience across Brighton, Hove, and the Sussex countryside.
In Brighton and Hove, seek out the community spirit and a glowing wood burner at The Cleveland Arms in Fiveways, or enjoy a glass of wine beside the open fire at The Chimney House in Seven Dials. For a quirky, design-led spot, head to Hove’s The Better Half, or warm up with Eastern European small plates beside one of two fires at The Farm Tavern.
Venture into the Sussex countryside for a true getaway. Enjoy rustic charm and cosy nooks at The Jolly Sportsman near Lewes, or sample modern gastropub fare by an award-winning fire at The New Inn in Hurstpierpoint. For a historic setting, visit The Eight Bells in Jevington or The Crabtree, where a classic fire complements a seasonal, locally sourced menu. Don’t miss The Anchor Inn in Hartfield – a 15th-century labyrinth of a pub serving fine local ales, perfectly placed for warming up after an Ashdown Forest adventure.
Scenic Winter Walks for Rosy Cheeks
Winter is a spectacular time to explore the region’s iconic landscapes, where you can enjoy vast, crowd-free views and invigorating sea air.
- Ashdown Forest: Immortalised as the Hundred Acre Wood, Ashdown Forest is a magical winter destination. Walk among frosty heather and pine, seek out sites from the Winnie the Pooh stories like the memorial to A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard at Gills Lap, and enjoy panoramic views over bright yellow gorse. Trails range from easy ambles to more challenging hikes, with car parks at King’s Standing and Gills Lap offering excellent starting points.
- The South Downs: For breathtaking coastal vistas, head to the Seven Sisters Country Park. A manageable walk leads to Cuckmere Haven, where you can gaze up at the majestic chalk cliffs. Inland, hike up to Ditchling Beacon, the highest point in East Sussex, for sweeping views over the Weald and out to sea.
- Brighton Beach & Beyond: Don’t overlook a brisk walk along Brighton beach – it’s beautifully quiet in winter, with a special quality to the light. For a unique experience, join the friendly Salty Seabirds community for an invigorating sea swim, guaranteed to fire up your happy endorphins.
Indulgent Hot Chocolate & Cosy Cafes
Warming up with a decadent hot chocolate is a winter ritual. Brighton excels at this, offering everything from classic comfort to extraordinary craft.
The undisputed champion is Knoops in the Lanes, where “Knoopology” guides you to your perfect drink. Choose from numerous chocolate percentages, select your milk, and add a flavour like rosemary and salt for a truly bespoke experience. For a cosy, traditional cafe, seek out Black Mocha in the North Laine or Komodo Coffee in the Lanes. If you’re exploring with family, Hove Community Park Cafe offers a lovely setting after some park play.
Cultural Gems & Festive Cheer
Brighton’s vibrant cultural scene shines in winter. The city’s iconic Royal Pavilion is even more enchanting when an ice rink is set up on its grounds from late October, offering the chance to skate in front of its illuminated domes.
Curling up in the historic Duke of York’s Picturehouse, the country’s oldest cinema, is a perfect rainy-day activity. For live entertainment, enjoy a chilled-out jazz night at the Hand in Hand pub in Kemptown or a comedy show at Komedia. If you’re visiting in early December, look out for the festive Santa Dash on the seafront or explore the unique, house-based art galleries of the Artists’ Open Houses Winter Festival.
Your Cosy Winter Retreat
The final, essential ingredient for your perfect winter escape is your own cosy retreat. Imagine ending each day’s adventures by lighting a wood burner in your very own holiday cottage or apartment. It’s the ideal place to unwind, reheat your pastries from the Real Patisserie, and plan the next day’s explorations in warmth and comfort.
To find a holiday rental that makes this winter fantasy a reality, browse the curated selection of cosy properties at My Getaways. Discover your perfect home-from-home in Brighton and Sussex, where you can truly embrace the magic of the season: Explore our selection of holiday rentals in Brighton & Sussex winter here.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
- Getting Around: Many scenic walks are a short drive from Brighton. For Ashdown Forest, consider trains to East Grinstead or Tunbridge Wells, followed by a bus or taxi.
- What to Pack: Sturdy, waterproof boots are essential for muddy winter trails. Always pack layers, a warm coat, and gloves.
- Checking Details: Always check opening times for pubs, cafes, and attractions before you visit, especially around the Christmas period.
We hope this guide inspires your cosy winter getaway. What part of a Brighton and Sussex winter appeals to you most -the crackle of a pub fire, the silence of a forest walk, or your own private retreat? Let us know what you’re dreaming of!