The longest day of the year has come and gone and the end of July is fast approaching, meaning we are well into the summer season. To celebrate the long and, hopefully warm, summer days of the next few weeks, we’ve pulled together our top 10 things do to this summer. Read on for inspiration about how to get the most out of the summer months.

Go camping

Whether you camp in your back garden or on a campsite, under canvas or in a motorhome, camping is the perfect summer activity! It’s a great way for everyone to get outside and embrace nature. There are lots of fantastic campsites around East Sussex from sunny sites by the sea to bracing hilltop pitches.

Summer picnics

Eating outdoors has got to be one of the best things about summer. Everything just tastes better when it’s eaten outside. Picnics can be as simple as a rug and some French bread and ham and a cooling bottle of water, or you can go full ‘garden party’ and set up tables and chairs with sandwiches, cakes, treats and bottles of pop! There are lots of al fresco food ideas available online.

Hit the beach

It goes without saying, summer = going to the beach! We are blessed with some amazing coastline in East Sussex so why not check out your local beach.  There are sandy ones, shingle ones and a mix of both! Do you love soft sand or searching for shells? You can find beaches with piers, deckchairs and amusement arcades as well as secluded, quiet spots. Remember popular beaches such as Camber Sands can get very busy on hot summer days, so do consider a quieter beach – we have plenty to chose from – to ensure you have a relaxing day out. 

Go rockpooling

With such magnificent coastal geology comes great rockpools and East Sussex has some wonderful rockpooling spots. Check out Birling Gap or the beaches near Holywell in Eastbourne for great rockpools. Remember to wear beach shoes as the limpets and barnacles can cut little feet, and take a net and a bucket to inspect your finds. Please put back any sea creatures you catch though. Be aware of the tide times so you don’t get cut off by the incoming tide, and be mindful of the cliffs which can, and do, fall with no warning.

Keep on walking

Fancy stretching your legs somewhere new? Summer is the perfect time to get out and about and explore local walks. From coastal paths and hill hikes to woodland walks and strolls across the South Downs, you can walk for miles in East Sussex! The King Charles III England Coast Path has a newly opened 28-mile section that runs from Eastbourne to Rye Harbour, while shorter walks include the Miles without Stiles accessible walk from the Seven Sisters visitor centre at Exceat to Cuckmere Haven. See our round up of great walks in East Sussex.

Attend outdoor performances

As we (hopefully) enjoy balmy summer evenings, now is the best time of the year to watch an outdoor performance. Experience a production of ‘Vanity Fair’ in the Gun Garden at Lewes Castle or watch ‘Gentle Harry’s Farm’ performed by the Rude Mechanical Theatre Company at Helen Gardens in Eastbourne.

Stargaze

Have you ever wished upon a star? Clear summer nights provide the perfect opportunity for star gazing. Lie on a rug and gaze at the magnificent night sky above you and marvel at our universe. You don’t even need a telescope – I saw a shooting star one evening when I was putting out the bin! If you want to know more about the stars and planets, you could join one of the stargazing evenings held regularly at The Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux.

Pick your own fruit or flowers

PYO is a summer tradition for a lot of families. It’s a great way to entertain the kids and get them to eat more fruit! Nothing tastes sweeter than strawberries picked yourself. Check out local farms and flower nurseries for opportunities to pick fruit or summer flowers such as sweet peas.

Eat ice cream

Summer wouldn’t be summer without ice cream. Make sure you enjoy one (or two!) when you’re out and about enjoying summer in East Sussex. You could even try your hand at making your own ices or lollies. Ice cream for lunch perhaps? We won’t judge! You could even add some of those handpick strawberries to squeeze one of your five a day in.

Relax

Take a nap in a hammock, or just lie back on the grass and watch the clouds float by. Children love finding shapes and patterns in the clouds. Why not take some time to sit in the sun (remembering your sunscreen and hat) and enjoy the latest holiday read. Don’t forget the Summer Reading Challenge at East Sussex Libraries for kids aged 4 to 11.

Whatever you do and wherever you go over the next few weeks, please remember to follow the leave no trace principles and leave only your footprints.

Please respect our beautiful county:

  • take your litter home
  • pick up any dog poo
  • park safely and responsibly
  • do not put hot bbqs in litter bins or your home rubbish bins

And of course, this is the UK, so check the weather forecast and dress appropriately!