From foodie festivals and coastal walks to storied English villages, 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for getaways in Sussex and Kent. Whether you’re planning a winter escape, a seaside summer break, or a family trip in the autumn, here’s where to visit this year – with a few of Bloom Stays’ favourite holiday homes across the South East to match.
Rye, East Sussex: Medieval Charm and Scallops in Season
Cobbled lanes, timber-framed houses, and boutique shops define Rye, one of England’s most charming historic towns. In 2026, there’s a particularly tasty reason to plan a visit: Rye Bay Scallop Week, running from the 21st February to 1st March. This annual celebration of the local scallop fishery sees restaurants and pubs from Rye to Camber showcase scallop specials – from gourmet dishes to casual scallop bites – often paired with live music and pop-up events.
The town’s rich heritage also lends itself to wandering, with the historic Rye Castle and dozens of independent shops offering plenty to do between meals and wine tastings.
Stay here: New England, Rye
Hidden away along a quiet lane on the outskirts of the medieval town of Rye, this spacious home (sleeps 6) is a quintessentially English white clapboard cottage. Inside, it’s a treasure trove of quirky artifacts and cosy corners, offering a warm and welcoming retreat.
Camber Sands: Beach Days, Dunes, and Deep-Pink Sunsets
Just a few miles from Rye, Camber Sands offers some of the south coast’s best sandy beaches and iconic dunes – a perfect complement to a Rye break or a destination in its own right. Wide, open sands, rolling dunes, and big skies make this a great spot for seaside frolicking, dog walks (check local guidance for restrictions on the beach), or sunset picnics. In 2026, you’ll find plenty of room to relax before the summer crowds arrive and after they’ve left, making spring and autumn especially lovely for beach lovers.
Stay here: Duneland, Camber
Imagine a place where architectural cool meets coastal chic, just a whisper from the rolling dunes and the vast, sandy expanse of Camber Sands. Welcome to Duneland (sleeps 6) — a cool and laid back architect-designed beach house with contemporary indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, hot tub and more.
Stay here: Luna, Camber
Sleeping 8, this beautifully designed modern beach house sits on a quiet sandy lane near Camber Sands. With an expansive, open-plan layout throughout, this unique property feels like a coastal retreat with space for everyone.
Hastings: Quirky Seaside Vibes and Medieval History
Hastings is all about layered experiences: old fishing quarters, lively cultural festivals, street art, and a genuine seaside spirit. The Hastings Week celebrations in October 2026 bring history to the forefront, with a highlight being the Battle of Hastings re-enactment. This dramatization at Battle Abbey sees actors, cavalry displays, and craft markets re-creating the site’s pivotal 1066 clash – a bucket-list event for history lovers and families alike.
Beyond 1066, Hastings’ Old Town is packed with independent shops, cafés, and galleries, while the Stade area showcases the town’s fishing heritage and colourful beach huts.
Stay here: Hastings View, Hastings
Tucked away along a peaceful twitten above Hastings Old Town, Hastings View (sleeps 4) is a beautiful two-bedroom Victorian cottage. This dog-friendly retreat boasts panoramic views spanning the medieval rooftops, the shimmering coastline, and the surrounding countryside.
