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.
Hartfield: Pooh Country and Countryside Calm
If you’re after a serene break with a touch of literary nostalgia, Hartfield – in the heart of the High Weald – is delightful year-round, but 2026 is extra special as we mark 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh. Fans of A. A. Milne’s stories can walk in the footsteps of Pooh and Piglet around the Ashdown Forest, play Poohsticks on the real Pooh Bridge, and enjoy classic countryside pubs along the way.
Stay here: Priory Park Huts, Hartfield
Three cosy shepherds’ huts set in the private field of Priory Park, each with outdoor space and plenty of rustic charm. ‘Deer‘ and ‘Badger’ huts sleep two adults each, while ‘Stag’ can accommodate two adults and two children – ideal for a family escape surrounded by nature.
Greatstone and Hythe: New Coastal Path
2026 brings an exciting travel milestone: the ongoing completion of the King Charles III England Coast Path, a new nearly 2,700-mile National Trail around the entire coast of England, set to be fully opened this year. Many sections in the southeast – including around Sussex and Kent – are already accessible and provide brilliant walking routes connecting beaches, cliffs, and coastal villages, offering new ways to explore seaside landscapes on foot.
Stay here: Sotine Beach House, Greatstone
Escape to Greatstone’s undulating dune-covered coastline and unwind in this stunning, luxury coastal hideaway, designed with both relaxation and fun in mind. Sleeping 8, Sotine Beach House is just a short stroll from the beach, this beautiful retreat offers the perfect blend of modern comfort, seaside charm, and family-friendly indulgence.
Stay here: Stone’s Throw, Hythe
Quite literally a stone’s throw from the beach, as the name suggests, this bijou ground floor studio is the perfect seaside escape for a long weekend, located less than a 50-metre walk to the picturesque seafront of Hythe.
Planning your 2026 stay
Looking for a Bloom Stays home to use as your base for any 2026 UK staycations? We can help personalise your stay around what matters most to you, whether that’s coastal walking, cultural exploration, or uncovering the hidden gems of quaint villages and historic towns. Our handpicked collection means we have scores of holiday homes to choose from – each one remarkable in its own way.
To start planning your 2026 stay, speak to our team on 01227 903404, email [email protected], or message us on WhatsApp. We’re always happy to offer tailored advice, share local insight, or help you find the right home in Kent or Sussex for the kind of break you have in mind.
