Historic Hotels in East Sussex
Places to stay in East Sussex connected to famous figures from history.
The Grand. Eastbourne.
Eastbourne’s iconic five-star establishment certainly has a place in the history of classical music. After all, one of the finest pieces of the early 20th century was completed at the hotel.
Eastbourne’s iconic five-star establishment certainly has a place in the history of classical music. After all, one of the finest pieces of the early 20th century was completed at the hotel.
The Mermaid. Rye.
Although it was once the haunt of notorious smugglers, most of the Mermaid's historic clientele are distinctly more famous than "infamous".
Although it was once the haunt of notorious smugglers, most of the Mermaid's historic clientele are distinctly more famous than "infamous".
The George Inn. Rye.
British kings of the same name are amongst those of note to have stayed at this Grade-II listed inn, as indeed did the Duke of Wellington.
British kings of the same name are amongst those of note to have stayed at this Grade-II listed inn, as indeed did the Duke of Wellington.
The George Inn. Robertsbridge.
The author Hilaire Belloc enjoyed "staring at the fire" at this Grade II listed former coaching inn. However, 21st century guests seem equally delighted with the standard of its excellent hospitality.
The author Hilaire Belloc enjoyed "staring at the fire" at this Grade II listed former coaching inn. However, 21st century guests seem equally delighted with the standard of its excellent hospitality.
Ocklynge Manor. Eastbourne.
This pretty bed & breakfast can boast connections to both the Crusades and children’s literature. And not many places to stay can do either of those.
This pretty bed & breakfast can boast connections to both the Crusades and children’s literature. And not many places to stay can do either of those.
The Old Ship Hotel. Brighton.
Historic figures from all walks of life have stayed at the Old Ship, including Charles Dickens who reputedly wrote part of Barnaby Rudge during his visit. But that's not its only literary claim-to-fame.
Historic figures from all walks of life have stayed at the Old Ship, including Charles Dickens who reputedly wrote part of Barnaby Rudge during his visit. But that's not its only literary claim-to-fame.
Buxted Park. Uckfield.
An impressive country house amid hundreds of acres of its own grounds, Buxted can boast connections to several notable figures from the past.
An impressive country house amid hundreds of acres of its own grounds, Buxted can boast connections to several notable figures from the past.
Strand House. Winchelsea.
Brimming with period charm and step-back-in-time appeal, it is almost an aside that Turner once painted this splendid old house.
Brimming with period charm and step-back-in-time appeal, it is almost an aside that Turner once painted this splendid old house.
The Royal York Hotel. Brighton.
Page to follow. Historic former patrons: William IV, Charles Dickens, Tennyson, William Gladstone. Further practical details are available courtesy of LateRooms.com
Page to follow. Historic former patrons: William IV, Charles Dickens, Tennyson, William Gladstone. Further practical details are available courtesy of LateRooms.com
How you can help: if you are aware of a historic hotel in East Sussex that you believe ought to be included on the site, please contact us via email (info@nightsinthepast.com) in the first instance. Please note that these should have connections to famous people and events from the past.