Bexhill-on-Sea

The first thing you notice about Bexhill is its gloriously unhurried pace - this is a seaside town that refuses to be rushed. While Brighton gets all the noise and Eastbourne draws the coach trips, Bexhill quietly gets on with being properly relaxing. The seafront stretches for miles, backed by elegant Edwardian villas that speak of the town's heyday as a refined resort.

Wander inland and you'll find pockets of genuine interest. The Sainsbury's Concrete Mural might sound unpromising, but it's actually a striking piece of 1960s public art that catches the eye. For something completely different, the Natured Emporium showcases local artists, while the Jubilee Sundial marks time in the town centre with Victorian precision.

Nature lovers should make the short trek to Stumblet's Wood and Kiln Wood, both offering proper woodland walks away from the coastal crowds. The Former Combe Haven Viaduct provides decent views across the surrounding countryside - it's a bit of a hidden spot that most visitors miss entirely.

Getting here couldn't be easier. Collington station puts you right in the heart of things, with regular services from London and Brighton. The town sits comfortably between Hastings (with its Norman castle and fishing quarter) to the east and Eastbourne (for the Seven Sisters cliffs) to the west.

This makes it an excellent base for exploring East Sussex's coast and countryside. The holiday parks dotted around the area, from Combe Haven Holiday Park to Pevensey Bay Holiday Park, put you within easy reach of both the seaside pleasures and the rolling South Downs that rise just inland. You're never more than twenty minutes from either dramatic coastal walks or proper countryside rambling.