Must-Visit Attractions in Eastbourne, England

Eastbourne’s gorgeous Victorian pier, built between 1866 and 1872, makes a great focal point for a morning on the picturesque beach. Crunch your way across the pebbles, taking a minute to skim some stones and choose the smoothest shell to sneak into your pocket. Then head up to the pier and enjoy a few games in the mini amusement arcade. Eateries on Eastbourne Pier include the Chippy for your traditional cod-in-batter feast, and the Victorian Tea Rooms do a top-notch cream tea if you’re after something sweet.

The strikingly white, modern Towner Gallery is in eye-catching contrast to the predominantly Victorian seafront architecture in the town, but it’s the exhibitions within that make this space so popular. Check out the collection of watercolours by Eric Ravilious, whose unique style captures the South Downs and his home county of Sussex in sweeping shapes and uplifting colour.

A bracing walk along the coastline at Beachy Head is essential in Eastbourne. The pretty red-and-white striped lighthouse is a lovely view to top off the stunning views across the sea and plunging white cliffs. Look west, and you’ll also see the impressive white Belle Tout lighthouse not too far away.

For a taste of England’s history, brick-built Herstmonceux Castle in Hailsham, just outside Eastbourne, makes for a magical day out. Dating back to the 15th century, the castle and its stunning gardens combine the grandeur of medieval England with the romance of the European renaissance.

Recently donated a hand-sewn replica of the Pevensey landing scene of the Bayeux Tapestry, this museum provides wonderful insights into the history of Eastbourne and its surrounding towns. With a medieval jail preserved inside, the building itself is evocative of years gone by. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate, ready to guide you through Sussex’s history with an expert eye.

This little museum, on Eastbourne seafront, is worth popping into for a glimpse of the history of Eastbourne’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s lifeboat and the courageous work of its volunteer team over the years. From helping with the evacuation at Dunkirk in World War II to braving the waves to rescue stranded walkers at the foot of Beachy Head’s cliffs, you can learn plenty from the detailed displays and helpful staff.

This independent theatre venue, opened in 2015, is proof that Eastbourne’s alternative scene is here to stay. Printers Playhouse, on the understatedly cool Grove Road, with its glowing stage lights and cosy interior, plays host to comedy nights, contemporary theatre and live music from local bands. A must-visit for a real taste of the local scene.

Once known as the Arndale Centre, this shiny precinct has been reimagined as the Beacon, and has high-street favourites including Topshop, Primark and Lush along with independent coffee shops perfect for a pitstop to fuel up. More shopping, less dropping.

Known for hosting more live events than any other in the country, Eastbourne’s bandstand combines new and old, with its traditional architecture making a splendid backdrop for wild rock-and-roll gigs, joyful choirs and haunting acoustic performances from local singers. With the sea swirling behind it, the 1,400-seat venue makes a dramatic spot to watch a concert.

The largest marina complex in northern Europe is a gorgeous spot to eat lunch overlooking the bobbing boats and regal yachts in one of the four harbours. You can book a boat tour from Sovereign Harbour, or enjoy fishing or diving trips nearby.

Home to the Aegon International tennis tournament, Devonshire Park has hosted matches featuring the likes of Novak Djokovic and Eastbourne’s very own Johanna Konta. For the rest of the year, these beautiful courts are an ideal spot to enjoy a friendly game, or even let out your competitive streak on the grounds where the stars have served many aces over the years.

Surely Eastbourne’s proudest asset is its incredible coastline. With stunning views across the sea and along the white Seven Sisters cliffs, you can choose to walk, go rock pooling or simply soak up some sunshine at one of England’s prettiest spots. Birling Gap offers bracing walks all year round, and there’s a lovely cafe where you can fill up on scones, tea and sandwiches when you’re done.

With a huge cash injection recently earmarked to revamp the Royal Hippodrome’s ageing facade, this theatre is soon to be restored to its former glory. Inside, the faded grandeur makes this a truly atmospheric venue to watch musicals, plays, dance recitals or of course, the British Christmas staple that is a classic pantomime. Support Eastbourne’s local arts community by heading to see a show in this charming traditional theatre space.

The 73rd of 74 Martello Towers built along England’s south coast in the 1800s to defend against Napoleon, the Wish Tower is a popular spot for history buffs. Choose a guided tour to learn more about Eastbourne’s role in the Napoleonic wars, then find a nearby café or pub for sustenance as you gaze out at sea.

A book lover’s paradise. With teetering piles of second-hand reads stacked floor-to-ceiling, the smell of books envelops you as you step inside. Located on Eastbourne’s trendy Grove Road, at Camilla’s, you’ll pick up your next fiction paperback, a fancy coffee table addition and a brief history of whatever you like, all under one roof.

The 200-year-old Redoubt Fortress was reopened in March 2017 after restoration works, and now visitors can enjoy lively tours from costumed guides bringing the Napoleonic era back to life. Entry is free to the fortress and the space plays host to a lively programme of events, such as stargazing with the Eastbourne Astronomical Society.

What better place to go dancing than on a Victorian seaside pier? If you’re hoping to throw some shapes, look no further than Atlantis nightclub, where you can party all night to chart hits, club classics, dance and R&B in equal measure. With space for up to 900 people, Atlantis technically counts as a super club, if being located above the crashing waves of the English Channel wasn’t already super enough.

Home to the aforementioned Camilla’s bookshop, Eastbourne’s Little Chelsea is made up of a few streets near the town’s railways station, and is not to be missed if you’re after second-hand finds, eccentric fashion and classic vinyl. Located at Grove Road and South Street, this vibrant shopping quarter, with vegan cafés, trendy burger bars and an antiques emporium, adds fuel to the fire of Eastbourne’s ever-growing indie scene.

This buzzing market can be found every Wednesday on Eastbourne’s Terminus Road from 9.30am until 3.30pm. With cheerful yellow-and-white striped stalls selling local produce from cheeses, pies, fish and vegetables to jewellery, crafts and clothing, the market is a hub for Eastbourne’s community of all ages, and your best bet for a tasty take-home souvenir.

The Carpet Gardens are right in the middle of Eastbourne’s promenade, and are difficult to miss with their striking wash of floral colour. The display included plants and flowers from all over the world – as far as Mexico and New Zealand – as well as a cactus display and several fountains.

Whether you’re a fan of model trains, regular ones or just a curious visitor, Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway is worth tracking down (sorry). It’s a 1/8th railway stretching over a mile of park land, with nine different shrunken engines operating, and a range of other things to do, including a nature walk and a hedge maze.

You have to venture about 8mi (2km) out of Eastbourne proper to reach Michelham Priory, a stately home on a moated island near Hailsham. It’s certainly worth the extra mileage though, a relic dating back to 1229 and brimming with Tudor history, as well as providing a home for London evacuees during the Blitz. All this history can be learnt on tours of the house and expansive grounds.

The South Downs National Park stretches across 80mi (140km), from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east. You could, in theory, walk the entire trail, but for those unwilling to spend several days hiking between towns, you can take a trail past Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters and further out, eventually reaching the vista at Cuckmere Haven. There are several different shorter routes around the area and plenty of beach to explore.

Sometimes a park is just a park, and other times it’s a versatile activity centre catering to families, groups and individuals alike. Princes Park, handsomely perched on the seafront, is home to two playgrounds, a pitch and putt, an indoor play area, a bowling green, a boating lake and a rose garden. You could sit and read in the pleasant surroundings or while away a whole day with the activities on offer.

Another one slightly outside of Eastbourne in Hailsham, the Observatory Science Centre used to be the site of the Royal Greenwich Observatory following the second world war, before moving back to London in the 1990s. Now, it’s a museum to British Astronomical history and the stars themselves, with various interactive exhibitions and stargazing events.

Additional reporting by Callum Davies

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