The Best Bed and Breakfasts to Book in Eastbourne

A classic B&B with a colourful history, the Mowbray’s home is an early Edwardian townhouse, originally built by the Duke of Devonshire, offering visitors the chance to stay in a real slice of local history. Located just a stone’s throw from Eastbourne’s theatres and Devonshire Park Tennis Courts, the hotel has welcomed many famous guests throughout its 90-year history. Choose from one of 13 rooms and unwind after a hard day at the beach with a tipple (or two) from the Mowbray’s honesty bar.

To the north of Eastbourne lies the village of Willingdon, setting of George Orwell’s Animal Farm and home to the Niche, an opulent, original B&B. This deluxe hotel offers just two impeccable guest rooms: the Royal Pavilion room – inspired by the most decadent of Royal Palaces in Brighton, complete with a dramatic gold gilded king-sized bed – and the Seven Sisters room, with private courtyard garden, a secluded corner for leisurely morning coffees or post-beach sundowners. the Niche has also been named one of the top pet-friendly hotels in the world and provides all the luxuries your four-legged friend could need, as well as their very own pet hosts, Bertie and Hudson.

Original details abound in this turn-of-the-century Presbyterian Manse, now one of the finest bed and breakfasts in Eastbourne. Oak-panelled rooms lead to a sweeping staircase and ships on stormy seas adorn the stained glass windows. The arts-and-craft feel continues in the guest rooms, decorated with brass beds and original tiled fireplaces. If you’re visiting in summer, take a moment to enjoy the serene garden, and in winter, roaring log fires keep things cosy. Just a short walk to the town centre, the Manse is located next to Eastbourne’s Gildredge Park and Manor Gardens, surrounded by an abundance of independent shops and local eateries.

Found in Eastbourne’s Cultural Quarter, 17 Wilmington Square is a family affair. Headed up by husband and wife Tony and Janine Davies, the team of family and friends is on hand to offer the warmest of Eastbourne welcomes. Theatres, parks and the distinguished seafront are all within walking distance but, before stepping out, you’ll want to stop to capture that Instagram-able front door. Seaview rooms are par for the course in a coastal town, but if you fancy something different, request the room with views over the rolling Sussex Downs. Breakfast is kept hyper-local with Janine’s homemade granola and a full English with local and free-range produce.

What happens if your tooth falls out when you’re on holiday? When staying at the Eastbourne Reymar, that’s simply no longer an issue, as this B&B comes with its own resident fairy, Frankie, who is on hand to assist should the need arise. Yep, really. Sprites and spirits aside, this hotel is an excellent choice for families on a seaside trip. Just a hop, skip and jump to the beach and within an easy walk to all the sights, the Eastbourne Reymar also has ground floor partitioned and interconnecting rooms, perfect for giving everyone their own space while still keeping an eye on any fairy-based comings or goings.

Location, location, location. If your ideal trip to the coast is all about spending your days in and around the sea, Pebble Beach is the place for you. Set so close to the coast, it’s practically on the beach. This hotel boasts sea views aplenty from its six smart guest rooms. If you can tear yourself away from the vista, the hotel is an ideal starting point for walks along the promenade towards the Marina, or, for the more energetic, a walk to the chalk cliffs at Beachy Head. Don’t forget to fuel up before exploring. Go for the full Sussex Breakfast, jam-packed with locally sourced ingredients.