The Most Unusual Experiences In Eastbourne England

Though the sunny Victorian seaside town of Eastbourne in England is best-known for its breathtaking coastline and characterful pier, don’t let its old-fashioned charm fool you into thinking your stay will be just like any other beach break. The curious traveller can find no end of bizarre and quirky ways to spend a day or two in this surprisingly off-beat holiday spot. Here’s our guide to marching proudly off Eastbourne’s beaten track.

1. A ghost tour of the Royal Hippodrome Theatre

The Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne | Courtesy of Darren Weir at The Royal Hippodrome

2. Clubbing on Eastbourne Pier

On the dance floor | © Quinn Dombrowski/Flickr

3. Visit a medieval gaol

Museum

Pevensey Court House museum and Gaol, Westham | Courtesy of Pevensey Town Trust

Eastbourne’s Holywell Beach may well have got its name from the nearby spring which some believe to be a ‘holy well’. Though we can’t promise the water has magical or curative properties, it’s surely worth a try. Located near Holywell Beach, at the foot of Beachy Head cliffs, you’ll have to decide whether the spring water or the salty sea air did more to lift your mood.

Holywell Beach, Meads, Eastbourne, England

4. Study the stars from the Redoubt Fortress

Night sky | © mypubliclands/ Flickr

5. Live your wizarding fantasy at the Bothwell School of Witchcraft

School

For the ultimate magical experience, sign up for a four-day stay at Bothwell School of Witchcraft. Based at the magnificent Herstmonceux Castle, the experience includes potions lessons and falconry with students sorted into one of four houses (Boyeswick, Wisenforth, Tabwen and Macnewthorn) and encouraged to hand-make their own wands.

6. Walk around Beachy Head Lighthouse

Beachy Head Lighthouse, Eastbourne | © Rob Wassell/Flickr

7. Get tattooed with a postcard-perfect scene

Higgins and Co Tattoo Studio, Eastbourne | Courtesy of Higgins and Co Tattoo Studio

8. Bare all with Eastbourne Naturist Swim Club

Naturists on Eastbourne Beach | Courtesy of Eastbourne Naturist Swim Club

9. Spend the night in a lighthouse

Bed and Breakfast

Belle Tout Lighthouse, Eastbourne | © Rob Wassell/Flickr

Follow a murder mystery treasure trail

Family-friendly trips around Eastbourne with a scandalous twist – someone’s been murdered! And it’s your task to find out who on earth ‘dunnit’. To be completed at your own pace, the Eastbourne Treasure Trail is 1.8 miles long and should take roughly two hours to complete. A unique way to get to know your surroundings and bring out your inner Hercule Poirot.

10. Paraglide over the South Downs National Park

Park

Daredevils can take in the glorious greenery of the English countryside from a less-than-typical angle in Eastbourne. Airworks Paragliding Centre offers tandem flights, where newbies are partnered with an expert to guide you soaring effortlessly across spectacular landscapes.

11. Feed the meerkats at Drusilla's Animal Park

Park, Zoo

The Meerkat Bubble at Drusillas Animal Park | © Barney Moss/Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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