Fun and Sun by the Sea - It’s Eastbourne
One of the UK’s most popular seaside towns and home to ‘Airbourne’, one of the world’s largest seafront air shows, Eastbourne lies on England’s picturesque south coast. Widely thought of as the gateway to the South Downs, this town may be known for its older population. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find that the blend of Victorian architecture and modern attractions means that this sunny getaway has something for visitors of all ages.
The Great Outdoors
Life in Eastbourne revolves around the beach and you’ll find more than three miles of shoreline to explore here. The main resort beach, off Grand Parade, offers excellent water quality, lifeguards, and a kids’ wristband scheme. Further down the coastline near the Grand Hotel, the only five-star hotel on the UK coast, the King Edward beaches offer quieter surroundings and a stunning sea view. Eastbourne’s beaches are not the only way to enjoy the great outdoors. You’ll also find yourself within easy reach of the Seven Sisters Country Park, home to the seven famous chalk cliffs. Further east is the Beachy Head beauty spot and chalk headland. If you prefer things just a little less wild, visit Helen Gardens on the seafront and the wooded amphitheatre at the cliffside Italian Gardens.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Although most kids will be happy enough exploring the Eastbourne seafront with a bucket and spade, there’s also a three-tier pavilion and 1930s bandstand to enjoy. Many families head to the Holywell Retreat to indulge in a little rock pooling and fossil hunting while thrill seekers will love spending the day at Fort Fun, where attractions include fairground-style rides and a water park. The fun continues at destinations such as Shinewater Park and the Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway, both of which offer children’s play areas. Days out can also be enjoyed at the pirate-themed Treasure Island and the award-winning Drusillas Park, the latter home to a fabulous small zoo where inhabitants include everything from pandas to penguins. Younger guests certainly won’t want to leave Eastbourne in a hurry. Thankfully, there is an excellent choice of family-friendly hotels in the area.
Arts and Culture
Art lovers can head to Little Chelsea, where there are several independent galleries, while serious culture vultures can set off on the Coastal Culture Trail - a 25-mile stretch of coastline that plays host to the award-winning Towner Art Gallery, Jerwood Gallery, and De La Warr Pavilion. A shorter but equally enticing trail, East of the Pier, will introduce you to the town’s Victorian and Edwardian past. Allow a busy day to turn into a relaxed evening at the theatre. The Royal Hippodrome near Eastbourne Pier hosts performances beneath a sumptuous art deco ceiling but if you prefer a more contemporary style, watch out for performances by the Eastbourne-based Rude Mechanical Theatre.
Food and Shopping
A generous helping of fish and chips is a must-eat while you’re at the seaside. Traditionalists can enjoy theirs on the seafront while those who prefer more upmarket surroundings can head to one of the hotels in the area. If you’re hankering after something other than fish and chips, check out some of Eastbourne’s bistros and fine dining restaurants, many of which can be found along the waterfront. Those who love to shop will also feel right at home here. The Eastbourne Arndale Centre plays host to big brand stores while the waterfront setting at Sovereign Harbour offers enticing surroundings for shoppers. If you prefer independent labels, a trip to Little Chelsea, where the Victorian shopping streets feature more than 50 unique stores, should feature on your to-do list.
Nearby Points of Interest
Top tourist attractions in the surrounding areas include Camber, Pevensey and Herstmonceux Castles, the National Trust Alfriston Clergy House, and Smugglers Adventure - all of which offer a peek into the past and are perfect for budding historians. Royal Tunbridge Wells, which features attractions such as Groombridge Place and the Spa Valley Railway, is less than an hour’s drive from Eastbourne and London is just 80 minutes away on the train. Plus, with Folkestone less than 65 miles along the coast, a trip across the channel to France is certainly not out of the question.
Eastbourne: The perfect place to enjoy the south coast.