15 Best Things To Do In Eastbourne: From Beach To Seven Sisters

East Sussex, one of South England’s most historic ceremonial counties, offers plenty of attractions and amazing locations for vacationers. However, one area that doesn’t get talked about enough in this county is Eastbourne. This beautiful seaside resort, nestled along the coast of England, holds many hidden gems waiting to be explored. If you’re around this county and need a bit of adventure, keep reading as we disclose the best things to do in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

Whether you’re an art lover, a nature enthusiast or someone who loves to learn about history, rest assured that there’s a fun activity for you in Eastbourne. A short break in this city promises to leave you feeling refreshed and energised.

Table Of Contents

1 15 Best Things To Do In Eastbourne
2 Spending A Day In Eastbourne On A Budget
- 2.1 Additional Tips For Reducing Expenses
3 Frequently Asked Questions
4 Conclusion

15 Best Things To Do In Eastbourne

Eastbourne, East Sussex is a town and seaside resort located 54 miles (87 km) south of London and 24 miles (39 km) from Brighton. In the past few years, this town has grown into a fashionable tourist centre, attracting people from within the UK and beyond.

1. Watch The Seas From Eastbourne Pier

Eastbourne Pier is one of our favourite locations in this beautiful resort town. The 300-metre-long pier dates back 157 years, when it was opened by Lord Edward Cavendish. You’re likely to recognise this pier as it is a popular film and TV location, featuring in the 2008 movie Angus Thongs & Perfect Snogging as well as the TV series Poirot and A Place in the Sun.

Eastbourne Pier is a great place to relax and enjoy the seaside. You can also take a stroll along the Victorian boardwalk, catching views of Eastbourne as you go. There is also a range of shops where you can buy snacks and an amusement arcade for entertainment.

2. Explore Princes Park

Princes Park, a 33-acre (13 ha) public park, is located just 1 mile (1.6 km) east of the seafront. Well-maintained to keep it in prime condition, this park is a great attraction to visit with your family. It features an 18-pole putting green, a bowling green, a boating lake and two playgrounds at each end of the lake for your little ones.

Princes Park was originally known as Gilbert’s Recreation Ground, before being renamed in honour of King Edward VIII, the Prince of Wales, in 1931.

Start your exploration of this park by taking a walk or cycling across the pretty boating lake. You can make a stop and admire the ducks and swans in and around the lake. Prince Park is also home to a fantastic cafe, Princes Perch, where you can grab something to eat with your family.

3. Watch A Show At The Royal Hippodrome Theatre

Make your way to the Royal Hippodrome Theatre to enjoy a show with friends or family. This Victorian theatre, which dates back to 1883, is the oldest in all of South East England. We like this theatre so much because its programme has been configured in such a way that there’s always something for all members of the family.

The Devonshire Park Theatre is a great alternative to the Royal Hippodrome Theatre.

Kids can look forward to pantomimes and productions based on fairytales, and for the older audience, the Royal Hippodrome offers various cover acts and performances from high-profile comedians. What’s more, this theatre was given a £500,000 facelift in 2019 to enhance the theatrical experience.

4. See Artworks At Towner Eastbourne (Art Gallery)

Towner Eastbourne is one place you won’t want to miss during your visit to this resort town. This is one of the oldest art galleries in the town, as it has been collecting and displaying contemporary art for over 100 years. Originally located within a Manor House on the High Street in the Old Town area, the gallery was moved to the Cultural Quarter in 2009, making it more accessible from the town centre.

The Towner collection is one of the best in all of southeast England, featuring art pieces by Picasso, Olafur Eliasson, David Bomberg and many other top names. The gallery boasts more than 5,000 works in total, and there are up to five temporary exhibitions at any given time.

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5. Admire The Waterfront Views At Sovereign Harbour Marina

Eastbourne hasn’t been the same since the Sovereign Harbour Marina was opened here in 1993. This humongous composite marina is the biggest in northern Europe, consisting of four harbours, apartment blocks, retail units and restaurants.

Frequent bus services connect Sovereign Harbour with the centre of Eastbourne.

What we enjoyed most about Sovereign Harbour Marina was being able to take a walk along the waterfront while watching luxury yachts being lifted and launched. The outdoor seating in the cafes and restaurants offers a calming atmosphere, allowing you to spot seals and cormorants in the water while enjoying your meal.

6. Relax And Swim At Eastbourne Beach

Eastbourne offers more than 3 miles of sandy-shingle beaches. The main resort beach runs from the Pier to Wish Tower, and it welcomes a lot of crowds in the summer. You can take a dip in the sea, with lifeguards available to provide assistance and ensure safety.

Hire deckchairs and sun loungers if you prefer to relax and watch the waters. There’s some rock pooling, too, if you’d like to grab a net and explore. You’ll also find a variety of cafes and restaurants with different foods and drinks, including the famous Beach Deck.

7. Ride A Train At The Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway

Looking for some kid-friendly adventure in Eastbourne? We recommend the Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway. This ⅛-scale miniature railway, located in a country park near Eastbourne’s Hampden Park suburb, is almost a mile long. You get to sit in the carriage as one of ten different steam and diesel locomotives pulls it.

The railway park is a 10-minute drive from Eastbourne centre, and it offers free parking.

The park in which the Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway is located also features a beautiful nature walk that encircles a five-acre lake, providing glimpses of wildlife. There’s an adventure playground where your kids can run around and play fun games with other children. On top of that, you can stop by the park’s cafe or tea shop to grab something to eat. However, note that the railway is closed during winter days.

8. Watch A Show At Eastbourne Bandstand

Eastbourne’s art deco bandstand is one of the busiest in the UK, and it is certainly one of the attractions you don’t want to skip during your visit to this town. This bandstand has a 1600-capacity seating area where it hosts shows by some of your favourite tribute bands in the country on weekends.

The bandstand has been featured in numerous television programmes, including Foyle’s War.

Since the opening of the bandstand and its first performance in 1935, there have been thousands of events here, and it now hosts over 140 shows a year. Every Wednesday evening, Eastbourne Bandstand hosts concerts, which are accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display. You also don’t want to miss the Traditional Afternoon and family-friendly disco party.

9. Eat At The Pavilion

The Pavilion Tearoom is an excellent place to enjoy breakfast while catching views of the sea and some pretty gardens. Set on the grounds of Stansted House, Rowlands Castle, this cafe is a great location to visit with friends and family. There’s a wide variety of meals, pastries and drinks to satisfy different tastes.

The Pavilion also has regularly updated exhibitions. During our visit to the cafe, we enjoyed ‘Eastbourne Remembers’, an exhibition focused on heirlooms and mementoes. To cap it off, the pavilion offers an excellent selection of wine and bottled beer, which adults can enjoy with the daily specials.

10. Watch A Performance At Congress Theatre

With a seating capacity of 1655, the Congress Theatre is one of the largest theatres on the entire south coast. Expect to experience various cultural and entertainment events. This theatre often hosts live performances, such as plays, musicals, ballets and comedy shows.

The Congress Theatre boasts an elegant architectural design and provides a charming environment and comfortable seating with good views of the stage from different angles. Be sure to check the theatre’s schedule in advance to see what performances are taking place during your visit.

11. Explore The Eastbourne Heritage Centre

A world of discovery awaits you at the Eastbourne Heritage Centre. This museum of local history is housed in an outstanding Grade II listed Victorian building around Beachy Head. The Heritage Centre allows you to explore the history of Eastbourne through archaeological digs and local history research.

The William Terriss Memorial Boathouse, owned by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, is a great alternative to the East Heritage Centre if you prefer military museums.

Collections here include old photographs and collectables that detail the transformation of Eastbourne from a quiet town to a popular resort. You’ll also find various old maps and fascinating architectural drawings. The museum also recently launched a cinema that shows movies about Eastbourne’s past and present.

12. Enjoy A Game Of Golf

Eastbourne has one of the most spectacular settings for a round of golf. All you have to do is head down to Eastbourne Downs. The downland course is located in the beautiful South Downs National Park, offering amazing views over Beachy Head and the English Channel. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Isle of Wight.

The general condition of the course is great, and it provides a unique challenge for most golfers. Non-golfers also don’t have to be left out of the fun. You can come along with your friends and explore the beautiful bar and restaurant while you watch them play.

13. Take A Hike Across The Seven Sisters (Cliffs)

Visit the Seven Sisters to experience natural beauty and breathtaking coastal landscapes. These towering cliffs are a part of South Downs National Park, stretching from Cuckmere Haven in the Seven Sisters Country Park to Birling Gap. A walk across the Seven Sisters is one that every hiker should experience at least once in their lifetime.

The Seven Sisters are one of the default landscape wallpapers in Microsoft Windows 7.

The cliffs have walking trails that allow you to explore them on foot. However, it will take between seven and eight hours to complete the hike. If you’re not much of a hiker, you can just find a great spot along the rolling South Downs for some beautiful photos.

14. Explore Beachy Head

Beachy Head is one of the UK’s most popular coastal landforms. It’s famous for its white cliffs and dramatic coastline, but there’s so much more to explore. It has the highest cliff walk in the country, which reaches 162 metres above sea level. You can climb to the top of the cliffs to enjoy dramatic views of the famous red and white-striped Beachy Head lighthouse.

Beachy Head has featured in blockbuster movies like Harry Potter and James Bond.

There are also many beautiful areas around Beachy Head, including the lovely village of East Dean, which has a good restaurant and many nice shops. You can also stop by the Beachy Head pub for a drink.

15. Walk The South Downs Way

To round off our list, we have the South Downs Way, a 100-mile (160km) long-distance footpath that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. This national trail follows the ridgeline of the beautiful South Downs National Park, and it is the only trail that is wholly within the park.

A walk from one end of the South Downs Way to the other can take between six and ten days. Seeing as this can be very challenging for most people, you can decide to relax at campsites located along the route instead.

We already have 15 fun activities, but since Eastbourne is brimming with attractions, we’ll chip in a few more.

Bonus: Catch A Game Of Tennis At The Eastbourne International

Depending on when you visit Eastbourne, you may be lucky enough to experience its annual tennis tournament. Eastbourne International brings world-class players together from different parts of the world to compete in both men’s and women’s matches.

Martina Navratilova holds the record for the most singles titles at Eastbourne International with 11 titles.

The event, held in a beautiful setting, offers a unique blend of top-notch tennis action and a delightful coastal atmosphere. Whether you’re a tennis enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable experience, attending this tournament is a great way to explore this resort town.

Bonus: Watch Air Displays At Airbourne

Also known as the Eastbourne International Airshow, Airbourne is a 4-day international air show that runs in the resort town every August. This hugely popular event brings in audiences from all across East Sussex and the UK to experience premium entertainment in the form of air and ground displays.

Tip: Bring a chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy the action in comfort.

Access to this event is completely free, and no reservation is required. Just come with your friends or family and experience the flying display line along Eastbourne’s seafront. There are also plenty of ground events, like beach play zones with giant inflatables and jet rides.

Closed Gem: Eastbourne Redoubt

The Eastbourne Redoubt was built as a fortress in 1805 as part of Britain’s preparation to defend its coast from an invasion during the Napoleonic Wars. However, it has evolved over the years, serving different purposes, including being used as a military police headquarters during the First World War.

In more recent times, people visited the fortress to explore its parade ground and gun platforms. With an admission fee, you could also get access to other areas of the complex, including an exhibition about the fortress and the two regimental museums. Unfortunately, this gem of an attraction was shut down in 2022 due to high maintenance expenses.

Spending A Day In Eastbourne On A Budget

All the fun attractions listed above are great additions to your itinerary if you’re planning a long-term Eastbourne holiday. However, if you only have a day and a limited budget, you may need to make a few tweaks to your plans. Prioritise free or affordable locations that are not time-demanding.

Start Your Day at the Beach: Eastbourne Beach is free to visit. You can enjoy the fresh sea air, take a walk or have a picnic with your family.
Visit Beachy Head: Next, take a stroll to Beachy Head and explore the stunning chalk cliff nearby. The views are spectacular, and hiking is totally free in this area.
Explore Towner Art Gallery: Towner Art Gallery holds a fantastic collection of art and is free to visit.
Sunset at Eastbourne Pier: Wrap up your day by watching the sunset at Eastbourne Pier. Walking on the Eastbourne Pier is free, and it is a great spot to take some nice photos.

You can also save a lot of money by affordable vehicle rent. For visiting all sorts of attractions, SDVH offers many car models for hire and even minibuses for larger groups.

Additional Tips For Reducing Expenses

Here are some other great ways to reduce costs when visiting Eastbourne, East Sussex.

Pack Your Food: Bring a picnic lunch, some snacks and drinks so you don’t have to spend money on expensive cafes and restaurants.
Check for Deals: Look for special discounts for Eastbourne attractions that require an entry fee. Sometimes, there are reduced prices on certain days or for certain age groups.
Avoid Peak Season: Plan your visit for off-peak times when attractions are usually more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Eastbourne Worth Visiting?

Yes, Eastbourne is worth visiting. This resort town offers a range of fun things to do for both adults and kids, making it a great UK destination for short and long holiday trips. What’s more, Eastbourne has fantastic weather, and it is easily accessible from key areas of England, like Brighton and London.

How Do I Spend A Day In Eastbourne?

You can spend a day in Eastbourne visiting different attractions in the town. Eastbourne offers numerous great attractions and activities for people with various tastes and preferences. Spend some time at the Eastbourne beach, relaxing and swimming, before moving down to the Towner Eastbourne to explore ancient artworks. Nature lovers can visit Seven Sisters Country Park or Explore the South Downs National Park.

What Is Eastbourne Popular For?

Eastbourne is popular for its waters and beautiful coastline. Eastbourne Beach attracts tourists from all over looking for a classic seaside getaway. Visitors can swim in the waters or watch boats dock near the Iconic Victorian pier. Eastbourne also hosts interesting events, such as the International Airshow and the Eastbourne International Tennis Games.

Is Eastbourne Walkable?

Yes, Eastbourne is walkable. The town has so many walking trails that you can explore. Also, the resort is quite compact, and most of its attractions are within walking distance of each other. Some of the amazing activities that you can enjoy on foot in this area are exploring the pier, walking along the South Downs Way and visiting the Sovereign Harbour.

Is Eastbourne A Cheap Place To Live?

No, Eastbourne is not a cheap place to live. In fact, this resort town is in the top 21% of the most expensive places to live in the world. The average cost of living for an individual in Eastbourne is £1,445, with housing expenses being one of the major money drainers. On the plus side, the town has amenities and a great transport network.

Conclusion

No matter your preference, there are tonnes of things to do in Eastbourne. This remarkable resort has developed over the years from being just a coastal town to a hub of cultural exploration. So, what are you waiting for? Hire a car today and get ready for a world of adventures in Eastbourne.

Robin Richards

April 23, 2024 at 6:02 pm

How do I get to Eastbourne?

Alyssia Jenkins
May 10, 2024 at 1:17 pm

It depends on your starting point. Eastbourne has a railway station, so you can take a train from London or other major cities. You can also drive to Eastbourne from London and arrive in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Stanley Chambers

April 24, 2024 at 3:22 pm

Are there any costs associated with these activities?

Alyssia Jenkins
May 10, 2024 at 1:18 pm

Some attractions are free to visit, while others require an entry fee. It’s best to check the specific details of the location to be sure.

15 Best Things To Do In Eastbourne