Located on the beautiful Sussex coast in the south of England, Eastbourne is a seaside town with all the charm of neighbouring Brighton, but a little more peace and quiet. The town boasts a selection of art galleries, cultural treats, and historic attractions, as well as the famously beautiful Beachy Head and Seven Sisters.
Eastbourne is the perfect place for a weekend getaway that provides a charming twist on a classic coastal or beach holiday. It may be smaller than nearby Brighton, but it boasts a character of its own, and there’s no shortage of things going. Here are 20 of our top recommendations for things to do in Eastbourne.
1. Take in the view at Beachy Head
One of the most famous landmarks of England’s south coast, Beachy Head is the highest chalk sea cliff in the UK. Contrary to what the name suggests, Beachy Head doesn’t have much to do with beaches - but it boasts spectacular views, and it’s a must-see spot if you’re staying in Eastbourne.
The iconic cliff has been featured in literature and music throughout history, including music videos from David Bowie and The Cure. Stop off for a drink at The Beachy Head pub on the way there or back, and whatever you do, make sure you stop and take in the views from this breathtaking place of natural beauty. One of our all-time favourite things to do in Eastbourne.
2. Go for a stroll on Eastbourne Pier
No trip to Eastbourne would be complete without a stroll on the pier, and Eastbourne pier promises some fantastic views across the coastline. The gold dome and stoney beach give the pier a distinctive feel, and all the classic attractions you would expect of a British seaside town are most definitely on offer.
Stop for fish and chips, cream tea from the Victorian tea rooms, or ice cream, and have a mosey to take in the views and sea air. And if the little ones are getting restless, why not pop into the arcade for half an hour’s fun.
3. Have a laugh with The Rude Mechanical Theatre Show
The Rude Mechanical Theatre company are a travelling troupe of performers who are based in Eastbourne and perform all around the region. Their crazy shows are aimed at adults, but are suitable for the whole family, and their unique performances bring together physical theatre, mime, music, clowning, and commedia.
Because they tend to perform in more rural areas, you may have to travel a little to find them (details of their tours can be found on their website), but you can be sure it will be worth it! Performances happen outdoors, so bring some layers if the weather isn’t looking as you’d like.
4. See a show at Eastbourne Bandstand
Eastbourne’s iconic bandstand claims to be the busiest bandstand in the world, and it could be true! The bandstand has a regular programme of live music, mostly made up of tribute acts, as well as proms and firework events - check their website to see what's on. The bandstand seats up to 1,400 people and hosts around 150 events each year.
In terms of the design, the bandstand is like no other in the UK. First opened in 1935, it has a semi-circular stage in the Neo-Grec style. Pop along for a show - there are several each week - or just drop by to see this iconic bandstand.
5. Explore modern art at The Towner Art Gallery
This small but excellent quality gallery is renowned as one of the best in the region, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. The gallery’s permanent collection includes work from 20th century British artists including Christopher Wood, Edward Bawden, and Eric Ravilious, and contemporary artists including Olafur Eliasson, Anya Gallaccio, and Grayson Perry.
First opened in 1923, the gallery was closed for four years before reopening in 2009 in its new location, close the seafront in. Its distinctive design is intended to resemble the white chalk cliffs of the Eastbourne Downs. Admission to the gallery is free, refreshments are available at the café, and you can purchase arty gifts from the gift shop.
6. Have a peaceful wander up Holywell Retreat Beach
Named after a nearby spring (Holy Well), Holywell Retreat Beach is a beautiful and peaceful shingle beach, just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Eastbourne. This lesser-known spot is perfect for a stroll to take in the views, to stop for a picnic, and to while away a few very pleasant hours with a book in the sunshine.
The Italian Gardens that the beach backs onto were formerly known as Holywell Retreat, and here you will find the popular Holywell tea chalet to stop off for a cup of tea and an ice cream. A great spot to spend a morning or afternoon at any time of the year.
7. Learn about ocean rescue at Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum
Pop in to learn about lifeboats, maritime life, and all things Eastbourne from one of the enthusiastic volunteers at the Lifeboat Museum. The small museum and gift shop is a great place to stop by for a quick half hour or so and learn about the heroic work that the lifeboats and their crews get up to.
Located on the seafront, just south of the bandstand, the Lifeboat Museum is ideally situated for a quick drop-in. Why not pick up a little memento from the gift shop to support the work of the charity while you’re there?
8. Take in the views at Seven Sisters
Seven Sisters is a series of chalk cliffs located in the South Downs National Park. A stunning location for walking, cycling, and bird-spotting, it’s one of the must-visit places in the Eastbourne region. Being situated in a National Park, Seven Sisters is unspoilt, and for that reason, has often ‘stood in’ for the more famous white cliffs of Dover in film and television.
Spend awhile to take in the stunning views and invigorating sea air, and then pop in on the Saltmarsh café and tea rooms for some light refreshments. Seven Sisters are spectacular to see at any time of year, so there’s no excuse to miss it! Be careful though - the cliffs are gradually being eroded by the sea, and should be enjoyed from a safe distance.
9. Enjoy a performance at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre
Eastbourne’s Royal Hippodrome Theatre is home to a wide selection of music, live comedy, talks, films, and theatre productions the whole year round. Their diverse programme ensures that there’s something for everyone, and you’re sure to find something to fit in with your holiday plans.
Recent productions have included musicals like The Sound of Music, the Screaming Blue Murder comedy club, an evening with Paul Gascoigne, and tributes to Luther Vandross, Burt Bacharach, and Elton John. Dating back to 1883, the stunning hippodrome seats 630 people on three levels.
10. Learn about war history at Eastbourne Redoubt
Eastbourne Redoubt is a striking, circular coastal defence fort, and a fascinating feature of Eastbourne’s seafront. First constructed in 1805 as part of the British anti-invasion preparations during the Napoleonic Wars. For much of the 19th century, the fort served as a barracks, and then took on different uses again in the First and Second World Wars.
The Redoubt is a fascinating, educational place to learn about British history, and you can book onto a tour to get the most from the experience. There’s plenty to keep children occupied, and a nice café to grab a coffee after you’ve taken it all in.
10. See a Tudor gaol at Pevensey Courthouse Museum
The Pevensey Courthouse Museum is a former court house, town hall and gaol, dating back to the Tudor times. Today, it’s a fascinating museum, containing artefacts that date from the Roman period to the First World War.
The building itself contains well-preserved features dating back hundreds of years, and it contains two spooky jail cells. A knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff of volunteers help to bring history to life here, making the museum a fantastic experience for the whole family.
11. Take a ride on the Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway
This charming miniature railway provides a fantastic afternoon out for the whole family. Nearly a mile of track takes you around the very pleasant country park on a one-eighth scale miniature train. A must for anyone with an interest in trains, and one of our favourite family-friendly things to do in Eastbourne.
Besides the miniature railway, you can enjoy a nature walk or a picnic by the five-acre lake, dropping the kids off at the adventure playground if they have energy to burn off! The park’s award-winning tea gardens offer light meals and fantastic cream teas, and you can pick up railway souvenirs in the gift shop.
12. Browse arts and crafts at Henry Paddon Contemporary Art
Eastbourne boasts a vibrant arts scene, and Henry Paddon Contemporary Art, along with the Towner Art Gallery, plays an important part in it. Since 1992 this shop and gallery has been curating work from makers across the UK, so you can explore a fantastic selection of ceramics, pottery, fabrics, metalwork, and jewellery of the highest standard.
The shop hosts regular exhibitions featuring contemporary UK artists, and is the perfect place to pick up interesting gifts. A must-see for anyone with an interest in arts, crafts, home decor, and traditional manufacturing methods.
13. Go for a sing-song at Printers Playhouse
This intimate community arts venue, café, and bar is a quirky and bohemian spot to enjoy getting up close and personal with the local arts scene. Regular open stage nights welcome poets, storytellers, and comedians to the stage. The regular community choir and ‘Ukelele Army’ welcomes would-be musicians of all abilities to be a part of it. There’s something happening most nights, so make sure to pop along, whether you want to join in or just soak up the fun atmosphere.
Besides the live performances and community arts, Printers Playhouse also offers a bar and delicious Tex-Mex menu including burritos. Check to their website to find out more about what's on.
14. Marvel at the stunning Herstmonceux Castle
Dating back to 1441, the stunning brick-built Herstmonceux Castle is set in beautiful parkland and surrounded by a moat. Beautiful Elizabethan gardens and 300 acres of grounds offer fantastic walks, as you look out for wild orchids and rose gardens, and wildlife including Canada geese and peacocks.
The Castle hosts events including theatre productions, opera, and a Medieval Festival. Castle tours are available, and enable you to take in the building’s stunning interior as well as the gardens. Make sure to book your tour in advance to ensure you can get in!
15. See the boats at Sovereign Harbour
Sovereign Harbour is a marina with a selection of shops and restaurants nearby. It’s a great spot for a stroll and to enjoy the boats gently bobbing on the water. Browse the selection of shops, choose from a range of great local eateries for lunch, and while away a pleasant couple of hours in this lovely spot.
Stroll around the waterfront and take in the views and sea air, or if you feel like it, why not book a boat tour from the marina? Catch one of the frequent 30-minute trips to get a different view of the town from the water and to enjoy the sea breeze
16. Enjoy the sea from the Grand Parade Main Resort Beach
Just south of Eastbourne pier you’ll find Eastbourne’s main beach which backs onto the Grand Parade. An expansive and clean pebble beach, it’s fantastic for walking, taking in the sea air, picnicking, or lazing around on a sunny day. It’s close to the bandstand and a wide range of cafés and eateries to pick up ice creams or lunch.
Head north of the pier to explore the beach further. Go for a dip in the sea, and if you’re feeling adventurous, pop in on Buzz Eastbourne to get involved with a range of watersports including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, raft building, and standup paddleboarding.
17. Get in the mood for Wimbledon at Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club
Dating back to 1874, Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club is an internationally significant tennis club that has hosted many of the greats, including the likes of Lindsay Davenport, Monica Seles, Novak Djokovic, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Virginia Wade, and Andy Roddick. The stadium court has a capacity of 8,000, and hosts the annual Nature Valley International tournament - an event that is considered as one of the main warm-up events for Wimbledon.
If you’re a tennis enthusiast, you can also enjoy the opportunity to play on these historic grass courts, which are maintained to a professional standard. An opportunity not to be missed for any tennis fans!
18. Sample delicious food at Eastbourne Borough Market
Every Wednesday and Sunday, local traders, makers, and artisans take to the street to peddle their wares. On Terminus Road, between Debenhams and TJ Hughes, you’ll find a fantastic selection of produce and crafts available.
Pick up some raw organic milk and cheese, fresh bread and cakes, and fruit and veg. Sample Jamaican, Thai, Spanish, and German cuisine. And shop for books, clothes, flowers, jewellery, rugs, and homemade cosmetics. A fantastic and well-curated market that’s definitely worth a browse!
19. Learn about the Napoleonic Wars at the Wish Tower
One of 74 towers built along England’s south coast to defend against Napolean at the beginning of the 19th century, the tower sits on a grass slope surrounded by the walls of a moat. A widely-recognised and iconic feature of Eastbourne’s coastline, it’s definitely worth popping along to seeing this local landmark and piece of history.
Staffed by enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers, you can sign up for a free tour via their website. Pop along to check out their educational displays and learn a little something about the Napoleonic Wars.
20. Pick your own strawberries at Sharnfold Farm
Throughout the year, this popular local farm shop is a great place to pop in to pick up local fruit, veg, and meat. Stop for a coffee and a light bite, and see how the locals live! In the summer, the farm opens its doors for the public to come and pick their own produce - a guaranteed afternoon of fun for young and old alike.
Besides the farm shop and pick your own, there’s a kids play area and farm trail, and the chance to meet some of the farm’s animals, including chickens, goats, pigs, cows, and rabbits. A great day out for the whole family.
Now you’ve seen what’s on, why not book your Eastbourne break with ukbreakaways today?