Oh we do like to be beside the seaside, and Eastbourne is the epitome of English coastal nostalgia, with Victorian charm and bucket and spade worthy beaches.
But old-fashioned Eastbourne it is not; rapidly shaking off its sleepy seaside resort reputation with stylish new openings, boutique hotels, revered contemporary art, and a local food scene flourishing from the produce of its coast and country locale.
It also happens to be one of the sunniest places in the UK, due to its unique microclimate protected by the South Downs, making it the perfect destination for an English summer seaside minibreak.
Where is Eastbourne?
Eastbourne is a seaside town located on the south coast of England in Sussex, approximately 70 miles south of London.
Sandwiched between the rolling countryside of the UK’s newest national park and the English Channel, Eastbourne marks the end point of the 100-mile South Downs Way National Trail.
Day one: an arty start and a beachy afternoon
Take in the old and new of Eastbourne, soaking up the contemporary art scene and seaside charm.
Arrive in Eastbourne and make a beeline for the Towner Gallery, easy to find with its vibrant and appealing muralled exterior luring art lovers and instagrammers alike. You can easily spend the whole morning here, appreciating the art, thoughtfully curated to showcase the work of exciting and diverse artists, including an exemplary collection of modern British art.
Stay for lunch at Light Towner, the gallery’s Scandinavian-inspired restaurant and roof terrace.
Begin the afternoon with a stroll along Eastbourne seafront promenade and onto Eastbourne Pier, an original slice of Victorian seaside history, with its gold-topped domes adding a touch of grandeur to the skyline.
Weather permitting, hit the beach for the rest of the afternoon. Try out some watersports like paddleboarding or windsurfing with Buzz Active if you’re feeling energetic, or simply rent a deckchair and watch the world go by.
For the evening, catch a show at one of Eastbourne’s theatres, check out what’s on at the 1930s Eastbourne Bandstand on the seafront with regular acts performing throughout the summer, or return to the Towner to catch a movie at its art house cinema.
For dinner, Eastbourne’s burgeoning foodie scene offers a huge amount of choice. Skylark’s local food menu on Grove Road, and Cru’s tapas and Sussex steaks in Hyde Gardens, are both excellent dining options.
