A seaside resort on England's south coast with a Victorian pier, chalk cliffs at Beachy Head, and the South Downs walking trails. Average of 1,890 hours of sunshine yearly.
Eastbourne sits on England's south coast, 70 miles south of London. The town's three-mile seafront includes a Victorian pier from 1870, an art deco bandstand hosting weekly concerts, and shingle beaches beneath white chalk cliffs. You can see works by Picasso at the Towner Art Gallery, walk along 162-meter cliffs at Beachy Head, or watch Red Arrows jets perform during the August Airbourne festival.
Exploring Beachy Head and Seven Sisters
From Beachy Head's 162-meter chalk cliffs, you can walk west along the coastal path to reach the Seven Sisters - a series of seven white cliffs forming dramatic peaks and valleys. The South Downs Way begins in Eastbourne and extends 100 miles through the national park. You'll find marked trails ranging from 1-hour loops to multi-day hikes.
Along the Victorian Seafront
A three-mile promenade connects the town's main beaches, lined with Victorian hotels and seafront gardens. The 300-meter pier extends into the sea, with cafes and viewing decks throughout. At the art deco Bandstand, built in 1935, you can attend concerts on summer evenings and watch firework displays every Wednesday.
Cultural Venues
The Towner Art Gallery's modern building opened in 2009, with permanent collections including works by Picasso, Henry Moore, and Eric Ravilious. Three theaters serve the town: the Congress Theatre stages touring West End productions, Devonshire Park presents dramatic plays, and the Royal Hippodrome runs variety shows and comedy acts.
Green Spaces in Town
At Shinewater Park, you can fish in the lake, play on the sports courts, or use the skate park. Along the seafront, the Carpet Gardens change seasonally with geometric flower displays. Princes Park covers 33 acres near the eastern beach, with a boating lake, rose gardens, and children's play areas.
Year-Round Events
Watch professional tennis at the Eastbourne International tournament each June, held at Devonshire Park before Wimbledon. The four-day Airbourne show in August brings military aircraft and civilian flying teams to perform above the seafront. From May to September, the bandstand hosts concerts ranging from classical orchestras to tribute bands.
Transportation Links
Trains depart London Victoria for Eastbourne every 30 minutes, with a 90-minute journey time. Drive the A22 road from London or take the A27 to reach Brighton and Hastings. Local buses run between the town center, Beachy Head, the South Downs, and surrounding villages.
