10 Best Things to Do in Eastbourne
What is Eastbourne Most Famous For?
The sun often shines on Eastbourne, which goes some way to explaining why it’s such a popular choice for its resident and visiting retirees. But, the town’s starting to shed its genteel, old-fashioned image as an influx of students and sizeable Portuguese and Polish expat communities stamp their mark on the place.
The jewel in Eastbourne’s crown is undoubtedly the miles of beaches that, thanks to the south of England’s mild climate, are lined with palm trees. Nearby, the countryside has the wow factor, with spectacular headlands and bays carved out of the chalk cliffs and the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park on the doorstep.
What are the best things to do in Eastbourne?
1. Eastbourne Pier
One of the town’s most popular attractions
Good for: Budget, Families, Food, History, Photo
As with many of England’s seaside pleasure piers, Eastbourne Pier has a storied past. Work started on the structure in 1866, and though it was formally opened 4 years later, it wasn’t until 1872 that it was properly finished. Storms damaged the pier only a few years later and an exploding mine made a direct hit during World War II.
Today, thanks to an injection of cash and an owner prepared to invest in its future, a restored Eastbourne Pier is one of the town’s most popular visitor attractions. A Victorian-style tearoom, traditional fish and chip shop, jazz lounge, and several event spaces make this a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Location: 3 Grand Parade, Eastbourne BN21 3EL, United Kingdom
Open: Opening times of each venue vary
Phone: +44 1323 410466
Eastbourne Pier
2. Sovereign Harbour Marina
Where the boats rest
Good for: Families, Food, Photo
Eastbourne’s Sovereign Harbour Marina serves the yachting and motor cruiser communities. All the facilities you’d expect from a marina are present, from fuel and electrical hookups to pump-out stations. In addition, there are cafés, restaurants, and shops.
You don’t need to own a boat to appreciate a stroll around this pleasant area, or to enjoy a meal out on a restaurant terrace overlooking the sea. Keep an eye on the water and if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of a local seal.
Location: Midway Quay, Pacific Dr, Eastbourne BN23 5BJ, United Kingdom
Sovereign Harbour Marina
3. Wish Tower
A seafront landmark rich in history
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Britain constructed Eastbourne’s Wish Tower in the early 1800s as part of a series of coastal fortifications known as Martello Towers. They were designed as a defense against an incursion by Napoleon Bonaparte, but fortunately never saw action.
Around 100 were built, but only 43 survive. The Wish Tower is one of only 2 that remain in good condition and in public hands. Today, volunteers lead guided tours through the tower and its dry moat to help pay for the maintenance of this piece of Eastbourne’s heritage. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Location: 5 King Edward’s Parade, Eastbourne BN21 4BY, United Kingdom
Wish Tower
4. Eastbourne Redoubt
An icon of Eastbourne’s seafaring past
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Eastbourne Redoubt was one in a string of coastal forts built in the early 19th century to repel an attack from Napoleon’s armies. By the time it was finished, however, the threat had passed. Its guns were only fired once at a perceived enemy, a French warship, though they missed. For many years the Redoubt was a garrison; today, a military museum tells the story of the Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars and the Royal Sussex Regiment.
The sculpture at the entrance to the Redoubt is a nod to Eastbourne’s seafaring past. The Azimuth sculpture consists of sections of reclaimed sea defenses. Look closely and see where the artist has carved tales of historical events into the wood.
Location: Royal Parade, Eastbourne BN22 7AQ, United Kingdom
Open: Varies by season
Phone: +44 (0)1323 410300
Eastbourne Redoubt
5. Eastbourne’s Miniature Steam Railway
Tiny trains travel through a beautiful park
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The 1/8th scale locomotives of E.M.S.R., Eastbourne’s Miniature Steam Railway, loop a country park on a meandering course of around a mile. Among the 10 locomotives owned and used by the railway are a model of an LMS Royal Scot Class Locomotive in its distinctive burgundy livery, and a GWR class 38XX in forest green. The oldest locomotive in the collection is a scale replica of the LNER A1 Class ‘4472 Flying Scotsman.’
The park centers on a large lake which is a haven for wildlife and birds. For children, there’s a maze and adventure playground. Enthusiasts will also appreciate the model railway layouts and railway-themed gift shop.
Location: Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne BN23 6QJ, United Kingdom
Open: Daily 10 am to 5 pm from April until November
Phone: +44 (0)1323 520229
Eastbourne's Miniature Steam Railway
6. Eastbourne Beach
Stony shores and coastal views
Good for: Families, Photo, Budget
Like others in the area, Eastbourne Beach consists mostly of shingle but is wide enough to be usable even on a high tide. There are around 3 miles of beaches in the town, some of them providing opportunities for water sports. At low tide, in some places, the waves retreat to leave little rock pools and the promise of ancient fossils.
A short distance from the center, Holywell Retreat is a quaint stretch of beach in a Marine Conservation area with quintessentially English beach huts, a café, and the cliff-hugging Italian Gardens. Those in search of solitude will enjoy the peace and quiet of King Edward Beaches, from which the views along the coastline’s chalk cliffs are excellent.
Location: Eastbourne BN21 3EL, United Kingdom
Eastbourne Beach
7. Treasure Island Adventure Park
A fun day out for the kids
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
The Treasure Island Adventure Park is a popular indoor-outdoor theme park in Eastbourne. Wannabe pirates and buccaneers will love the nautical theme. Summer’s perfect for a visit to Long John Silver’s Outdoor Adventure. Kids will love climbing and playing along the shipwreck’s slides, bridges, and netted walkways. There’s even a zip line and plenty of hidden treasure to find in the sandy beach.
If the English summer rain appears, head inside and experience the Buccaneers Indoor Adventure. This soft play area has ball pits, slides, and zip lines, with a separate area for the smallest members of the family.
Location: 5 Royal Parade, Eastbourne BN22 7AE, United Kingdom
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm
Phone: +44 1323 411077
Treasure Island Adventure Park
8. Beachy Head
A spectacular spot where land meets the sea
Good for: Photo, Budget, Adventure
Beachy Head is a headland close to Eastbourne and at 530 ft tall is Britain’s highest chalk cliff. The base is continually pounded by the English Channel waves, its relatively soft rock no match for their power. Rockfalls are common; occasionally, after periods of heavy rain and cold weather, frost shattering can blow sections of the cliff face apart with dramatic consequences.
Visitors can stroll along the clifftop path, enjoying views from Dungeness to Selsey Bill. The highlight for many is the Seven Sisters, which take their name from the 7 chalk hills that collectively make up this part of Sussex. They’re a picturesque sight, featuring in movies such as Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves (1991) and Atonement (2007).
Location: Eastbourne, United Kingdom
Beachy Head
9. Congress Theatre Eastbourne
A great choice for a theatrical night out
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
The 1,700-seat Congress Theatre is Eastbourne’s premier location for live performance. This Grade II-listed venue is the largest theater on the south coast. Purpose-built and then refurbished in 2019, it’s a popular destination for a night out in Eastbourne.
The wide variety of productions and shows staged here caters to all tastes. Big names in the world of comedy such as Michael McIntyre, classical music performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and touring musicals such as Beautiful: The Carole King Musical give you an indication of the caliber of artists that light up the stage.
Location: Carlisle Rd, Eastbourne BN21 4JR, United Kingdom
Open: Varies by event
Phone: +44 1323 412000
Congress Theatre Eastbourne
10. The Beacon Eastbourne Mall
The place to shop and dine
Good for: Families, Shoppers, Food
The Beacon is Eastbourne’s vibrant shopping mall, blending high-street favourites with local flair. Refurbished and relaunched in 2018, it offers a modern, spacious environment just minutes from the seafront. Visitors can explore over 50 stores including Marks & Spencer, Next, and H&M, alongside cafés and eateries perfect for a shopping break.
The mall also hosts seasonal events and pop-ups, adding a lively community feel. With easy access from the train station and nearby attractions like the Congress Theatre and Towner Gallery, The Beacon is a convenient and stylish stop for both locals and tourists exploring downtown Eastbourne.
Location: Terminus Rd, Eastbourne BN21 3NW, United Kingdom
Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, Sundays from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm
Phone: +44 1323 643431
The Beacon Eastbourne Mall
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