Eastbourne offers different ways to explore art, history and the coastal landscape. You can focus your stay on museums and architecture, include paths along the South Downs Way, or set aside time for the city’s parks and gardens. When choosing a hotel in Eastbourne, it can help to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: cultural attractions, coastal paths and green spaces each offer a different perspective on the place.
Art and History
Towner Eastbourne showcases historical, modern and contemporary art. Its collection comprises 5,000 works of modern British and international contemporary art, with a focus on landscape, women artists and moving images. The collection and its areas of focus may continue to develop. Exhibitions are complemented by talks, events and creative activities, whose programme may also change. Towner also offers behind-the-scenes insights and an introduction to the collection in its purpose-built art store. Dates and booking options may change.
Eastbourne Redoubt offers another historical perspective: the circular fortification was built between 1804 and 1812. It is well preserved and features numerous original components and associated features. Those interested in lifeboat services will find a different kind of local history at Eastbourne Museum. It is housed in the RNLI William Terriss Memorial Boathouse, built in 1898, and tells the story of almost 200 years of lifeboat services and rescue boats in Eastbourne.
The seafront also brings history together with a present-day landmark. Eastbourne Pier opened in 1872 and is considered one of the finest examples of a Victorian pier. Facilities mentioned there include shops, food and drink, fishing opportunities and views of the English Channel; commercial offerings may change. The Carpet Gardens lie between the Bandstand and the pier and form the centrepiece of the promenade. Perennial plants create a changing design throughout the year, with flowers and foliage providing visual interest year-round.
Coastal Paths and Landscape
The South Downs Way is open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Its final climb leads up to Beachy Head, before the route descends towards Eastbourne. This gives the route a clear direction: it connects the climb up to Beachy Head with the onward route to Eastbourne, without implying a specific walking or riding time. Beachy Head is located directly on the A259 between Eastbourne and East Dean, at the eastern end of the South Downs National Park.
Beachy Head Lighthouse stands at the seaward end of the Sussex Downs cliffs. Trinity House had the lighthouse built in 1902 to guide passing ships. A constructed path at the foot of Beachy Head in Eastbourne leads to viewpoints along England’s south coast. The Beachy Head Experience adds to the landscape focus with the permanent exhibition “Lighthouses, Landscapes & Legends” about the history of the cliffs and lighthouses.
Parks, Gardens and Activities
At Shinewater Park, purpose-built recreational facilities meet the atmosphere of a landscape park. Admission is free all year round. The park’s footpaths and cycle paths are suitable for use with wheelchairs. Wildlife found there includes grass snakes, slow worms, water birds and a diverse bat population. The park is about one kilometre from Hampden Park station; regular trains run there and back from Eastbourne city centre. As transport connections may change, check timetables before travelling.
The Italian Gardens offer a different garden landscape: they lie in a wooded amphitheatre cut into a cliff face, right by Holywell beach. The gardens were created from a former quarry, which the council transformed in the winter of 1904/05. They can be reached on foot or by the Dotto Train along the seafront; the Dotto service may operate seasonally. For a walk along the promenade, the Carpet Gardens are another point of interest between the Bandstand and the pier.
Those interested in maritime activities may also want to consider Buzz Eastbourne. It is a Royal Yachting Association-recognised training centre and is open to everyone; operational details may change. Sovereign Harbour offers another perspective on Eastbourne’s harbour landscape: it opened in 1993 and comprises four interconnected harbour basins.
Ways to Plan Your Trip
Local Stagecoach bus services provide transport both to Eastbourne and within the town. Brighton & Hove Buses also operate Coaster buses between Eastbourne and Brighton, passing through a scenic national park. Routes and timetables may change; check current times if you include buses in your day’s plans. This lets you tailor your trip to your chosen focus: art and local history, paths along the coast, or gardens and parkland.
Discover more destinations: Salehurst, West Hoathly, Beckley, Groombridge, Brighton, Fairlight, Iden, Newhaven.
For the wider travel overview: East Sussex.
