Eastbourne

Travel Guide

Eastbourne featuring general coastal views
Beachy Head showing general coastal views
Sovereign Harbour which includes a marina and a city as well as a couple
Sovereign Harbour which includes a bridge and a river or creek
Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum showing military items

Old-fashioned Victorian charm and modern culture come together in this buzzing coastal resort. 

Located on England’s rugged southeast coast, Eastbourne exudes an old-world ambiance that can be traced back to its heyday as a Victorian seaside resort. Traditional activities, such as sunbathing, swimming and donkey rides, are balanced by contemporary cultural attractions, including the award-winning Towner Art Gallery and myriad theaters. Stroll along the seafront, build sandcastles on the shore and admire the breathtaking chalk cliffs.

In the mid-19th century, a newly built railway line drove this town’s development as a seaside resort. With the advent of affordable overseas travel in the late 20th century, the resort fell into decline as a tourist destination and instead became a popular retirement spot. See the new iteration of the contemporary Towner Art Gallery that opened in 2009, helping to establish the town as a worthwhile cultural destination.

Explore the seafront for reminders of its past. See Victorian hotels, the 1930s Eastbourne Bandstand and the restored Eastbourne Pier, a well-known Victorian structure that suffered a devastating fire in 2014. Walk along the pier and pause for desserts, sandwiches and hot drinks at the tea room and taste battered fish and salty chips, a British seaside staple.

Head north from the pier along the seafront to reach the Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum, a converted Napoleonic fort. Stop at the quirky Museum of Shops to inspect relics and tokens of the past. Here, four floors of exhibits display retro objects, such as old household items, sports equipment and vintage packaging. For cultural enjoyment, visit the purpose-built Towner Art Gallery and investigate a permanent room dedicated to Sussex watercolorist Eric Ravilious.

The incredible coastal scenery surrounding Eastbourne provides excellent hiking and walking opportunities. Trek along part of the 100-mile (160-kilometer) South Downs Way to see the magnificent ice-white Seven Sisters cliffs and the chalk headland of Beachy Head.

Eastbourne is well connected to other southeast England destinations, while local buses serve the town itself. Ride the train from London or nearby Brighton for a daytrip. Enjoy a trip to the seaside under sunny, blue skies.

Where to stay in Eastbourne

Eastbourne as well as a small group of people

Eastbourne City Centre

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Eastbourne City Centre is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Eastbourne Pier and Eastbourne Bandstand.

Eastbourne City Centre

Meads

5/5(2 area reviews)

While Meads isn't home to many top sights, Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club and Congress Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Meads
The Burlington Hotel

The Burlington Hotel

3 out of 5
Grand Parade, Eastbourne, England
The price is ¥10,742 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
¥10,742
¥12,890 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Eastbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,248 reviews)
Great overnight experience
"Lovely welcome, explained about live entertainment in evening and apologised that it could be loud till 11pm"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

The Burlington Hotel
The Majestic Hotel

The Majestic Hotel

3.5 out of 5
26-34 ROYAL PARADE, Eastbourne, England
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Eastbourne. Enjoy a beach locale, a free beach shuttle, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Redoubt Fortress and ...
6.8/10 (66 reviews)
"🌟 A Truly Majestic Experience in Eastbourne 🌟 From the moment I arrived at The Majestic Hotel, I felt genuinely welcomed. The elegant yet homely atmosphere set the tone for a wonderful stay, and every staff member exuded warmth and professionalism. 🏩 My newly refurbished room offered a breathtaking ..."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

The Majestic Hotel
The View Hotel

The View Hotel

3 out of 5
Grand Parade, East Sussex, Eastbourne, England
The price is ¥20,527 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥20,527
¥24,632 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Eastbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
Twin sea view balcony room higher floor
"We have stayed at this hotel over half a dozen times and have always found it comfortable and clean. We always request a low floor room and when we first booked about 3 years ago the hotel always allocated this. The last two times we have been allocated higher floors, when asked only to be told, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

The View Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Osborne Apartments

Osborne Apartments

2.5 out of 5
31 Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, England
Stay at this aparthotel in Eastbourne. Enjoy free WiFi and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Towner Art Gallery ...
9/10 Wonderful! (80 reviews)
"Very good. Not glamorous but had everything required"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Osborne Apartments
Q Square by Supercity Aparthotels

Q Square by Supercity Aparthotels

4 out of 5
11 Queen Square, Brighton, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Brighton. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Brighton Beach and Brighton Royal ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (264 reviews)
Great stay in Brighton
"We had an excellent stay here. The apartments are so handy for the station and the beach as well as all other attractions. Flat was immaculate, only niggle was terrace was narrow and furniture needed cleaned. However the rest of the flat suited us perfectly."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Q Square by Supercity Aparthotels
Vive Hotel

Vive Hotel

4 out of 5
Havelock Rd, Hastings, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Hastings. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (84 reviews)
"Clean spacious room center of town"

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2025

Vive Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Eastbourne

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
13
5 - Excellent 72%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 22%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

An interesting, lively town with lots of things to do and see.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

An excellent area for shopping and entertainment. It is also known as “the sun trap of the South” which is a bonus.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Always liked Eastbourne

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Very quiet in the winter months but I’m sure it would be lovely in summer. Seven Sisters and Birling Gap were stunning.

Cities near Eastbourne