Eastbourne is one of Britain’s most elegant resorts and was winner of ‘Best Resort 2005’. Enjoying a glorious location on the South Coast, the resort is flat, relaxed and has an excellent sunshine record. It is distinguished by its five mile promenade, lined by benches and decorated by Eastbourne's famous Carpet Gardens and to make it easy to get around, there is a small dotto train that runs along the promenade, stopping at the various attractions, restaurants and cafés on the sea front.
The resort boasts a good variety of sporting facilities, whether you want to play or spectate, from bowls to international women's tennis. There are museums, cinemas and dancing at the Winter Gardens as well as all day concerts played on Eastbourne’s dignified Edwardian bandstand. Eastbourne’s East Sussex coastline is a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty. The breathtaking chalk cliffs of the South Downs mingle with broad sandy shores ideal for bathing.
Beachy Head, the most famous cliff of the Eastbourne Downland, has spectacular panoramic views from Brighton to the west to Dungeness in Kent to the east. The resort is close to the historical site of Hastings and Battle, and a short drive to the commercial centre of Brighton. Inland, you can explore the delightful Cuckmere Valley and taste the wine produced at the nearby English Wine Centre. For those who wish to explore further afield, there are daily excursions to France.
Town Centre
Shoppers will find high street names amongst the town centre's flower-lined, pedestrianised streets and its main indoor centre, the Arndale Centre. For those looking for the exclusive, and distinctly individual, the Little Chelsea Quarter sells antiques, hand-made furniture and ceramics as well as housing an art gallery.
Beach and Gardens
Eastbourne has clean, safe and extensive beaches offering excellent bathing and a perfect place to soak up the sun. Its gardens are varied and award-winning, ranging from the striking Carpet Gardens along the front, to the rockery of Helen Gardens and the shingle based Sovereign Park with its 130 different species of wild flowers.
Activities and Attractions - Tourist Information - 01323 411400
- Eastbourne Theatres - Tel: 01323 412000
With four theatres to choose from you can always be sure of a great night out in Eastbourne. www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk - Allchorn Pleasure Boats - Tel:01323 410606
A memorable 45 minute cruise to view the most dramatic seascape of the white cliffs and the famous 100 year old lighthouse.
www.allchornpleasureboats.co.uk - Sovereign Harbour Marina - Tel:01323 470099
Enjoy the views from the promenades and visit "The Waterfront" for a wide selection of restaurants, bars, shops and things to do! There is also a multi screen cinema there. - Beachy Head Countryside Centre - Tel:01323 737273
Free exhibition into the history and ecology of Beachy Head and Eastbourne Downland with high quality interactive exhibits and a presentation on coastal birdlife. www.eastbourne.org - "How We Lived Then" Shop Museum - Tel:01323 737143
Featured on Channel 4's 'Collectors Lot', see collected exhibits shown on four floors of authentic Victorian style shops, room settings and displays. www.aboutbritain.com - Bingo Deluxe Club - Tel:01323 728164
Events
- Eastbourne Pier Birdman Competition is staged at the end of August. Contestants attempt to fly furthest off Eastbourne pier using man-made flying machines. www.eastbournepier.com
- Eastbourne Carnival Week takes place in mid-July. The week comprises of parades, concerts, plays and other performances.
- Bowls Tournament - Tel:01273 582428
An open tournament in which people compete from all over the country.
- Eastbourne International Ladies Tennis - Tel:01323 415442
- Weekly Fireworks - Tel:01323 641984
Excursions from Eastbourne
The details below are intended as a general guide only.
- Battle - Tel 01424 773721
The site of William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings. The village is very picturesque and the famous abbey is a beautiful piece of architecture. www.english-heritage.org.uk
- Brighton - Tel 0906 7112255
The town is famous for its graceful Regency buildings such as its exotic iron-domed Pavilion, its two piers and its enticing series of byways, known as The Lanes, with their intriguing antique shops and exclusive boutiques.
- English Wine Centre - Tel 01323 870164
Set in the beautiful valley of Cuckmere, the centre offers wine-tasting and excellent regional food. www.englishwine.co.uk
- Kent and East Sussex Steam Railway - Tel 01580 765155
One of the UK's premier steam railways, passengers can enjoy 3 course dinners whilst travelling through some of the country's finest scenery. www.kesr.org.uk
- Seven Sisters Country Park - Tel 01323 870280
Set in and around Cuckmore Valley, the Park has walking trails which span across seven breathtaking white cliffs. www.sevensisters.org.uk
Links
Tourist Information 01323 411400
Eastbourne.Org - Visitor guide
Visiteastbourne - Visitor guide
Eastbourne Local Council
Eastbourne Pier
Eastbourne Theatres
