Things to Do in Eastbourne

From dramatic clifftops and tranquil seascapes to independent cafés and shops

Set between the English Channel and the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, Eastbourne has long been one of the south coast’s best-kept secrets. While neighbouring Brighton often steals the spotlight, Eastbourne offers something rather different: elegant Victorian architecture, a sweeping seafront, and beautiful coastal scenery.

Originally developed by the 7th Duke of Devonshire in the 19th century as a refined seaside resort, the town still retains much of its grand character. Here, immaculate gardens sit alongside theatres and galleries, while just beyond the promenade lie some of England’s most celebrated landscapes – from the white chalk cliffs of Beachy Head to the beautiful winding Cuckmere Valley.

Whether you’re spending a weekend in the town itself or using it as a base to explore East Sussex, there’s no shortage of memorable places to discover in Eastbourne. Read on to discover them all, using this guide to help map out your very own visit to this fine Sussex seaside town.

Stroll Along One of England’s Finest Victorian Seafronts

Eastbourne’s seafront stretches for miles, providing a vast promenade that’s made for leisurely mornings, sunset walks, and escapes in the fresh sea air. Wide pavements, colourful flower beds, and historic hotels give the town an elegance that’s increasingly rare among Britain’s seaside resorts.

At its heart stands the iconic Eastbourne Pier. Opened in 1870, it’s one of the country’s finest Victorian piers, with traditional amusements, cafés, fishing platforms, and panoramic sea views. Even if you’re not tempted by the arcade, it’s worth wandering to the end simply to watch the coastline unfold in both directions – and there’s plenty of space for enjoying lunch while you do so.

A short walk west leads towards Holywell, where the crowds thin out and the seafront takes a decidedly more tranquil and natural turn, with beautifully manicured gardens, rock pools, and the dramatic chalk cliffs of the South Downs as the backdrop. Take a walk to the easternmost end of the beach and you’ll pass several child-friendly spots, like Treasure Island Adventure Park, Fort Fun, and the Sovereign Centre leisure centre.

Explore a Varied Food & Shopping Scene

Eastbourne’s food scene has quietly evolved in recent years, with independent cafés and neighbourhood favourites giving visitors plenty of reasons to linger. For those arriving by rail, Foundry Coffee in the train station provides an excellent welcome to the town, with a range of drinks options alongside delicious sandwiches and pastries ensuring you start the day well.

Nearby, Nelson Coffee has become something of an institution of speciality coffee, roasting its own beans on-site and serving an inventive Australasian-inspired seasonal brunch menu in a bright, industrial-inspired space. In Little Chelsea, Skylark has earned a loyal following for beautifully presented brunches, lunches and dinners – served amid relaxed interiors. Local recommendations consistently place all three among Eastbourne’s standout coffee spots, each offering a slightly different – yet delicious – take when it comes to dining.

If you’re up for a spot of shopping, the aforementioned Little Chelsea is a great place to start. Encompassing the area of Grove Road and South Street, it’s home to several small businesses run by local creatives and dreamers, where you can uncover unique knick-knacks and quality finds. Just up the road, the Enterprise Shopping Centre offers a refreshing alternative to the high street too, with independent jewellers, antiques dealers, artisan food businesses, and family-run cafés making it an enjoyable place to browse.

For something more familiar, The Beacon combines modern high street retailers with entertainment under cover, including Boom Battle Bar (home to axe-throwing, shuffleboard and crazy golf – or “crazier golf”) and Cineworld, making it a great option for evenings and rainy days.