Discover Eastbourne: A Seaside Gem on the South Coast of England

Eastbourne is a seaside town on the South Coast of England which is popular with residents and holidaymakers alike. This beautiful town offers a fantastic seafront with grand Victoria properties and to the west the South Downs National Park with the iconic Seven Sisters, chalk sea cliffs.

Eastbourne The History

The Rich History of Eastbourne: From Stone Age to Victorian Seaside Resort

Eastbourne really is a gem of the East Sussex coast, with its eye-catching seafront stretching as far as the eye can see.

Although Eastbourne is a relatively new town, there is evidence of human occupation in the area dating from the Stone Age. The town grew as a fashionable tourist resort thanks to William Cavendish, later to become the Duke of Devonshire. He appointed architect Henry Currey to design a street plan for the town, but not before sending him to Europe to draw inspiration. The resulting mix of architecture is typically Victorian and remains a key feature of Eastbourne.

Being just 19 miles from Brighton and 54 miles south of London, Eastbourne is ideally situated to draw in tourists, but is now also very popular with homeowners looking to enjoy a quieter life beside the sea.

Eastbourne Local Amenities: Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment

If you’re looking to shop till you drop, the newly renovated and expanded Beacon is the place to visit, with over 70 outlets from well-known brands as well as a newly built cinema and a number of restaurants.

Another fantastic place to visit is Sovereign Harbour, northern Europe’s largest composite marina complex, boasting four linked harbours and the hugely popular Waterfront retail and restaurant development.

If you love the theatre, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Eastbourne, with three theatres which are home to a number of West End productions, live comedy and more all year round.

 

Eastbourne Local Amenities
Eastbourne  Leisure

Leisure Activities in Eastbourne: From Watersports to Promenades and Events

One of Eastbourne’s finest attributes is its vibrant seafront promenade, where you can take a stroll along the beach, try some watersports or indulge in some action on the stunning Victorian pier.

There are hundreds of events throughout the year, including the free international air show Airbourne, motoring spectacular Magnificent Motors and the Rothesay International Tennis show, to name just a few.

Eastbourne has plenty of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you love long walks, Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Great Britain, and the stunning Seven Sisters Country Park, are perfect.

 

Eastbourne Travel Links: Quick Access to London, Brighton, and the South Coast

Eastbourne is a well-connected seaside town with regular services to London Victoria as well as Brighton, Chichester and Bognor Regis. The journey to London takes approximately an hour and a half, with Brighton less than an hour away by rail.

For those travelling by road, the area is also served by the A22, one of South-East England’s best-connected roads.

Eastbourne Transport

 Whats nearby

Eastbourne FAQs

What is Eastbourne famous for?
Eastbourne is famous for its stunning Victorian seafront, iconic pier, and proximity to the South Downs National Park, including the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. It’s also well known for its international events like the Airbourne airshow and the Rothesay International Tennis Tournament.
Is Eastbourne a good place to live?
Yes, Eastbourne is a highly desirable place to live, particularly for families and retirees seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle. The town offers excellent amenities, including schools, shopping centres like The Beacon, and entertainment venues. Its beautiful seafront and nearby natural beauty make it a great place for outdoor activities.
What are the best attractions in Eastbourne?
Eastbourne has plenty to offer visitors and residents. The top attractions include Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, the Victorian Eastbourne Pier, and the Sovereign Harbour Marina. The town is also known for its rich cultural scene, with three theatres hosting West End productions, live comedy, and music throughout the year.
What kind of shopping and dining options are available in Eastbourne?
Eastbourne has a wide range of shopping and dining options. The Beacon shopping centre offers over 70 stores, from high-street brands to smaller boutiques, as well as a cinema and restaurants. The Sovereign Harbour Marina features waterfront dining options, while the town centre offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs catering to all tastes.
How are the transport links in Eastbourne?
Eastbourne is well connected by both road and rail. Regular train services run to London Victoria, with the journey taking around 90 minutes. Brighton is less than an hour away by train. By road, the town is easily accessible via the A22, providing direct links to London and the surrounding areas.
What outdoor activities are available in Eastbourne?
Eastbourne is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can take a walk along the seafront promenade, visit the South Downs National Park for hiking, or enjoy watersports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters Country Park offer breathtaking views and nature trails.
What types of events are held in Eastbourne?
Eastbourne hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. The Airbourne International Airshow is one of the largest free airshows in the world. Other popular events include the Magnificent Motors car show, the Rothesay International Tennis Tournament, and various music and cultural festivals.
How far is Eastbourne from London and Brighton?
Eastbourne is approximately 54 miles from London, with regular trains to London Victoria taking about an hour and a half. Brighton is just 19 miles away, and the train journey takes less than an hour.
What is the housing market like in Eastbourne?
Eastbourne offers a range of housing options, from Victorian townhouses and modern apartments to family homes. The property market is affordable compared to nearby Brighton, making it an attractive choice for first-time buyers and retirees alike. The town is popular with those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being close to larger cities.
Are there good schools in Eastbourne?
Yes, Eastbourne has a number of well-regarded schools, including primary, secondary, and independent institutions. The town is home to several highly rated schools, making it a popular choice for families with children.
What makes Eastbourne’s seafront unique?
Eastbourne’s seafront is known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, long promenade, and traditional pier. The seafront stretches for miles, offering stunning views of the coastline, and is a popular spot for walking, cycling, and relaxing by the sea.

A selection of our most recent properties for sale in Eastbourne

  • Henfield Road, Eastbourne, BN22 9RJ

    For Sale
    2 Bedrooms
    1 Bathroom
    1 Reception
    £230,000
    PRICE GUIDE: £230,000 - £250,000Offering well-proportioned accommodation across two floors, this spacious mid-terraced home provides a comfortable and practical living space, with two double bedrooms, a good-sized rear garden and the added benefit of being offered to the market with no onw...
  • Hardwick Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4DF

    For Sale
    2 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    1 Reception
    £239,999
    Situated within the popular Hanburies development on Hardwick Road, this well-presented first floor apartment offers spacious and comfortable accommodation in a highly convenient location, close to Eastbourne town centre, theatres, shopping facilities and a wide range of local amenities.The property...
  • Cliff Road, Eastbourne, BN20 7RU

    For Sale
    5 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    2 Receptions
    £800,000
    PRICE GUIDE: £800,000 - £875,000Situated in the highly desirable Meads area of Eastbourne, just moments from the seafront and within easy reach of the amenities of Meads Village, this sizeable five bedroom family home offers exceptionally generous accommodation arranged over three floors.T...

A selection of our most recent properties to let in Eastbourne

  • Coast Road, Pevensey Bay, Pevensey

    To Let
    1 Bathroom
    1 Reception
    £1,050 pcm
    **ALL BILLS INCLUDED**Situated in the beautiful Pevensey Bay, this bright and well-presented annexe offers a private entrance, its own patio space and an off-street parking space, with all bills included in the rent.The accommodation features an open-plan living area with a fitted kitchen, complemen...
  • Seaside Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3PZ

    To Let
    2 Bedrooms
    1 Bathroom
    1 Reception
    £1,300 pcm
    A rare opportunity to rent a spacious two-bedroom home complete with its own entrance and private garden, just moments from Eastbourne’s seafront.Occupying the lower ground floor of Burlington Villas, the property opens into well-proportioned accommodation with neutral decoration throughout. At it...
  • Viking Way, Eastbourne, BN23 6UG

    To Let
    2 Bedrooms
    1 Bathroom
    1 Reception
    £1,050 pcm
    Located on Viking Way in Eastbourne, this two-bedroom ground floor flat offers a practical layout and the convenience of both a private entrance and access through the communal entrance.Inside, the flat comprises an open plan living/kitchen, two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The ground floo...

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