With the summer fast on it’s way, we know that you’ll be looking for things to do throughout the summer months, restrictions allowing. Eastbourne is a wonderful place to visit and screams classic British Summer holiday! Originally a fishing village and later developed into a large Victorian beach resort, Eastbourne is one of the most popular places to visit in England for those seeking a seaside getaway.
Eastbourne is on the eastern cusp of the South Downs National Park, and just west the coast begins to rise hair-raisingly from the shingle beach. So what is there to do in and around Eastbourne?
Beachy Head
Within walking distance of downtown Eastbourne, the 530-foot-high Beachy Head is a favourite sightseeing spot for tourists due to its spectacular views. This striking snow-white cliff at the end of the South Downs amply justifies its fame, taking its name from the French Normans who called it “Beauchef” (beautiful headland).
Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters
West of Beachy head the spine-tingling coast continues along a string of towering chalk cliffs that undulate along dry valleys.
Before you come to them you’ll enter Birling Gap, a small hamlet that is slowly disappearing because of coastal erosion.
Birling Gap is managed by the National Trust, and you can drop in at the visitor centre and go rock pooling and fossil hunting on the beach and wonder at the Seven Sisters to the west.
Carpet Gardens
The famous Carpet Gardens are the centrepiece of Eastbourne’s Promenade and should definitely be explored. With vibrant displays of bedding plants and fountains, these award-winning gardens are a welcome splash of colour between the Western Lawns and Eastbourne Pier. Shrubs and plant species from around the world, including from Mexico, New Zealand, and the Mediterranean, thrive in the town’s mild climate.
The Bandstand
Poised above Eastbourne’s main resort beach is a sublime Neo-Grec Bandstand completed in 1935, and a sensational place to watch an open-air concert.
With a semi-circular design and black, green and blue faience cladding, the bandstand can’t be compared to any building in the UK. Facing the stage is an arena, including a middle and upper balcony, with seating for 1,600 spectators.
Up to the 21st century the Bandstand was used mainly for performances military bands, but since 2001 the entertainment has become much more diverse.
Eastbourne Pier
Built in 1870, Eastbourne Pier is a wonderful example of Victorian seaside architecture. A highlight of a visit is enjoying the superb views of the town and the English Channel, as well as enjoying the many fun things to do here. The structure’s boardwalk leads to a number of tourist attractions, including dining opportunities (check out the Victorian Tea Rooms), an amusement arcade, and novelty and souvenir shops.