The bustling seaside resort of Eastbourne perches on the South Coast in East Sussex and attracts almost five million visitors every year. Hugged by the South Downs National Park and home to an impressive Victorian pier, golden beaches, a historic old town and a bustling marina, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Eastbourne.
Most of the town’s visitors are families with children in tow, and the wealth of Eastbourne attractions cater perfectly to these holidays. Lovers of the outdoors are spoiled with walking trails and sun-soaked beaches, while culture vultures have a wide choice of shops, places to eat and historic sites to uncover.
Read on to discover our favourite things to do in Eastbourne. You can also start planning your seaside getaway today by clicking the link below and exploring our collection of holiday cottages in Eastbourne.
Holiday cottages in Eastbourne
Skip to our favourite things to do in Eastbourne
Eastbourne Pier
Eastbourne Pier is the jewel in the town’s seaside crown. Stretching out into the English Channel, this Victorian landmark combines nostalgic charm and lively entertainment – it would be criminal to visit Eastbourne without paying a visit to its famous pier.
Families with children can easily pass an afternoon dropping coins into the classic seaside amusements and arcade games, and parents can reward their patience with a visit to the pier’s traditional fish and chip shop.
Beyond the stunning sea views await Victorian tearooms, perfect for a sunny afternoon. On an evening, Eastbourne Pier lights up and casts a glow across the water – this is the best time to visit 1901, a jazz lounge with a blues kitchen and a busy calendar of live music.
Good to know
- Location: Eastbourne Pier Grand Parade, Eastbourne BN21 3EL
- Opening times: 9am–6pm every day
- Entry fee: Free entry
- Stay nearby: Hydeaway, Eastbourne | sleeps 6 + 1 dog
Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway
If you’re looking for family friendly things to do in Eastbourne that offer even more nostalgia and seaside fun, then we recommend a visit to Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park.
Set in the heart of town and spread across 5 acres of gardens and lakes, this is one of the most popular Eastbourne attractions where scenic train rides, themed adventure playgrounds, nature trails and memorable picnic spots await.
With a fleet of ten classic locomotives, a trip onboard the Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway offers the best way to see the park. Lasting only 5 minutes, there’s no excuse not to enjoy a couple of rides during your visit – the kids will love it!
Good to know
- Location: Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne BN23 6QJ
- Opening times: 10am–5pm every day
- Entry fee: Adults £12; children £12; seniors £11; under 3s go free
- Stay nearby: Fortress House, Eastbourne | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Blue Lagoon Eastbourne
When it starts raining and you’re on the hunt for things to do in Eastbourne, whether you’re a couple or a family, a visit to Blue Lagoon Eastbourne is one that’ll relax you.
This popular indoor aquatic facility boasts two spacious and extra-heated swimming pools and offers a busy calendar of wellness activities and child-friendly classes – plus a spectator area and coffee shop for those who fancy staying dry.
Check out Blue Lagoon Eastbourne’s schedule ahead of your visit and you may find the perfect session for your little ones or a well-deserved aqua yoga class for yourself.
Good to know
- Location: 14 Brassey Parade, Hampden Park, Eastbourne BN22 9NG
- Opening times: Hours vary each day, check the website for more details
- Entry fee: Prices vary, see the price list for more details
- Stay nearby: Belvedere, Eastbourne | sleeps 6
Eastbourne Cinema
One of the most popular Eastbourne attractions, especially when the weather plays up, is Eastbourne Cinema. Nestled in the heart of Eastbourne in the town’s bustling shopping centre, The Beacon, Eastbourne Cinema boasts eight screens and a seemingly endless list of screenings.
Those with children will be pleased to hear that adults pay kids’ prices by buying a family ticket, while the cinema offers a range of junior movies from just £2.50 per ticket, ensuring little ones are always catered for.
Good to know
- Location: The Beacon, 37 Terminus Road, Eastbourne BN21 3NW
- Opening times: 12pm–12am Monday to Friday; 9am–12am Saturday to Sunday
- Entry fee: Adults £12.99; seniors £9.99; children £7.99 (more prices on the website)
- Stay nearby: Dovecote Cottage, Eastbourne | sleeps 2
Places to eat in Eastbourne
Between your visits to the many Eastbourne attractions, the town offers a fantastic range of places to eat, and what better way to soak up the region’s splendour than dining on the edge of the beach in the Beach Deck restaurant? Open from breakfast through to dinner and combining beach and ocean views with delicious food, this is a great option for a romantic seaside meal.
Nestled in the heart of town is Meze Restaurant Eastbourne, where East Sussex meets Turkey in the form of tasty small plates, grilled meats and delicious dips. Perfect for a sociable meal out together, this restaurant sits near the town’s train station, offering a convenient and memorable option after returning from adventures further afield.
While Bistrot Pierre is a well-known name, the impressive restaurant in Eastbourne is one of the chain’s best and most scenic, commanding incredible views over the English Channel and Eastbourne skyline. With dogs welcome on the outdoor terrace, this is a great choice for all the family.
Shopping in Eastbourne
From high-street favourites to independent boutiques and classic seaside gift shops, one of the best things to do in Eastbourne if you fancy a mooch is exploring the town’s wealth of shops. Whatever the weather, Eastbourne’s modern and bustling shopping centre, The Beacon, is a great place to start with its wide range of places to browse, eat and relax.
For a quirkier, more personal shopping experience, Eastbourne’s Enterprise Shopping Centre sits in the heart of town, housed in a characterful old building perfect for pottering. You’ll find fewer chains here and more independent boutiques selling all things home décor, vintage clothing, artisanal goods and plenty more.
Eastbourne’s Labyrinth shopping centre sits in the narrow streets of the town’s centre and offers an indoor, maze-like shopping experience for all those seeking artisan stalls, retro boutiques and speciality craft stores.
Walks around Eastbourne
Of all the things to do in Eastbourne, discovering the town’s seaside appeal and natural beauty should be towards the top of your list. The 3.5-mile trail along Eastbourne’s golden beach is a great chance to uncover the town’s charm, as you’ll walk past Eastbourne Pier and the promenade’s buzzing attractions. The walk shouldn’t take much longer than 90 minutes, but you can slow it down for your enjoyment, perhaps stopping for fish and chips on the sand!
Eastbourne’s Sovereign Harbour is one of the largest and most vibrant marinas in Europe thanks to its various leisure facilities, places to eat and inviting shops. The best way to see all the harbour’s sights (with a challenge) is along the 7-mile Sovereign Harbour Circular.
Alternatively, for walkers seeking a challenge, the 7-mile circular trail leading out of town and around Beachy Head combines far-reaching coastal views and the South Downs National Park. The first half of the walk is fairly level, but the remainder is steep as you climb to the clifftops and ramble through fields where sheep graze – keep the dogs on the lead here.
Eastbourne beaches
One of the biggest Eastbourne attractions is an obvious one. The golden sands of Eastbourne Beach run for half a mile between Eastbourne Pier and Wish Tower, offering endless days of seaside fun, water sports, promenade adventures and plenty more. Play safely in the sea with the comfort of RNLI lifeguards patrolling the shore, and between October and April, pups are free to explore whilst on the lead.
If you’re seeking a quieter beach day, Holywell Retreat sits at the western end of Eastbourne’s promenade and offers a throwback to pre-war British beach days. Shingle, steep banks and wooden groynes contribute to the beach’s traditional appeal, and with no dog restrictions, this is a great spot to let Fido run wild.
Combine a passion for beach days with a love for history when you visit the rural shoreline of Pevensey Bay. Set 3.5 miles along the coast from Eastbourne, this is another great option for a more peaceful beach day. History lovers can trace the steps of William the Conqueror who landed on the beach in 1066, while dogs are welcome all year without restrictions.
Events in Eastbourne
Eastbourne plays host to plenty of events and shows, the most popular of which is the annual Eastbourne Airshow. Known locally as Airbourne, the Eastbourne Airshow is the town’s biggest event and one that sees the seafront packed full of visitors from far and wide hoping to catch a glimpse of the aerial displays above.
If you’re looking for things to do in Eastbourne but haven’t yet booked a date for your visit, then Eastbourne Theatres could be your answer. Combining Congress Theatre, Devonshire Park Theatre and Winter Garden, all of which sit in the town’s cultural quarter, Eastbourne Theatres are sure to offer a touring production or seaside show to suit your fancy.
One of the best Eastbourne attractions if you’re a lover of sport is the Eastbourne International, a famous grass tennis tournament played at Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club. Attracting top tennis talent from around the world, the Eastbourne International is the final grass stage before the big one, Wimbledon, and is perfect for die-hard tennis fans or anyone looking for a fun day out.
Castles around Eastbourne
While Eastbourne doesn’t play host to any traditional castles, lovers of history can head out of town (no more than a 16-mile drive) to uncover three historic castles and forts that reveal the South Coast’s dramatic history.
Your closest option is Pevensey Castle, a fortress that dates back to the Roman Empire. Built in the 4th century, its Roman walls still stand to this day. Fast forward 700 years, the castle marked the landing spot for William the Conqueror in 1066, while its involvement in the Second World War is also evident when you spot the remains of machine gun posts hidden in the walls.
Just under 10 miles from Eastbourne lies the 15th-century Herstmonceux Castle. One of the oldest brick buildings in England, the castle plays host to over 300 acres of beautiful gardens, a scenic moat and even an Observatory Science Centre. Another option is Lewes Castle and Museum which nestles 16 miles outside of Eastbourne in East Sussex’s county town. The Norman fortress overlooks Lewes and offers a fascinating insight into the region’s medieval history.
Map of things to do in Eastbourne
Use our handy map below to locate all the best things to do in Eastbourne that are featured in this guide, including our favourite Eastbourne attractions, beaches, events, walking routes and more.
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Holiday cottages in Eastbourne
If Eastbourne’s seaside charm has captured you, why not enhance your South Coast adventure by booking a stay in one of our Eastbourne holiday cottages? Click the link below to explore our collection of self-catering cottages and sea-view apartments for solo travellers, couples with dogs in tow, groups of friends and extended families.
Holiday cottages in Eastbourne