Discover Eastbourne and the East Sussex Coast
Eastbourne is one of the best-known seaside towns in East Sussex, with a long promenade, Victorian pier and plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants. Its seafront is lined with traditional beach cottages and coastal holiday homes, many within walking distance of the shore. Sea view cottages and apartments are particularly popular along this stretch of coastline. To the west, Beachy Head and the South Downs offer spectacular coastal walks, while Sovereign Harbour and its marina lie to the east.
Eastbourne Town Centre, Seafront and Nearby Pevensey Bay
Eastbourne’s town centre has a mix of independent shops, high street stores, restaurants and cafés. The Victorian pier is one of the main landmarks, while the seafront promenade passes the Bandstand, Carpet Gardens and several traditional hotels.
The town also has a theatre district, with the Congress Theatre and Devonshire Park Theatre hosting performances throughout the year. Further east, Sovereign Harbour has a marina with restaurants and waterfront walking routes.
Just along the coast, Pevensey Bay has a quieter shingle beach and a small selection of local shops and places to eat. If you’re considering somewhere outside the main resort, browse our collection of Pevensey Bay cottages by the sea.
Eastbourne Beaches, Holywell and Coastal Walks
Eastbourne’s main beach runs between the Wish Tower and the pier. It is mainly shingle, with sand exposed in places at low tide. During the main holiday season, this central section has lifeguard patrols, swimming zones and facilities including public toilets, showers and nearby cafés.
West of the main resort beach, Holywell has a smaller beach beneath the cliffs, with beach huts, a café and access to nearby walking routes. The surrounding coastline provides views towards Beachy Head.
East of the pier, Marine Parade and Royal Parade have further stretches of sand and shingle, with parking and refreshments nearby. The promenade continues towards Sovereign Harbour, making it possible to explore several beaches during one visit.
Beachy Head, the South Downs and Places to Visit
Beachy Head is one of Eastbourne’s best-known landmarks. The chalk cliffs rise to around 162 metres above the sea, with walking routes offering views along the Sussex coastline. Visitors should stay well away from cliff edges because of erosion and unstable chalk.
The nearby Seven Sisters cliffs and Birling Gap are popular destinations for coastal walks. Birling Gap has beach access via steps, although access conditions can change following cliff falls or storm damage.
Back in Eastbourne, Towner Eastbourne is an art gallery with exhibitions and events, while the Redoubt area is home to a historic Napoleonic-era fortress. Families can also visit the seafront gardens or explore the paths around Princes Park.
For more coastal towns, beaches and places to visit nearby, explore our wider selection of East Sussex cottages by the sea, including accommodation around Rye, Hastings, Camber and Pevensey Bay.
