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Things to Do in Eastbourne: A Local’s Guide

Bev and Shams

There are plenty of things to do in Eastbourne, from exploring the beautiful seafront and Victorian charm, dramatic coastal walks along the South Downs, to incredible views across the landscape.

We’re lucky enough not to live too far from Eastbourne, so we make a point of visiting as often as we can throughout the year.

We love walking along the promenade on a summer’s evening, enjoying a bag of fish and chips by the sea, but our favourite is hiking the Seven Sisters, admiring the views across the landscape.

Because we love this little seaside town, we want to share local knowledge and experience with you, as we know how planning a trip to somewhere new can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve tried to decide what is worth adding to your itinerary and how to make the most of your time.

We share everything worth visiting, including the must-see attractions, scenic walks, free activities, places to eat, hidden gems and practical tips to help you plan with confidence.

So, whether this is your first visit to Eastbourne, or you’re returning to explore more of the area, we’ll help you avoid the things that are not worth your time and what is.

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How much time is needed in Eastbourne

Are you wondering whether Eastbourne is worth visiting just for a couple of hours, or should you stay for a whole weekend?

From our experience, we’d say you should spend at least one full day here, as this will allow you to explore most of the town centre and the seafront. If you can extend that for a whole weekend, that would allow you to slow travel and explore the South Downs.

This is how we would plan it, depending on how much time available:

If you’re specifically here to visit the Seven Sisters, then allow a full day for the walk, especially if you intend to walk from Eastbourne to Seaford.

The full route is over 10 miles long, walking over hilly terrain, so it’s not something we’d recommend squeezing into a short half-day trip.

Best things to do in Eastbourne

Whether you are visiting Eastbourne for a few hours, a weekend or longer, there is something for everyone.

We’ve put together the best things to do in Eastbourne, from must-dos that you won’t want to miss, to a few local favourites that make us come back time and again.

Walk Along Eastbourne Pier

You can’t go to Eastbourne and not walk along its iconic Victorian pier. Stretching out into the English Channel, it’s one of the town’s best-known landmarks, and somewhere we’ll always wander along when we visit.

As you stroll towards the end, look out at the lovely views across the beach and the promenade.

For a small pier that juts out into the sea, there’s plenty to keep you entertained, from amusement arcades, cafes, gift shops and plenty of benches to sit for a while as you enjoy the sea air.

Our two favourite spots are the Victorian tea rooms, where you can order a delicious slice of cake and a hot cup of tea, with a stunning chandelier hanging from the ceiling. And the arcades, which bring back a little bit of nostalgia from my youth, when we’d play on the 2p machines while on holiday.

The pier is completely free to visit, which makes it ideal if you’re on a tight budget.

If you’re just looking to take a stroll along the pier and back, then allow for around 30-45 minutes. But if you’re anything like us, then you could spend hours, hopping between arcade machine to arcade machine.

To avoid the crowds, we’d recommend visiting when it opens at 9 am or late afternoons before it closes at 6 pm. There is a bar on the pier that stays open later on Wednesdays and Saturdays. During the peak summer period, it can get very busy.

Eastbourne Pier

Take a walk along the South Downs

If you’re in Eastbourne for a long weekend, then walking the South Downs should be at the top of your itinerary.

These white cliffs have become popular with tourists and locals, with rolling hills, dramatic white cliffs and far-reaching coastal views that keep drawing us back every year.

While this is a moderately challenging hike between Eastbourne and Seaford, it doesn’t actually have to be.

If you want to hike it, then this is the route we take every time. Starting at the Kiosk, at the bottom of Beachy Head, we follow the path towards Beachy Head and the Belle Tout Lighthouse, then onto Birling Gap, before walking over the Seven Sisters to Seaford.

This hike will take around 5-7 hours depending on your speed and experience, but you will be rewarded with some of the best coastal views in the area.

One thing to consider is that the Seven Sisters hike from Eastbourne to Seaford is a linear route and not a circular walk. You will need to plan how you’re getting back to your start point. Check local bus and train connections to plan how to return to Eastbourne after the hike.

But what if you don’t want to hike it because you don’t have the time? You can still experience it with these few options.

You could catch the 13X bus that runs between Eastbourne and Brighton, which goes via Beachy Head and Birling Gap. You’ll still see those amazing views as you go. You can also exit the bus, do some exploring before catching the next bus.

The 13X bus runs only during peak season and operates hourly.

You could also try this tour from Get Your Guide.

If you’ve driven to Eastbourne, there’s plenty of parking at Beachy Head and Birling Gap, but it is paid parking.

Need more help with hiking the Seven Sisters? We’ve put together a detailed step-by-step guide to hiking the Seven Sisters from Eastbourne to Seaford, including everything you need to know before you go, what to pack, how long it takes, transport options and our top tips for making the most of the walk.

Views of the Seven Sisters

Stroll Along Eastbourne Seafront

One of the free things to do in Eastbourne is to take an evening stroll along the seafront.

Stretching for miles, it’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the fresh sea air and take in everything that makes this seaside town so special.

The promenade is ideal for leisurely walks or staying fit with a jog. We love to buy a bag of fish and chips, find a comfortable bench, and share our food while watching the sunset over the ocean.

This might not be a sandy beach in the UK, but it is a lovely spot to sit for a while and simply watch the world go by.

At the other end of town is the Italian Gardens, an off-the-beaten-path spot that’s tucked away beneath the cliffs at Holywell.

These beautiful gardens are a quieter, peaceful place to escape the crowds.

A landmark you won’t want to miss in Eastbourne is the Bandstand. Throughout the year, it hosts concerts, tribute acts and has one of the busiest summer programmes in the UK.

The atmosphere is lovely, and it’s worth checking the performance schedule before your visit.

Explore Holywell

If you’re looking for somewhere quieter, we’d recommend spending some time in Holywell.

Tucked on the far western end of the seafront, it’s far quieter than central Eastbourne.

Holywell is a shingle beach, which is perfect if you’re looking for somewhere more peaceful.

It’s also the ideal starting point for hiking Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters. As you make your way up towards Beachy Head, the landscape changes from built-up seaside promenade to dramatic hills, chalk cliffs and rolling countryside.

It is one of our favourite hikes in this area and a great way to experience a different side of Eastbourne.

We love it here so much that we could easily spend the day here relaxing while reading a book, enjoying a romantic picnic, or just listening to the waves crashing against the beach.

Private chalets in Hollywell

Visit Sovereign Harbour

Sovereign Harbour is located at the eastern end of the seafront, and it’s worlds apart from the Victorian seafront.

It’s made up of luxury apartments and houses, a modern marina and waterfront restaurants, with plenty of boats bobbing in the harbour.

We love just wandering around the marina, admiring everything from small sailing boats to impressive yachts and large townhouses.

It’s very easy to lose track of time, especially if you find a bar or restaurant to enjoy a cool beer.

Sovereign Harbour is also a great place to stop for something to eat. There are plenty of cafes, pubs, and restaurants overlooking the water, which is ideal for a lunch or evening meal.

Another walk to consider is between Eastbourne seafront and Sovereign Harbour along the coastal promenade.

It’s an easy, mostly flat walk that lets you experience another side of the town, and a great way to work up an appetite before stopping for lunch or dinner.

Suggested Eastbourne itinerary

Eastbourne is a small seaside town and is very easy to explore, whether you’re visiting just for the day or a long weekend.

The itineraries that we’ve created are based on how we would visit Eastbourne if this were our first time. But of course, feel free to mix and match things up depending on what interests you most.

Whatever you’re interested in, Eastbourne is a destination where you can create a trip that suits your travel style and pace.

If you have half a day in Eastbourne

If you’ve only got a couple of hours in Eastbourne, then we’d recommend focusing on things to do along the seafront and town.

We’d start by walking along Eastbourne Pier, before strolling along the promenade and taking in the views across the ocean.

Head to the Italian Gardens and Holywell. End the day in Holywell with some time relaxing on the quiet beachfront. Enjoy some refreshments at Holywell Tea Chalet.

If you have time and would like to go for a short hike. Then make your way to Beachy Head for some of the best coastal views in the area.

Alternatively, from the pier, walk along the promenade towards Sovereign Harbour and end your day with a meal in one of the restaurants and pubs.

Half-day itinerary

If you have one full day in Eastbourne

In our experience, a full day in Eastbourne is worth it over a half day; you can really slow the pace down and see more.

As with the half day, we’d recommend starting off walking along the pier, before walking along the promenade to Holywell.

Have some lunch before hiking up to Beachy Head, and if time permits, continue to Birling Gap, where you see incredible views of the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters.

End the day by walking to East Dean to catch the bus back to Eastbourne.

Alternatively, walk from the pier to Sovereign Harbour.

One-day itinerary

If you have a weekend in Eastbourne

A long weekend gives you so much more time to slow things down and experience everything Eastbourne has to offer.

On your first day, we’d explore the main highlights, including the pier, strolling along the seafront to Holywell and relaxing, ready for the next day.

On the second day, head into the South Downs for one of the area’s most famous walks, which happens to be our favourite.

Start in Eastbourne and walk up to Beachy Head, before making your way to Bell Tout Lighthouse and Birling Gap.

Rest here shortly, before taking on the Seven Sisters and ending in Exceat and taking the bus back to Eastbourne, or carry on to Seaford, before catching a bus or train back to Eastbourne.

On the final day before heading home, take a wander along to Sovereign Harbour and enjoy a well-earned meal or a cool drink.

Alternatively, instead of hiking the Seven Sisters, you could take a day trip to Brighton or Hastings on the second day.

Weekend itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

These three itineraries offer a mix of things to see and do, and if you don’t want to do any hiking, don’t worry, you can still see the Seven Sisters without having to walk those hills.

If you take the bus from Eastbourne via Beachy Head, you can see the same sights; you just won’t need to do any hiking. Plus, you can get off the bus at any time to explore somewhere that interests you, before catching the next bus to your destination.

Honestly, Eastbourne is our favourite little seaside town, and once you visit, you’ll want to come back again.

How Much Does a Trip to Eastbourne Cost?

Eastbourne is an affordable and budget-friendly destination, with most of these things to do being free activities.

If you’re staying for a couple of nights, you’ll just need to factor in accommodation, food and transport.

A day trip to Eastbourne is about budgeting for transport and food.

You could use this budget guide to help you with how much your trip might cost and plan around what works for you.

United Kingdom Travel Costs

Where to eat in Eastbourne

Any seaside town in the UK is the best place to get fish and chips. The fish is fresh, while the chips are just a classic, and it must go with curry sauce.

But why just eat fish and chips, when there are other great places to eat in Eastbourne?

And we’ve found some great places that keep us coming back.

Every recommendation below is somewhere we’ve eaten ourselves. We’ll share what we loved, what we’d order again and a few practical tips to help you decide where you’ll want to eat in Eastbourne.

Favoloso

If you’re looking for somewhere casual to eat in Eastbourne, the Favoloso is somewhere we’d recommend trying.

It is better for breakfast, but you can order sandwiches and jacket potatoes for lunch.

This old-style cafe has a relaxed atmosphere and is one of those places you can just walk in, place your order, find a table, before enjoying the hot meal served to you.

Shams ordered the Eggs Royale, or Salmon and avocado on toast, while I normally order the good old English Breakfast.

Don’t expect high-end dishes or service, as this isn’t that type of cafe, but it is a very good place to visit, with generous portion sizes. My English Breakfast comes with bacon, sausages, eggs, beans, toast and fried tomato.

The ordering process is simple: just find a seat, decide what you want to order, then head to the counter, pay and wait for your hot meal to be delivered to you.

There is no need to reserve a table, and indoor and outdoor seating is available, although during busy periods, tables do become limited and queues are possible.

For the two of us, including a cup of tea and our breakfast, it came to about £20, which isn’t too bad.

We’d happily return to Favoloso again for breakfast, to kick-start our day.

Holiday Inn Fish Restaurant

You can’t possibly visit a seaside town and not have fish and chips. With several fish and chips shops and restaurants in Eastbourne, the Holiday Inn Fish Restaurant is one of the best places we’ve enjoyed.

It’s a small takeaway rather than somewhere we’d come for a sit-down meal, so perfect if you want to enjoy your dinner on the seafront.

Shams and I normally share meals, as portion sizes are too big and we don’t want to waste food. Our go-to is haddock and chips.

The portions here are generous, with a large piece of fish and plenty of chunky chips; that’s definitely enough for the two of us, as we don’t always finish it.

Now, of course, you can order a portion each; that depends on you, but we are always happy to share, as it works well for us.

As they cater for takeaway, there is very limited seating inside, with just a bench and a few chairs and tables outside.

We like to simply order our food and take it to the seafront to eat, while watching the ocean lash against the shore.

A portion of fish and chips costs less than £15, which is very reasonable for Eastbourne, especially when the portion size is very generous and shared between two people.

You don’t need to book as it’s a takeaway and you can simply walk in and order. The service is generally good, and the staff are polite and welcoming, although don’t expect five-star ratings here; this is a simple and straightforward fish and chip shop, and that’s exactly how us locals like it.

Classic fish and Chips

Harry Ramsden’s

Another fabulous spot to choose for a classic fish and chips, with both eat-in and take away options.

Located right along the seafront, it is a popular choice, and somewhere we’ve eaten on several occasions.

Because of the portion sizes, Shams and I would normally share either a haddock or cod and chips between us, as there is more than enough to share between two people.

You can of course order a meal each if you’re particularly hungry, but sharing works well for us and helps to keep within our budget.

The food here is very good, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff are always friendly and welcoming.

A meal here will set you back around £19.95 for fish and chips, which is reasonable when considering we are sharing, but is a little expensive for just one person.

There is also no need to book, as we’ve always been able to walk in and get a seat. But during any events, it may get busy.

One thing that has disappointed us about Harry Ramsden’s is its 8 pm closing time. Which is fine if you are looking for an early supper. But we’ve on occasions been disappointed that we can’t get fish and chips after 8 pm from them.

So, if you are looking to go specifically to Harry Ramsden’s for fish and chips, make sure you get there before they close.

We’ve always had a good experience when it is open, and we are happy to return and enjoy a classic fish and chips from here.

The Belgian Cafe

If you’re in the mood for a bit of French food, then The Belgian Cafe is one of our favourite places to eat in Eastbourne, especially for their mussels with fries.

We love the food here so much that we keep coming back.

The portions are very generous, with one large pot of mussels, which is very filling, although if you want to keep to a tight budget, you could easily share one pot between two.

A pot of mussels in a broth is around £20-£30; this includes the meal and drink.

Inside, the cafe has a cosy feel, but it can get quite loud on a weekend when a musician is playing. It can get very busy, especially during the summer months. So, finding a table can be a little challenging on some nights.

Although we have managed to get a seat on arrival, you may want to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

We usually prefer to sit inside, but there is a small outdoor seating area, which is ideal during the warmer months.

There is very little we can fault about The Belgian Cafe; we love coming here, not just for the atmosphere but for the food. It is somewhere we would recommend to anyone who is visiting Eastbourne and fancies some mussels and fries.

Tuk Tuk

If you’re looking for good Indian food, then Tuk Tuk in Eastbourne is the place to go.

We ordered a few street food platters before ordering a seafood thali, which is a selection of curries. It was so delicious and not too spicy that we can’t wait to go back and eat here again.

The portion sizes were very good; sharing a couple of dishes would work well if you’re travelling as a couple, family or group.

The atmosphere is very casual and relaxed, making it a great spot to sit down and enjoy a meal after a long day in Eastbourne.

What really stood out for us was the excellent service, and the food was incredible.

We spent around £30-£40 on food and drinks that we shared between the two of us, so it is a little on the expensive side but definitely worth it.

We booked a table and were seated inside. Because of the popularity of the Tuk Tuk in Eastbourne, you’d definitely want to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Would we go back? 100% yes! We loved the food and everything about this little restaurant and would happily recommend it to anyone.

Qualisea Fish Restaurant

Another great place to order the classic fish and chips is Qualisea Fish Restaurant.

We’ve eaten here on several occasions, both sitting in and getting a takeaway.

When you head to a fish and chip shop, you don’t really want to order anything other than fish and chips, right? And this is no different.

The portion sizes are generous; we’ll often share one portion between us, and even then, it’s still too much.

So, if you are visiting with someone else, sharing is a good way to keep your costs down.

A portion of fish and chips is around £15.00. You can eat inside, or you could take away and eat it along the seafront. Because honestly, there is no better way to eat your fish and chips than sitting beside the sea, especially on a nice day.

The takeaway can get busy, but the service is still ok. There is no need to book ahead; just simply walk in when you get hungry.

One thing to be aware of is that extras such as ketchup or other sauces cost.

We would recommend Qualisea if you fancy fish and chips while you’re by the coast.

Practical Tips for Visiting Eastbourne

A little planning goes a long way, as it can make your day much easier, especially if you intend to include a few stops along the way.

Here are a few practical things worth knowing before you set off.

Parking in Eastbourne

We’ll always drive to Eastbourne because it is so much easier and more convenient for us. But not everyone will want to hire a vehicle.

So, if you are travelling to Eastbourne by car, there are several places to park around the town and seafront.

We normally park along the seafront; it is paid parking, either via the machines or through an app. Alternatively, you could park in the shopping centre car park, this again is paid parking.

We’ve never not got a parking space in Eastbourne, even during busy periods, but that is not always guaranteed. During the weekends, school holidays and summer months, parking is busier and harder to find, especially around the seafront area.

To avoid traffic and finding a parking space, we’d recommend arriving early if you can. This will save you time driving around looking for a parking space.

Getting there by public transport

You don’t need a car to get to and from Eastbourne. The town is well connected by train line from London and Brighton, making this a practical day trip.

Most of the town is accessible on foot. You can wander along the seafront, stop for a bite to eat, or go shopping in the shopping centre.

If you plan to visit destinations a little further away, such as Sovereign Harbour or hike the South Downs, you can catch the local bus.

Always check routes and timetables before you leave.

If you’re planning to hike the Seven Sisters, then remember to check how you’ll get back to the starting point. The 13X runs between Eastbourne and Seaford, stopping at Cuckmere Haven, should you end the walk here and choose to return to Eastbourne.

Best time to visit Eastbourne

Eastbourne is worth visiting throughout the year. But when you visit is going to depend on what you’d like to do.

Spring and Autumn are lovely times to visit; the weather is often cooler, while the days are still relatively long. This is the perfect time to enjoy a coastal walk without the crowds.

Just be mindful that the weather can still be unpredictable around this time of year, so bring layers for the cooler days, and a waterproof jacket and trousers would be a good idea, just in case it rains.

Summer is perfect if you’re looking for a day down on the beach and outdoor activities.

There is generally more going on, especially during August for the annual Eastbourne Airshow, which is a popular day trip for locals, with all types of aircraft flying over the seafront, providing a flight display before returning to land.

That said, because the summer months bring better weather, it does mean it can get very busy and crowded in Eastbourne.

Winter is perfect for those who are looking to avoid the crowds, with far milder conditions.

While it might be colder, a brisk walk along the seafront is still an option, especially followed by a warm drink and a comfortable meal.

Because Eastbourne is a summer destination, some smaller cafes, restaurants and attractions may close earlier or not open at all during the winter months.

Check the official website for opening hours.

Whatever time of year you come, it’s always worth checking the forecast before leaving and coming prepared for any eventuality, as British weather is very unpredictable.

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend trip by the sea, Eastbourne is definitely worth visiting. We love it so much that we visit regularly when the weather is dry.

One of the things we love about Eastbourne is that it is a relaxing beach destination, where you can spend the morning walking along the seafront, head into town for shopping, or just go for a hike across the South Downs and the Seven Sisters.

There’s a really good mix of things to see and do, whether you’d like to relax for a seaside break or something more adventurous.

If this is your first time in Eastbourne, then we would recommend choosing a few things that appeal to you, rather than trying to squeeze everything into one day. Leave yourself time to enjoy the views and some fish and chips at the end of the evening.

If you’re a keen hiker, then pairing a hike across the Seven Sisters is highly recommended.

If you’re still deciding where else to visit during your trip, take a look at our guide to the best places to visit in the UK for more inspiration.

We are lucky enough to live close, which allows us to get down to the coast regularly, and it will always be a place we enjoy coming back to.

And if you didn’t have time to cover everything on the first trip, don’t worry; you can always plan a return visit.

Read more ahout visiting London and the UK

Things to do in Eastbourne
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