Things to do in Eastbourne

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Eastbourne (2024) - Must-See Attractions

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Things to Do in Eastbourne

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Beachy Head, Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, Art Galleries, Theatres.
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Top Attractions in Eastbourne

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Cliffside destination with panoramic sea views, tranquil atmosphere, and scenic walking trails. Historic lighthouse and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Caution advised near cliff edges.
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Cliffside retreat with panoramic sea views, chalk cliffs, and a historic lighthouse. Features long coastal walks, a pebbly beach accessible by stairs, and a National Trust cafe for refreshments.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Miniature steam railway and playground nestled in a scenic park with picnic areas, maze, and nature walks, ideal for family outings and train enthusiasts.
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Victorian pier boasting a mix of eateries, arcades, and shops, with a standout glass shop and Victorian tea room amidst picturesque views. Enjoy a traditional British seaside ambience.
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Marina lined with diverse dining spots and outdoor seating, framed by a scenic harbor ideal for leisurely strolls and picturesque views of boats.
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Historic theatre featuring a classic interior and intimate ambiance, with a variety of live performances and homegrown pantomime; includes backstage tours.
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Victorian theatre with opulent decor presents family-friendly productions, featuring special effects and audience engagement in an intimate ambiance.
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Welcoming art space with a collection of vibrant, original acrylic paintings, each with a unique backstory. The venue presents a mix of figurative and abstract art near The Grand hotel.
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Modern art space with a diverse collection, spotlighting Sussex artists and notable exhibitions. Located near the seafront, the venue includes a café and a gift shop.
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Rustic farm experience with a homely cafe serving a selection of food and homemade cakes. Includes play areas for children and a woodland farm trail amidst a pleasant setting with animals.
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What travellers are saying

  • Cintiam09
    Southampton, UK112 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beachy Head Cliffs are a stunning natural landmark located on the southern coast of England, near Eastbourne in East Sussex. Here’s a closer look at this breathtaking site:

    ### Overview
    - **Height:** Beachy Head is known for its dramatic white chalk cliffs, which rise to about 162 meters (530 feet) above sea level, making it the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain.
    - **Scenery:** The cliffs offer spectacular views of the English Channel and are surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills and lush greenery.

    ### Natural Features
    - **Chalk Formations:** The cliffs are composed of soft chalk, which has been shaped by erosion from wind and waves over thousands of years. This creates striking formations and provides a unique habitat for various wildlife.
    - **Flora and Fauna:** The area is rich in biodiversity, home to several rare plant species and bird populations, including seabirds that nest along the cliffs.

    ### Historical Significance
    - **Lighthouse:** At the base of Beachy Head is the Beachy Head Lighthouse, built in 1902. It stands as a navigational aid for ships and adds to the picturesque nature of the cliffs.
    - **Cultural Importance:** The cliffs have inspired artists, writers, and photographers for centuries due to their dramatic beauty. They also feature in various literary works and artworks.

    ### Recreation
    - **Walking Trails:** There are several walking paths along the cliffs that allow visitors to enjoy stunning views while exploring the area. The South Downs Way runs through Beachy Head, providing access to both the cliffs and surrounding countryside.
    - **Safety Considerations:** While the views are incredible, it’s important to be cautious near the cliff edges due to their height and unstable ground.

    ### Conservation
    Beachy Head Cliffs are part of the larger South Downs National Park, which aims to protect these natural landscapes. Efforts are made to preserve both the environment and historical features for future generations.

    Visiting Beachy Head Cliffs is a wonderful way to experience England’s natural beauty and enjoy outdoor activities while taking in breathtaking coastal views!
    Written 12 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jayneeka L
    Leicester, UK108 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Decided to do a last minute trip to Eastbourne due to my nieces wanting to walk the Seven Sisters route.

    We were initially unsure where to start our walk from, decided to beginning from the Seaford visitors centre. Parking all days was £4.50, the visitor centre had facilities, coffee shop, cafe and a visitors centre selling a wide range of items.

    Starting the walk from seaford visitors centre was the best option for us, that was to Birling gap took around 2 hours. Sections of the route is fairly steep, and we had already nice weather and a slight breeze which made the walk much more bearable.

    The cliffs are very high, so would advise against walking too close too the edge especially if the weather is cold or windy. Certainly need good footwear, snacks are a must, water for hydration and don’t forget your cameras/phones.

    The views are stunning, and it’s a shame cameras can’t capture what your eyes can see.

    Please note this was requires a general level level of fitness.
    Written 7 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jonathan R
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited for the first time the other day taking one of our grandchildren. What an amazing place to visit with so much to do and see in addition to the train ride. Spent a good couple of hours there. Very good value for money in my opinion and annual membership also available.
    Look forward to going again at some point.
    Written 24 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nicola S
    4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amusement arcade is what you would expect, music and lots of games to play. Not much sign of staff but I'm sure they were there if needed
    Written 10 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jackie B
    Uckfield, UK348 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We have visited Sovereign Harbour Marina and love it so much looking to move house here in the future! On this visit it was a very warm day for October and we went on the 30 minute boat trip round the harbour which was very enjoyable. We enjoy eating and drinking at the various cafes and restaurants which are varied and on a good day so lovely to sit outside, like being abroad! Great shopping next door at The Crumbles. A very special place.
    Written 5 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Luke P
    Belvedere, UK162 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We saw it's a night to remember.
    A lovely theatre with great atmosphere and welcoming staff.
    The new girls learning on the bar doing a fantastic job for their first night :)
    Front of house team so accommodating and helpful.
    The show it's self was brilliant. A good sing along.
    Written 10 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Seaside10984398246
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cleverly acted, what fantastic talent with all 3 actors. HIGHLY RECOMMEND The Hound Of The Baskervilles not to be missed at the Eastbourne theatre. Comic timing genious, very well thought out all praise to the staff behind the scenes & front of house. Standing ovation deserved.
    Written 18 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mavis F
    Brentwood, UK5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow, Nigel is a talented, enthusiastic artist.

    Colourful, vibrant, so easy on the eye.

    And the ear, I could have listened to him talking about colour and his subjects
    All afternoon

    Thank you Nigel
    Written 4 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • V H
    Hertfordshire, UK173 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Towner is a gem of a place and more Arts Centre than just gallery. You need some time to appreciate the place. The building itself is stimulating to be in and you have three galleries, a library/gallery space, a cinema, a restaurant, a cafe bar and an excellent book/gift shop with an impressive selection of postcards and greetings cards. The lift is vast and has comfortable seating - an interesting feature of the place.
    The Towner has its own collection of artwork associated with artists from Sussex and the surrounding area. They also have touring exhibitions and their own exhibitions.
    The staff are very knowledgeable and hugely welcoming.
    We drove for over an hour just to see one of the exhibitions and it was absolutely worth the trip.
    Written 14 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joanna S
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    My daughter and I enjoyed the farm trail today. Lots has been invested into the many activities for children to do. And it's nice that it is mostly made from natural resources such as wood, with only a small amount of plastic. The entrance fee was reasonable for the facilities.
    However the cafe really lets it down. Only sandwiches available for a meal. Mine was a bit stale and only just defrosted. I used to love the soups and jacket potatoes on offer. Such a shame. It's also a great shame to see the loss of the farm shop and butchers. I used to enjoy buying fresh food there.
    Written 5 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jay
    30 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went to Eastbourne - Devonshire Park for the Tennis. The weather was very warm and got very hot in the centrecourt even though we got a gentle breeze from the sea. Protect yourself from the sun. There are plenyt of mobile places to eat and drink in the grounds. Never enough tables and chairs though and due to the good weather the lawn area became very busy too. A few moblile shops selling tennis clothing etc. Book signing by Judy Murray. If you take food with you be prepeared to be visited by the over firendly sea gulls. Even on court they swoop for your food. The practice courts are accessible for people to watch. The toilets were incredible clean and smelt fresh. Can be slightly busy for the ladies but the queue moved quickly. A lovley day to remember and aim to return next year for a 3rd year in a row. Parking is difficult so we parked a few miles out and got a bus in which cost £2.00 one way. Buses run frequently, so no long waits. Took a walk along the sea front as its just minutes from the Tennis. It's a beautiful beach for a stoll.
    Written 9 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jason F
    18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So quiet and peaceful when no one is around and a lovely view of the rocks and hearing the tide coming in
    Written 16 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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