Eastbourne: Art, Coast and History

Eastbourne combines a distinctive seafront with art, maritime history and landscapes. When planning your stay, you can start by choosing a focus: Victorian architecture and gardens, exhibitions or paths through the countryside.

Art, History and Maritime Themes

Towner Eastbourne’s collection comprises 5,000 works of modern British and international contemporary art. Landscapes, women artists and moving images are particular highlights; the collection and its focus may evolve. Towner also presents historical, modern and contemporary art in exhibitions and offers talks, events and creative activities. As programme details may change, check the dates for your travel period before visiting.

Eastbourne Museum is housed in the RNLI William Terriss Memorial Boathouse, built in 1898. It tells the story of almost 200 years of lifeboat and sea rescue in the town. Eastbourne Redoubt offers a different perspective on the town’s architectural history: this well-preserved, circular fortification was built between 1804 and 1812 and retains many original features and related structures.

Seafront, Pier and Coastal Paths

Eastbourne Pier is one of the finest examples of a Victorian pier and a landmark on the seafront. It opened in 1872. The pier also has shops, places to eat, fishing opportunities and views of the English Channel. Shops and dining options may change; check the latest details if these facilities are important to your visit. East of the pier, a self-guided walk takes you to hidden features and striking architectural details.

Beachy Head is just off the A259 between Eastbourne and East Dean, at the eastern end of the South Downs National Park. Beachy Head Lighthouse was built by Trinity House in 1902 to guide passing ships around the cliffs at the seaward end of the Sussex Downs. At the foot of Beachy Head in Eastbourne, a surfaced path leads to viewpoints along England’s south coast.

The South Downs Way is open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Its final climb leads to Beachy Head before the route descends to Eastbourne. This gives the route a different perspective on the coastal landscape from the surfaced path at the foot of Beachy Head: the sequence of the climb, Beachy Head and the descent to Eastbourne is a defining feature.

The seafront itself offers a distinct experience, with clean waters and extensive beaches. The Carpet Gardens lie between the Bandstand and the pier and form the centrepiece of the promenade. Their perennial planting changes through the year, offering floral and foliage interest all year round. The planting scheme may evolve as the gardens mature.

Gardens, Activities and Parkland

The Italian Gardens are set in a wooded amphitheatre cut into a cliff face, right on Holywell Beach. They can be reached on foot or by the Dotto Train, which may run seasonally. The gardens were created from a former quarry, which the council transformed into gardens in the winter of 1904/05.

Another place to get active is Buzz Eastbourne, a Royal Yachting Association (RYA)-recognised training centre that is open to everyone. Operational details may change; check them if you plan to use this facility during your stay.

Shinewater Park combines purpose-built leisure facilities with the atmosphere of a country park and is free to visit all year round. Its footpaths and cycle paths are suitable for wheelchair use. Wildlife includes grass snakes, slow worms, waterfowl and a diverse bat population. It brings together leisure facilities, accessible paths and a wealth of wildlife.

Getting to Shinewater Park and around Eastbourne

Shinewater Park is about 1 kilometre from Hampden Park railway station. Trains run regularly to and from there from Eastbourne town centre. Stagecoach operates local bus services to, from and within Eastbourne. Brighton & Hove Buses runs Coaster buses between Eastbourne and Brighton; the route passes through a scenic national park. Services and timetables may change, so check them for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Newhaven, Pevensey, Salehurst, Buxted, Pevensey Bay, Chiddingly, Newick, Lewes.

For the wider travel overview: East Sussex.