HOTELS IN Eastbourne

Culture and nightlife in Eastbourne

Plenty of creativity and culture can be found in Eastbourne, as the town is praised for its thriving fine art scene. Both contemporary and traditional galleries are situated in the town centre, alongside a charming selection of independent galleries in Little Chelsea. With five theatres and plenty of museums on the town's heritage also available, an enriching break is waiting for you.

• Congress Theatre: This impressive, purpose built theatre was constructed in 1963 and is the largest theatre on the South Coast. You can expect to see West End musicals, plays, ballet performances, opera, live music and plenty of comedy.

• Towner Gallery: This modern art gallery and museum presents a diverse selection of exhibitions, displaying the works of both UK and international contemporary artists. The gallery was opened to the public in 1923, and has been celebrated as one of the leading of its kinds in the South East.

• The Tiger Inn: Walkers, ramblers, beach goers and big families will all appreciate the cosy atmosphere of this traditional, 15th century pub. We recommend sampling some brilliantly tasty locally brewed ales, such as South Downs Ale that’s made in The Tiger Inn’s own brewery just a stone’s throw away from the pub grounds.

Eating and drinking in Eastbourne

Eastbourne is the famous birthplace of the British favourite banoffee pie. The seaside resort is also home to some of the best ice cream and seafood in the whole of the UK, so you’re sure to be well fed during your break. Head into the town centre come evening time and soak up the lively local atmosphere in the countless restaurants, wine bars, comfortable cafes or traditional pubs.

• The Beach Deck: Seafood is the speciality at The Beach Deck, as you indulge delicious dishes in a truly relaxing seafront setting. This food hotspot offers the best breakfast around, with eggs done in every kind of way and a popular ‘athletes special’ providing a protein-filled start to the day. Dinner is just as delightful, with everything from vegan moussaka to the famous Beach Deck burger on the menu.  

• The Lamb Inn: Classic and hearty pub fare, with all the trimmings is served at this 12th century spot. As one of the oldest pubs in England, it offers the ideal mixture of history and entertainment, and was voted pub of the year by local residents in 2015.

• The Gallivant:  You can expect a Scandinavian/New England feel in the celebrated Gallivant restaurant. The décor is attractive, stylish and informal - with fur rugs, log fires and shabby chic benches outside, for al fresco dining. An impressive 95% of the ingredients used within dishes are locally sourced by surrounding fisherman and farmers, so you’ll be enjoying the freshest food for miles (note: the Romney marsh lamb is a must to order).

Shopping in Eastbourne

You’ll find a great mix of high street shops in the Eastbourne Arndale Centre and many exclusive independent boutiques in the shopping district Little Chelsea. Whether you’re picking up a souvenir, a pair of jeans from Topshop, or a completely unique vintage dress, you’ll be leaving Eastbourne with a smile on your face.

• Eastbourne Arndale Shopping Centre: Eastbourne Arndale doubles as a bustling shopping centre and popular tourist attraction. You’ll find a fabulous selection of big brands including Marks & Spencer, Topshop, Boots and New Look. After a day of shopping, you’re sure to be craving a cuppa, cake or snack, so stop by the Starbucks or Café Ruby to refuel.

• Little Chelsea: Covering both Grove Road and South Street is the chic district Little Chelsea. This lively shopping and dining quarter offers a wealth of independent stores, including art galleries, interior design experts, clothes designers, jewellery specialities, music dives, food vendors, photographers and bookshops. Some hidden gems include the Sumfing Special clothing store and Roots Urban Farm Shop.

• East Dean Village Market: This quaint farmer's market is held in the picture-perfect East Dean village, offering the highest quality local produce to give you a taste of the countryside. Sink your teeth into an organic pork pie or buy a bottle of red to enjoy as a nightcap in the hotel room. The market is held every Wednesday between 10am - 12.30pm at the village hall, so don’t miss out.

Things to do in Eastbourne

There’s so much to do when staying at a hotel in Eastbourne. This timeless English seaside resort is overflowing with activities to ensure every moment of you holiday is filled with excitement. Family days out can be spent visiting The Hop Farm Family Park, Chessington World of Adventures or Drusilla’s Park Zoo. Your to-do list should also include strolling through the surrounding areas of natural beauty, visiting Brighton or heading to one of the local museums and art galleries. However, if an utterly relaxing break is exactly what you need, Eastbourne’s lovely beaches will provide just that.

• Beachy Head: At 530 feet, the dramatic chalk cliffs of Beachy Head are the tallest of their kind in the UK. Visitors flock to this stunning spot to complete the 1.5 hour walk, that finishes with breath-taking panoramic views over Eastbourne and the English Channel.

• The Observatory Science Centre: Just 20 minutes outside of the city centre sits the unique Observatory Science Centre. The centre is filled with fascinating interactive exhibits to delight the senses and challenge the mind.

• Grand Parade Main Resort Beach: Eastbourne offers over 3 miles of lovely beaches. The award winning Grand Parade Beach is the most popular of these beaches, and can be found between the Pier and the Wish Tower. Sun seekers are sure to enjoy a dip in the quality water, whilst sportier types may wish to take advantage of the windsurfing opportunities.