Eastbourne

Eastbourne is a town in East Sussex, on England's South East coast.

Eastbourne is a popular and traditional sea-side resort on the south coast of England, about 110 km from London. It has a population of just about 100,000, making it the second largest town in Sussex. It lies at the eastern end of the South Downs range of chalk cliffs and hills: its most famous feature being Beachy Head, the highest chalk cliff in Southern England. To the east it is bordered by the low-lying flood plains of the Pevensey Levels and beyond. It has one of the highest recorded days of sunshine per year in Britain and its climate is notable for its high sunshine levels, with the town claiming to be the "Sunniest Place in the UK".

The town has a reputation of being "God's waiting room" due to the high population of elderly residents, with one district of town having an average age of 71.1! Most of the population is younger, however, and you probably wouldn't see that many elderly people if you visited. The main shopping centre is being renovated to have more, better-known shops, which should make it even more popular with younger people.

Part of the town's charm is its largely undeveloped seafront, devoid of the amusements and loud activity associated with Brighton, its bigger and brasher western cousin. Eastbourne's front remains composed mainly of Victorian hotels, as much of Eastbourne has traditionally belonged to the Duke of Devonshire, who retains the rights to these buildings and refuses to allow them to be converted into shops.

The lovely 1935 bandstand remains, and traditional seafront concerts still take place every day in the holiday season for those content to listen and laze in a deckchair. The relative peace is only shattered in mid-August by the biggest event of the year for the town, "Airbourne". This justifably and proudly claims to be the South Coast's biggest free air display, and takes place over the sea attracting visitors of all ages during its four days. Many come just to see the world famous RAF Red Arrows who are regular visitors, but there are many other attractions at ground level too, such as live bands, with Scouting for Girls performing one year.

• The Carpet Gardens. Which are world famous.
• Eastbourne Pier, Grand Parade, Eastbourne, BN21 3EL, +44 1323 410466. Built in 1870 with a theatre, camera obscura, and bar. Paddle steamers used to sail from here to Boulogne in France in the early 20th century, but stopped in World War II, when anti-aircraft guns were placed on it. The arcade was destroyed by a fire on the pier in 2014, and has since been renovated to make the pier safe. There are cafes, a restaurant, some shops, a fishing stage, a nightclub (see Drink), a fish and chip shop and great views on the pier. Free.
• The Redoubt Fortress, Royal Parade, Eastbourne, BN22 7AQ (The Redoubt has two entrances: one from the promenade which is signposted and down some steps; and one from the road which is at the top of a small hill just off the pavement., +44 1323 410300. Daily: March-September: 10AM-5PM; October-November: 11AM-4PM. Built in 1804 as part of the defences against a possible invasion of Britain by Napoleon. It has been used in both world wars and more recently, as a model village and an aquarium. It now houses a museum, gun parade, cafe and shop. Free entry to the fortress. Museum: adult £4.50; child £2.50; seniors/students £3.25.
• The Towner Gallery, Devonshire Park, College Road, Eastbourne BN21 4JJ, +44 1323 434670. Tu-Su & Bank Holidays Mondays: 10AM-5PM. Eastbourne's contemporary art gallery with about three exhibitions on at all times. It has a permanent room dedicated to local artist, Eric Ravillious, and a cafe run by Urban Ground (see Drink). If you are a fan of art, this is well worth a visit, and maybe also take a trip down the coast to the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill and then the Jerwood Gallery in Hastings. If you visit all three galleries, and get a stamp from each in a Coastal Culture Trail passport, you get 20% off in one of the gallery shops, see coastalculturetrail.com for more information. Most exhibitions are free, but some will require a charge (the costs for these are well advertised).
• Eastbourne Heritage Centre, 2 Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4BT, +44 1323 411189. 21 March - 29 October: M Tu Th 2PM-5PM; F 10AM-1PM; Sa 10AM-4PM. Rest of the year: Sa 10AM-4PM. A museum all about Eastbourne's history, built in 1880, and is now Grade II listed. It's a short walk from the centre and just off the seafront, and is near to some nice restaurants too. Adults: £3; Children under 15: £1; Seniors/Students: £2.50.
• Beachy Head, +44 1323 423878. Enjoy the views from 162m up, on top of the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain. See the century-old red and white lighthouse at the foot of the cliffs, and an earlier forerunner the Belle Tout lighthouse, built to warn shipping of the treacherous rocks in the vicinity, which is now a B&B. Also see views over the whole of Eastbourne, and see if you can spot Hastings on a clear day. From here, you could travel further along the coast to Birling Gap, or even the Cuckmere Haven.
• Pevensey Castle, Castle Road, Pevensey, BN24 5LE, +44 1323 762604. The first castle to be built in England after the Norman conquest. adults £5.00, children £3.00, concessions £4.50.

The Carpet Gardens. Which are world famous.

Eastbourne Pier, Grand Parade, Eastbourne, BN21 3EL, +44 1323 410466. Built in 1870 with a theatre, camera obscura, and bar. Paddle steamers used to sail from here to [[Boulogne-sur-Mer|Boulogne]] in France in the early 20th century, but stopped in World War II, when anti-aircraft guns were placed on it. The arcade was destroyed by a fire on the pier in 2014, and has since been renovated to make the pier safe. There are cafes, a restaurant, some shops, a fishing stage, a nightclub (see [[#Drink|Drink]]), a fish and chip shop and great views on the pier. Free.

The Redoubt Fortress, Royal Parade, Eastbourne, BN22 7AQ (The Redoubt has two entrances: one from the promenade which is signposted and down some steps; and one from the road which is at the top of a small hill just off the pavement., +44 1323 410300. Daily: March-September: 10AM-5PM; October-November: 11AM-4PM. Built in 1804 as part of the defences against a possible invasion of Britain by Napoleon. It has been used in both world wars and more recently, as a model village and an aquarium. It now houses a museum, gun parade, cafe and shop. Free entry to the fortress. Museum: adult £4.50; child £2.50; seniors/students £3.25.

The Towner Gallery, Devonshire Park, College Road, Eastbourne BN21 4JJ, +44 1323 434670. Tu-Su & Bank Holidays Mondays: 10AM-5PM. Eastbourne's contemporary art gallery with about three exhibitions on at all times. It has a permanent room dedicated to local artist, Eric Ravillious, and a cafe run by Urban Ground (see [[#Drink|Drink]]). If you are a fan of art, this is well worth a visit, and maybe also take a trip down the coast to the De La Warr Pavilion in [[Bexhill]] and then the Jerwood Gallery in [[Hastings (England)|Hastings]]. If you visit all three galleries, and get a stamp from each in a Coastal Culture Trail passport, you get 20% off in one of the gallery shops, see coastalculturetrail.com for more information. Most exhibitions are free, but some will require a charge (the costs for these are well advertised).

Eastbourne Heritage Centre, 2 Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4BT, +44 1323 411189. 21 March - 29 October: M Tu Th 2PM-5PM; F 10AM-1PM; Sa 10AM-4PM. Rest of the year: Sa 10AM-4PM. A museum all about Eastbourne's history, built in 1880, and is now Grade II listed. It's a short walk from the centre and just off the seafront, and is near to some nice restaurants too. Adults: £3; Children under 15: £1; Seniors/Students: £2.50.

Beachy Head, +44 1323 423878. Enjoy the views from 162m up, on top of the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain. See the century-old red and white lighthouse at the foot of the cliffs, and an earlier forerunner the Belle Tout lighthouse, built to warn shipping of the treacherous rocks in the vicinity, which is now a B&B. Also see views over the whole of Eastbourne, and see if you can spot Hastings on a clear day. From here, you could travel further along the coast to Birling Gap, or even the [[Cuckmere Haven]].

Pevensey Castle, Castle Road, Pevensey, BN24 5LE, +44 1323 762604. The first castle to be built in England after the Norman conquest. adults £5.00, children £3.00, concessions £4.50.

• Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway, Lottbridge Drove, BN23 6QJ, +44 1323 520229. April-October: Daily 10AM-5PM. A great place for kids and children to hop onto a mini Steam engine.
• Sovereign Centre, Royal Parade, Eastbourne, BN22 7LQ, +44 845 2671200. M-F 6:30AM-10PM; Sa Su 7AM-6PM. A leisure centre with several swimming pools, gym, fitness suite, sauna and cafe. One swimming pool has a wave machine, fountains and a flume, which is popular with famililes during school holidays. There are also many classes, lessons and events going on here, such as gymnastics lessons, Zumba and swimming lessons. Prices are different depending on what facilities you want to use, and when you're using them. Family ticket for the swimming pool: £18.20. Full list of prices at their website.
• South Downs Way. This 160-km-long footpath, which starts on the Western edge of the town and runs through the South Downs National Park as far as Winchester to the west is a must for any keen walker, even if you're not an avid hiker, you can walk just a little bit of the trail and enjoy the Sussex countryside. (The location on the marker is the start of the path on the edge of Eastbourne.)
• Seven Sisters Country Park and Cuckmere Haven. Take the number 12, 12X or 13X bus from the town centre to this country park at Exceat, about 8 km west of Eastbourne. The park has cycle hire through the Friston Forest, a cosy cafe-restaurant and a visitor centre. The estuary of the River Cuckmere winds through here in a distinctive meander to the sea and can be walked either side of the A259 road. You can also walk upstream along the side of the Cuckmere river and if you're lucky you may be able to find some samphire along the banks which can be picked, cooked and eaten.
• Birling Gap. This area of land is owned by the National Trust and has a cafe, gift shop and a small museum/visitor centre. You can start walks from here across the South Downs and there is also a set of stairs going down to the shingle beach. It is a two hour walk towards Holywell and Eastbourne itself along the beach. From the country park, take a 4-hour walk on top of the cliffs back to Eastbourne. Don't forget to take a picnic, though Birling Gap is a pleasant beauty spot on this part of the coast, which looks particularly nice in Spring and has an excellent pub, restaurant and hotel.

The two biggest events in Eastbourne are Airbourne (in August) and the Nature Valley International (in June), with other events taking place mainly in summer. If you visit Eastbourne between May and September, visit the Western Lawns (near the Wishtower on the seafront, opposite the Grand Hotel) as quite often, there are events taking place there on the weekends.

Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway, Lottbridge Drove, BN23 6QJ, +44 1323 520229. April-October: Daily 10AM-5PM. A great place for kids and children to hop onto a mini Steam engine.

Sovereign Centre, Royal Parade, Eastbourne, BN22 7LQ, +44 845 2671200. M-F 6:30AM-10PM; Sa Su 7AM-6PM. A leisure centre with several swimming pools, gym, fitness suite, sauna and cafe. One swimming pool has a wave machine, fountains and a flume, which is popular with famililes during school holidays. There are also many classes, lessons and events going on here, such as gymnastics lessons, Zumba and swimming lessons. Prices are different depending on what facilities you want to use, and when you're using them. Family ticket for the swimming pool: £18.20. Full list of prices at their website.

South Downs Way. This 160-km-long footpath, which starts on the Western edge of the town and runs through the South Downs National Park as far as [[Winchester (England)|Winchester]] to the west is a must for any keen walker, even if you're not an avid hiker, you can walk just a little bit of the trail and enjoy the Sussex countryside. (The location on the marker is the start of the path on the edge of Eastbourne.)

Seven Sisters Country Park and Cuckmere Haven. Take the number 12, 12X or 13X bus from the town centre to this country park at Exceat, about 8 km west of Eastbourne. The park has cycle hire through the Friston Forest, a cosy cafe-restaurant and a visitor centre. The estuary of the River Cuckmere winds through here in a distinctive meander to the sea and can be walked either side of the A259 road. You can also walk upstream along the side of the Cuckmere river and if you're lucky you may be able to find some samphire along the banks which can be picked, cooked and eaten.

Birling Gap. This area of land is owned by the National Trust and has a cafe, gift shop and a small museum/visitor centre. You can start walks from here across the South Downs and there is also a set of stairs going down to the shingle beach. It is a two hour walk towards Holywell and Eastbourne itself along the beach.

While it does not perhaps offer the same range as other more fashionable shopping areas like Brighton or Tunbridge Wells, Eastbourne has a good mix of the familiar "high street" names and unusual retailers.

The Beacon, BN21 3NW, +44 1323 643431. M-W 9AM-6PM; Th-F 9AM-7PM; Sa 9AM-6PM; Su 10:30AM-4:30PM (some restaurants open longer). The town's recently redeveloped main shopping centre, now with light modern architecture. The centre features a wide range of shops, including both national chains, and local independent stores. Recently expanded to include more restaurants as well, including a new Nando's. It is also conveniently located in the very centre of the town, next to the train station, and with easy access to the shops on Terminus Road.

The Enterprise Centre, Station Parade, BN21 1BD, +44 1323 639504. Next to the station is another often forgotten treasure. Although it has a feel of faded glory and better days hopefully more visitors will take it back to the vibrant place it once was because it is a gem. Under one roof is everything you might need - fresh fruit and veg, a butchers and a fishmongers. Plus an amazing bookshop which has thousands of new and secondhand books plus a great ordering service for any book. There is a shop full of Wedding Dresses with service second to none (there are other wedding services there too) and a fair trade shop which is excellent. There are also opticians, complimentary therapy, a hair dressers and a beautician. A pet shop. A wonderful cafe called Jocelyn's where you can get gorgeous cakes, delicious soup and service with a smile!

For those with more eclectic tastes, Little Chelsea. is a good area of town to visit. While it's hard to ignore the several funeral directors in South Street and Grove Road, reflecting the higher than average proportion of aged residents of the town, there are many shops for those who want to live life to the full, whatever their age. Particularly recommended is Camilla's second-hand bookshop which is stacked to the ceiling with books on just about every subject imaginable, Mr & Mrs Doaks Bumper Bookshop selling children's books including a child-friendly teashop, a Belgian chocolate emporium and a Bang and Olufsen hi-fi and TV specialist dealer.

The 2-km long road known as Seaside. (somewhat confusingly, just inland from the seafront) is like a mini-town, with two bank branches, post offices, takeaways, convenience stores, antique and curio shopping, furnishers, kitchen and carpet suppliers. This is the main A259 road, and leads northwards to Langney, where there is a district shopping with a Tesco Metro, Iceland, Family Bargains and several other smaller stores.

Meads High Street. is more of a traditional village high street in the "posher" part of town. Even though it has two small chain supermarkets, it still has several small, independent shops, including hairdressers, florists, cafes, a bike shop, and a physiotherapist among others. While some shops have closed recently, like the butchers, business is still thriving here. It is also ideally located to stock up on food and drink before going to explore the nearby South Downs, being situated only a few minutes from the edge of the national park, and the sea

Admiral Retail Park. houses a large Tesco Extra store, Pets at Home, Homebase, Argos, Vokins, Wickes, McDonald's Drive-thru and Pizza Hut.

Crumbles Retail Park. comprises Asda, Next, Boots, Matalan, Harvey's, Brantano, Cineworld Cinema and Frankie & Bennys, which adjoins the man-made Sovereign Harbour development, which also houses a number of small shops, bars and restaurants.

Sainsbury's Retail Park. in Hampden Park houses a Sainsbury's Superstore, DFS and a Currys/PC World, adjacent to which is the David Lloyd Centre and Lloyds Lanes Bowling Alley. Not barely a stone's throw away are also B&Q, Dunelm Mill, Halfords and Mothercare.

The Beacon, BN21 3NW, +44 1323 643431. M-W 9AM-6PM; Th-F 9AM-7PM; Sa 9AM-6PM; Su 10:30AM-4:30PM (some restaurants open longer). The town's recently redeveloped main shopping centre, now with light modern architecture. The centre features a wide range of shops, including both national chains, and local independent stores. Recently expanded to include more restaurants as well, including a new Nando's. It is also conveniently located in the very centre of the town, next to the train station, and with easy access to the shops on Terminus Road.

The Enterprise Centre, Station Parade, BN21 1BD, +44 1323 639504. Next to the station is another often forgotten treasure. Although it has a feel of faded glory and better days hopefully more visitors will take it back to the vibrant place it once was because it is a gem. Under one roof is everything you might need - fresh fruit and veg, a butchers and a fishmongers. Plus an amazing bookshop which has thousands of new and secondhand books plus a great ordering service for any book. There is a shop full of Wedding Dresses with service second to none (there are other wedding services there too) and a fair trade shop which is excellent. There are also opticians, complimentary therapy, a hair dressers and a beautician. A pet shop. A wonderful cafe called Jocelyn's where you can get gorgeous cakes, delicious soup and service with a smile!

For those with more eclectic tastes, Little Chelsea. is a good area of town to visit. While it's hard to ignore the several funeral directors in South Street and Grove Road, reflecting the higher than average proportion of aged residents of the town, there are many shops for those who want to live life to the full, whatever their age. Particularly recommended is Camilla's second-hand bookshop which is stacked to the ceiling with books on just about every subject imaginable, Mr & Mrs Doaks Bumper Bookshop selling children's books including a child-friendly teashop, a Belgian chocolate emporium and a Bang and Olufsen hi-fi and TV specialist dealer.

The 2-km long road known as Seaside. (somewhat confusingly, just inland from the seafront) is like a mini-town, with two bank branches, post offices, takeaways, convenience stores, antique and curio shopping, furnishers, kitchen and carpet suppliers. This is the main A259 road, and leads northwards to Langney, where there is a district shopping with a Tesco Metro, Iceland, Family Bargains and several other smaller stores.

Meads High Street. is more of a traditional village high street in the "posher" part of town. Even though it has two small chain supermarkets, it still has several small, independent shops, including hairdressers, florists, cafes, a bike shop, and a physiotherapist among others. While some shops have closed recently, like the butchers, business is still thriving here. It is also ideally located to stock up on food and drink before going to explore the nearby South Downs, being situated only a few minutes from the edge of the national park, and the sea

Admiral Retail Park. houses a large Tesco Extra store, Pets at Home, Homebase, Argos, Vokins, Wickes, McDonald's Drive-thru and Pizza Hut.

Crumbles Retail Park. comprises Asda, Next, Boots, Matalan, Harvey's, Brantano, Cineworld Cinema and Frankie & Bennys, which adjoins the man-made Sovereign Harbour development, which also houses a number of small shops, bars and restaurants.

Sainsbury's Retail Park. in Hampden Park houses a Sainsbury's Superstore, DFS and a Currys/PC World, adjacent to which is the David Lloyd Centre and Lloyds Lanes Bowling Alley. Not barely a stone's throw away are also B&Q, Dunelm Mill, Halfords and Mothercare.

As would be expected of a seaside resort, Eastbourne offers food to suit all tastes, budgets and time demands. There are plenty of fast food outlets including McDonald's and Wimpy in Terminus Road. However, for those wanting something a little more traditional, the best fish and chip restaurants include Seaquel and Qualisea, both around the junction of Terminus Road and Seaside Road, or the Dolphin fish bar on Seaside.

Fresh seafood and shellfish can be obtained near the pier or if you are in self-catering accommodation, why not buy and cook local catches as fresh as can be from the wet fish shops alongside the fisherman's boat stores on the seafront walking east towards Princes Park.

Many different cuisines are also on offer in Terminus Road, the main street for restaurants. If you like a sea view along with good food and drink, try the Cafe Belge at the seaward end of Terminus Road, which offers around 80 Belgian beers along with a menu reflecting the culinary traditions of Belgium. Development on the seafront itself is limited, but the hotel restaurants are always worth a try, as are the cafes and kiosks on the lower promenade - small establishments along the seafront, which are especially good in warm summer weather - including some recently opened in former seafront shelters. Eastbourne seems to be trying to follow the lead of Brighton in making more of its beachfront for food and entertainment and several cafes and restaurants now open into the late evening on the shoreline.

There is also a good choice of bars and restaurants available in the Sovereign Harbour Waterfront development, including some big chains like Harvester and authentic smaller restaurants like the Thai restaurant there - a great place during summer with views over the town's harbour. Some specific highlights are listed below, but it would be worth having an explore around the other parts of the town for some undiscovered highlights.

• The Beach Deck, Royal Parade, BN22 7AE (There is a pay and display car park just to the side of the restaurant which it shares with Treasure Island. The entrance is on the promenade; from the car park, head towards the sea then turn left, +44 1323 720320. A relatively new restaurant on the seafront. It's just outside the centre of Eastbourne but it's worth the travel. It has been featured on an episode of The Undateables on Channel 4. Orange juice: £2.30; Coke: £2.20; Margherita Pizza: £7.50; Burger with cheese and bacon: £11.50.
• The Green Almond, 12, Grand Hotel Buildings, Compton St, BN21 4EJ, +44 1323 734470. Tu-Th noon-4PM; F Sa noon-4PM and 7PM-close. A small vegetarian bistro whose menu changes monthly. It is recommended to book in advance as they can only seat 21 at a push. Fruit juices: £2.50, Coke: £1.80, 3-course dinner and tea or coffee: £20 per person (F Sa evening), Buffet lunch: £6.50/£8.50 (Tu-Sa 12-3PM).
• Pomodoro e Mozzarella, 23/24 Cornfield Terrace, BN21 4NS, +44 1323 733800. M-F noon-2:30PM and 5:30PM-11PM; Sa noon-11PM; Su noon-10:30PM. Large, Italian restaurant run by actual Italians. Not far from town centre or theatres. Orange juice: £2.30, Coke: £2.10, three-course set menu: £12.50, two-course set menu: £10.50 (set menus not available F Sa evenings), Pizza Margherita: £7.60, Spaghetti Bolognese: £8.90.
• The Pilot Inn, 89 Meads Street, BN20 7RW, +44 1323 723440. A pub near the foot of the Downs. More of a "food" type of pub, in a building that has been refurbished. It also has three B&B rooms you can stay in. Fish and Chips: £10.95; Pie and Mash: £11.50.
• Thai Marina, 13 The Waterfront, BN23 5UZ (There is not a car park next to the restaurant, but there is one for the marina nearby which is a short walk away. Taxis can drive up the road just behind the restaurant easily though., +44 1323 470414. M 6PM-10:30PM; Tu-Sa noon-10:30PM; Su noon-10PM. A nice, authentic Thai restaurant with beautiful décor inside. You can sit outside overlooking the harbour if the weather's good. Sharing menu for two: £28 per person; Sharing menu for four or more: £35 per person; Massaman curry: £10.50; Prawn or chicken pad thai: £8.95.
• Old Dave's Gourmet Burger Co., 89 South Street, BN21 4LR, +44 1323 721020. A small independent burger restaurant near the town centre, with very tasty burgers and sides, also has a wide choice of beers and drinks. A burger with no sides from around £8.
• Fusciardi, 30 Marine Parade, BN22 7AY, +44 1323 722 128. M-Su 9AM-9PM. A popular local ice cream parlour, serving a very wide range of ice creams, sorbets, and sundaes - definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a nice seaside ice cream.

The Beach Deck, Royal Parade, BN22 7AE (There is a pay and display car park just to the side of the restaurant which it shares with Treasure Island. The entrance is on the promenade; from the car park, head towards the sea then turn left, +44 1323 720320. A relatively new restaurant on the seafront. It's just outside the centre of Eastbourne but it's worth the travel. It has been featured on an episode of The Undateables on Channel 4. Orange juice: £2.30; Coke: £2.20; Margherita Pizza: £7.50; Burger with cheese and bacon: £11.50.

The Green Almond, 12, Grand Hotel Buildings, Compton St, BN21 4EJ, +44 1323 734470. Tu-Th noon-4PM; F Sa noon-4PM and 7PM-close. A small vegetarian bistro whose menu changes monthly. It is recommended to book in advance as they can only seat 21 at a push. Fruit juices: £2.50, Coke: £1.80, 3-course dinner and tea or coffee: £20 per person (F Sa evening), Buffet lunch: £6.50/£8.50 (Tu-Sa 12-3PM).

Pomodoro e Mozzarella, 23/24 Cornfield Terrace, BN21 4NS, +44 1323 733800. M-F noon-2:30PM and 5:30PM-11PM; Sa noon-11PM; Su noon-10:30PM. Large, Italian restaurant run by actual Italians. Not far from town centre or theatres. Orange juice: £2.30, Coke: £2.10, three-course set menu: £12.50, two-course set menu: £10.50 (set menus not available F Sa evenings), Pizza Margherita: £7.60, Spaghetti Bolognese: £8.90.

The Pilot Inn, 89 Meads Street, BN20 7RW, +44 1323 723440. A pub near the foot of the Downs. More of a "food" type of pub, in a building that has been refurbished. It also has three B&B rooms you can stay in. Fish and Chips: £10.95; Pie and Mash: £11.50.

Thai Marina, 13 The Waterfront, BN23 5UZ (There is not a car park next to the restaurant, but there is one for the marina nearby which is a short walk away. Taxis can drive up the road just behind the restaurant easily though., +44 1323 470414. M 6PM-10:30PM; Tu-Sa noon-10:30PM; Su noon-10PM. A nice, authentic Thai restaurant with beautiful décor inside. You can sit outside overlooking the harbour if the weather's good. Sharing menu for two: £28 per person; Sharing menu for four or more: £35 per person; Massaman curry: £10.50; Prawn or chicken pad thai: £8.95.

Old Dave's Gourmet Burger Co., 89 South Street, BN21 4LR, +44 1323 721020. A small independent burger restaurant near the town centre, with very tasty burgers and sides, also has a wide choice of beers and drinks. A burger with no sides from around £8.

Fusciardi, 30 Marine Parade, BN22 7AY, +44 1323 722 128. M-Su 9AM-9PM. A popular local ice cream parlour, serving a very wide range of ice creams, sorbets, and sundaes - definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a nice seaside ice cream.

Eastbourne has plenty of pubs ranging from the traditional to the trendy. Particularly recommended for those who love- or want to try- the best local "real ale" are The Marine on Seaside, which also offers an excellent restaurant and bar menu- all day on Sundays. Also recommended are The Terminus, a refurbished Harveys of Lewes pub in the town centre. Most nightclubs are situated in Langney, Pevensey and Terminus Roads though the pier with the Atlantis nightspot is something of a honeypot for language students and other smart young things.

If you're looking for something refreshing but not intoxicating, there are plenty of stops for a cuppa and the usual coffee chains. The Pavilion Tea Rooms, east of the pier, are recommended for afternoon tea when a piano player often adds to the polite, typically English ambience of the place.

• Urban Ground, 2A Bolton Road, BN21 3JX, +44 1323 410751. M-Sa 7:30AM - 6PM; Su and Bank Holidays 9AM - 5PM. Just off the end of the pedestrianised end of Terminus Road. It is only a few years old but is quite popular. They give you an egg timer with your pot of tea to tell you when your tea is properly brewed. You can also visit the cafe at the Towner Art Gallery (run by Urban Ground), sitting on the balcony overlooking the sunset in the evening if you want.
• The Marine, 61 Seaside, BN22 7NE, +44 1323 720464. It is always a friendly and comfortable place, but is at its best around Christmas time, when an extraordinary array of festive lights turns it into a fairyland to enchant young and old alike.
• The Lamb, 36 High Street, BN21 1HH, +44 1323 720545. This is the oldest pub in Eastbourne in the Old Town area, built in the 12th century.
• Atlantis Nightclub, Eastbourne Pier, Grand Parade, BN21 3EL, +44 1323 410466. A nightclub on the pier, quite popular in the town with young people and language school students in the summer.

Urban Ground, 2A Bolton Road, BN21 3JX, +44 1323 410751. M-Sa 7:30AM - 6PM; Su and Bank Holidays 9AM - 5PM. Just off the end of the pedestrianised end of Terminus Road. It is only a few years old but is quite popular. They give you an egg timer with your pot of tea to tell you when your tea is properly brewed. You can also visit the cafe at the Towner Art Gallery (run by Urban Ground), sitting on the balcony overlooking the sunset in the evening if you want.

The Marine, 61 Seaside, BN22 7NE, +44 1323 720464. It is always a friendly and comfortable place, but is at its best around Christmas time, when an extraordinary array of festive lights turns it into a fairyland to enchant young and old alike.

The Lamb, 36 High Street, BN21 1HH, +44 1323 720545. This is the oldest pub in Eastbourne in the Old Town area, built in the 12th century.

Atlantis Nightclub, Eastbourne Pier, Grand Parade, BN21 3EL, +44 1323 410466. A nightclub on the pier, quite popular in the town with young people and language school students in the summer.

Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

Other places of interest in the Eastbourne area

• Eastbourne Miniature Steam Engine Railway. A great place to sit on top of a mini steam engine!
• Drusilla's Zoo, Alfriston, +44 1323 874100. Open daily all year except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Open 10AM-5PM in summer, 10AM-4PM in winter. The best small zoo in England, in the countryside just outside Eastbourne near the village of Alfriston. Adults £9.99, Children £9.49.
• The Long Man of Wilmington, Near Wilmington. Car park is open all year, 24 hours a day. A prehistoric chalk representation of a man carved into the side of a hill. Walking on the figure or the surrounding vegetation is not permitted. Admission to the site and car park is free.
• The Cuckoo Trail a cycle path from Eastbourne to Heathfield through the Sussex Weald
• Catch a ferry to Dieppe from the nearby town of Newhaven.

Drusilla's Zoo, Alfriston, +44 1323 874100. Open daily all year except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Open 10AM-5PM in summer, 10AM-4PM in winter. The best small zoo in England, in the countryside just outside Eastbourne near the village of Alfriston. Adults £9.99, Children £9.49.

The Long Man of Wilmington, Near Wilmington. Car park is open all year, 24 hours a day. A prehistoric chalk representation of a man carved into the side of a hill. Walking on the figure or the surrounding vegetation is not permitted. Admission to the site and car park is free.