EASTBOURNE IS V L A E I

THE TROUBLE WITH DREAMS

Small enough to dip into in a day, exciting enough to stay for a week, Eastbourne’s got it going on. So if you do like to be beside the seaside, here are just some of the things to do, places to stay, eat and drink in Eastbourne: Britain’s new cultural hotspot.

Art And Culture

Painted in bold geometric rainbow colours by German artist Lothar Götz, art gallery Towner Eastbourne is one of the town’s most instantly recognisable buildings. But this modernist marvel stands out in many more ways: with a consistently top-drawer programme of exhibitions, its own independent cinema, a newly zhuzhed-up café and new second-floor restaurant, Light, as well as a shop and event spaces, it's a worthy home for the Turner Prize — which just happens to be hosted here in 2023 as part of the gallery’s centenary year. A short stroll away (just like everything in Eastbourne, hooray!), the small but excellent Emma Mason Gallery is the place to see work by artist printmakers working in Britain from the

1950s onwards, while VOLT, a gallery and project space located near the seafront and established as part of the Devonshire Collective, showcases work by emerging and mid-career artists with an experimental approach and a programme of bold and ambitious exhibitions.

For live music, theatre and more, the Congress Theatre (the only place outside London to see the London Philharmonic perform), Devonshire Park Theatre and Winter Garden are all situated in the heart of Eastbourne’s cultural quarter. Not in Eastbourne, but only twenty minutes along the coast in nearby Bexhill–on-Sea, the spectacular De La Warr Pavilion is an art gallery, concert venue and cultural hub with a year-round programme of music, theatre, exhibitions and other events.

Food And Drink

What is it about all that sea air that makes us so hungry? Luckily, Eastbourne is spilling over with quality places to eat, drink and then eat some more. For brunch, lunch and neighbourhood dining, Skylark is a chic, unfussy independent with a secret courtyard for warmer days. Relaxed dining and great wine is the order of the day at Cru, with its seasonal sharing plates and handpicked wines, while the circular Bistrot Pierre is a chain, yes, but with such spectacular panoramic sea views. For something extra special, Port Hotel‘s stylish and seasonal menu never disappoints — or head to Towner's newly opened rooftop restaurant and bar, Light, serving Scandinavian-inspired dishes with skyline views.

Looking for something to eat on the go?

For a true Eastbourne foodie experience, head to the eastern end of the Royal Parade, where working fishmongers, The Fish and Crab Shack, serves up the freshest seafood and legendary crab sandwiches to windswept beach walkers. The Soup n Tap, is a cosy, low-key spot you’ll never want to leave on colder days, or for carbs to keep you fuelled, artisanal bakery To The Rise has you covered. It’s not a trip to the seaside without an ice cream: try Gelato Famoso’s deservedly famous gelato — we heartily recommend their homemade pistachio.

Thanks to its location deep in the heart of Sussex Winelands, Eastbourne brims with quality bars serving local English wines and independently brewed beers. With a good selection of Sussex wine (plus more than 200 varieties from around the world, if you must), Levels wine bar is a wine taster’s dream, with self-service tasting machine and impressively knowledgeable staff.

The best cocktails in town can be found at Port Hotel‘s seafront bar, while beer lovers should head to Eastbourne’s craft beer specialist shop and sipping room Bottle Grove. Pub? The colourful and quirky Dew Drop Inn, Rainbow Pub or The Dolphin all offer a warm welcome and a good meal in a family- and dog-friendly environment.

Thanks to its location deep in the heart of Sussex wine country, Eastbourne brims with quality bars serving local English wines and independently brewed beers.

Coffee

You’re never far from an excellent coffee in Eastbourne. Near the station, Nelson Coffee’s Roastery serves high-grade, seasonal and ethical coffee (and a great brunch too), while in the station’s former ticket office, Foundry Coffee’s flagship location ensures you never have to travel empty handed. You’ll also find them inside the Beacon shopping centre. With two locations in central Eastbourne, Urban Ground Coffee make excellent coffee to take away or enjoy with a relaxed brunch, while DOC Coffee, Beanzz and Hyde Corner Coffee in Eastbourne’s vibrant Little Chelsea area are ideal places to while away an afternoon of people watching and flipping through arty magazines.

Shopping

Book lovers unite, and head to the legendary Camilla’s Bookshop to lose yourself in three floors piled high with second-hand, rare and antique books. There’s also a parrot hiding in there somewhere amongst the paperbacks. All Things Analogue is heaven for fans of beautiful stationery, while Barley Sugar is the place to stock up your pantry with top quality local produce.

STAY THE NIGHT (or more)

Fall asleep to the sound of the waves at the seafront Port Hotel: Eastbourne’s best boutique hotel by a seaside mile, with an excellent all-day restaurant and bar. Out of town and into the Cuckmere Valley, ex-smugglers’ haunt, The Star at Alfriston, is a rural idyll near to Rathfinny Wine Estate, while on the other side of town, follow the coast to Norman’s Bay and the recently rekindled Relais Cooden Beach Hotel, complete with private beach and mid-century interiors.