The Best Hotels in Eastbourne

An old-fashioned seaside resort on the UK's south coast, Eastbourne's got real charm to it and as you potter past pensioners dozing off in deck chairs, toddlers paddling in the sea, and students sipping skinny lattes in seafront cafes, you'll soon see it's a place for all ages to enjoy. Beachy Head's dramatic white cliffs are a striking sight, the surrounding South Down's lush green hills are ripe for rambling, while the town's pebbly beaches are perfect for sprawling out on in the sun.

Things to see

At 162 meters tall, Beachy Head's white chalk cliffs offer dramatic views over the sparkling seas of the English Channel as well as Eastbourne's bustling town center and is a must-see. The century-old red and white stripped Beachy Head lighthouse, which sits proudly below, is an iconic site too. Vibrant plants add a splash of color to Eastbourne's beachside promenade, or Grand Parade as it's officially called, and from here you can amble on to Eastbourne's Victorian pier with its arcades, fish and chips stands, shops, and nightclub before stepping onto the pebble beach to relax and soak up the seaside charm. For something a little different, Sovereign Harbour's modern marina offers waterfront cafes, restaurants, and shops and is a place you can sit back, relax in peace, and watch boats bob up and down.

Hotels in Eastbourne

Eastbourne's been attracting holidaymakers of all ages for hundreds of years, and there are hotels in Eastbourne to suit everybody. For a slice of seaside splendor, the town's four and five-star hotels, many of which are housed in elegant period properties, offer indulgent amenities like designer toiletries, flat-screen televisions with digital channels, and free cooked breakfasts as well as views of the sparkling sea. There are a couple of chain hotels offering good value for money as well as many wallet-friendly independent guesthouses and B&Bs which often offer a more personal experience.

Where to stay

The majority of hotels in Eastbourne are located along the town's pretty seafront, with many hotels offering guests sweeping views across the English Channel. The seafront is where most of the action occurs in the town too with restaurants, bars, cafes and colorful bedding plants lining the Grand Parade. This area makes a great base for those looking for a central stay, with many of Eastbourne's sites within easy walking distance. The town center is also a convenient base for those looking to explore Beachy Head, and you can walk the 7 or so miles to the iconic cliffs, although as the stretch is pretty hilly you may prefer to catch one of the regularly bus services.

How to get to

London Gatwick Airport is located just an hour away from Eastbourne by both train and car making it a convenient point of entry for those arriving by air. Eastbourne Station is another major travel hub, and is connected directly to Ashford International where Eurostar services from France and Belgium regularly. The station, which is a 10-minute walk to the town center, also has direct services to London, Bexhill, Hastings, Lewes, and Brighton. Eastbourne's other station, Hampden Park, is linked to London and Brighton too. Eastbourne's Sovereign Harbour is a modern marina and links the coastal town with France as well as offering daily boat tours of the region.