Eastbourne, Gateway to Sussex History and 1066
Victorian Architecture Allied to Modern Attention to Quality Service
Jul 6, 2009
Eastbourne at one time conjured up images of hatted and gloved ladies walking their dogs along a pristine seafront and a resort that lived more in the past than the present. Not any more.
Eastbourne today is set to outdo every other south coast resort with its facilities, especially the pre-Wimbledon Tennis Tournament that draws thousands to the town just before the major champtinship event at Wimbledon. A feast of tennis where Championship games are played in a spectacular setting, on the immaculate grass courts of Devonshire Park. It is easy to see why so many of the world's top ranking players choose to compete on these historic lawns in a parkland setting.
Victorian Architecture, South Downs Way, the Sussex Weald
When it comes to beach comfort, Eastbourne is up there with the best of the continental beaches. Few other resorts offer deckchairs for kids. Or, Double Deckers for romantic couples.
All along the seafront the visitor will find the usual beach cabins, deckchairs, sun loungers & parasols for hire.
A good way to take in the many attractions on arrival is to ride the Dotto train along the seafront, checking out the children’s theme parks, mini golf, beautiful gardens, the pier, the harbour, the Napoleonic fortress and the glorious 1930’s bandstand which hosts concerts from military to rock n roll throughout the year from May to September plus special Easter, Christmas and Boxing Day concerts.
Eastbourne’s Beaches
From the Wish Tower to the Pier, the beach (commonly known as Eastbourne Beach) offers lifeguards, first aid, kidzone wristbands, safe bathing, showers and toilets, refreshment facilities and bathing cabins for rent. To the east of the pier is the watersports section and various tourist attractions..
Further along is Falling Sands Beach at Holywell, a marine conservation area and site of special scientific interest. This section of coastline provides marine life filled rock pools at low tide, pretty gardens and the dramatic chalk cliffs which give the beach it’s name.
Pevensey Bay Beach has been the haunt of fishermen for centuries and is still used by local fishermen. It is a pleasant rural beach with a shingle shore and at East Dean is Birling Gap, a beautiful and tranquil enclosed pebble beach set below the dramatic backdrop of the Seven Sisters cliffs.
Eastbourne’s Gardens
The Carpet Gardens along the seafront at Eastbourne between the bandstand and the pier, are the centrepiece of Eastbourne's Promenade with vibrant floral displays & fountains. Justly famous, they must be seen.
Helen Gardens at the Western seafront are situated on top of the cliffs overlooking the sea and provide lots of entertainment for young and old, an 18-Hole Putting Course, Petanque, Bowls, Children’s Play Ground, Picnic area, etc.
The Italian Gardens are an unusual oasis on the King Edwards Parade at Eastbourne, a secluded lawned area in a wooded amphitheatre carved out of the cliff face just yards from Holywell beach.
Princes Park is an area of informal gardens, a scented rose garden, 18-hole putting green plus bowling greens, two children's playgrounds (one with a summer paddling pool), and model boating lake.
Eastbourne’s Theatres and Variety Shows
As well as cinemas, Eastbourne has a selection of theatres to cater for every taste.
First up is the Congress Theatre in Carlisle Road, the largest on the South Coast. A purpose built theatre and conference venue with a seating capacity of 1689, the Congress attracts the biggest and best West End shows.
The Devonshire Park Theatre is a Grade II listed building built in 1884 and further improved by celebrated Theatre Architect Frank Matcham in 1903 and with a seating capacity of 936. The Royal Hippodrome features variety shows, comedy and musicals while the Winter Gardens has music, shows, conferences, exhibitions and comedy clubs.
Beyond Eastbourne Town
Without a doubt, Beachy Head, the highest chalk cliff in Britain at 530 feet high, is a big attraction. The majestic cliffs provide spectacular views both to the horizon and to the sheer drop to the beaches below. Unfortunately, it also draws people to throw themselves off the cliffs at times and this morbid association also has an appeal for visitors. It is possible to walk to it from the town but better to catch the bus – it is quite a hike up to the top. For walkers and hikers, the South Downs, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provide magnificent walking.
Just a few of the things that Eastbourne can provide, along with Art Galleries, Quadbike riding, Speedway, Skating, a Marina haven where bars and restaurants light up the town at night, and of course, the old world charm that is part of its heritage.
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