Eastbourne has been a noted seaside destination since the 1700s. It has the privileged title of Britain’s sunniest place, recording the highest hours of sunshine in a month for July 2011. It has a busy town is served by a well-connected railway station. The seafront has a pier, promenade, 1930s bandstand and the stunning Carpet Gardens.

The beach is a mix of shingle, pebbles and sandy stretches. It is a gentle slope down to the sea where there is sand at low tide and great rock pools and lots and lots of mussels.  In fact low tide is really rather good for young children to play and be occupied by the pools.  There can be a lot of seaweed.  The water is quiet and safe with no surf.  There are areas sectioned for swimming towards the town.

rightbeach recommends Eastbourne for day trippers from the Big Smoke and families with both young and older children. Plently of traditional seaside activites on and off the beach.

Beach blurb

• Tide and weather »
• Lifeguards: Lifeguard service May to September
• Water quality: Recommended »
• Dogs: Dogs not allowed May 1st to September 30th

See Eastbourne beach on a map …

Tips to ensure your trip goes well:

• Head past Eastbourne town, towards Beachey Head and The Grand Hotel. It is slightly quieter but beach is great and the promenade is wide and spacious to walk along. There are green areas just above to hang out on and play as well.
• Toilets are signposted but there are some just in front of the Grand Hotel, in front of the turreted area.
• Remember your nets and buckets for rock pooling as there are not many shops that sell this type of thing.

Area	Rating	Observation
Beach		Pebbles but sandy stretches at mid and low tide. Rock pools!
Crowded (1=deserted)		Busy and friendly promenade beach, head towards Beachey Head for a quieter stretch of beach.
Surf		No surf. Dedicated swimming areas.
Sand		Pebbles and wet sand when the tide is out.
Toilets		Not always easy to spot the signposts. Some directly outside The Grand Hotel.
Parking		Car parking along the sea front. Can get tricky on a hot Summer day.
Food		Bars and cafes by the pier and Harry Ramsden’s along the sea front. McDonald’s & Starbucks in the Arndale Centre.
Shopping		The Arndale Centre is 5-10 mins walk from the sea front. It has many high street faves, not many gift shops or beach paraphernalia for sale near the sea front.

reviewed by Kerry T