Eastbourne

Who goes there?

Anyone looking for a quaint and quiet seaside resort will enjoy the traditional feel of Eastbourne and the delicious cream teas on offer. However, it has also earned itself something of a reputation with stag and hen parties who come here to make the most of its lively night scene and wealth of traditional pubs.

Where in the world?

Eastbourne is situated on the south coast of England in the county of Sussex. The lively resort of Brighton is 15km (9 miles) along the coast and the closest airport is London Gatwick, 50km (18 miles) inland to the northwest.

When to go?

The climate is temperate with warm summers and cool wet winters. The hottest months of the year, and the best time for hitting the beach, are from June to September, with temperatures reaching an average high of 26°C (78°F) in August. However, English summers are often unreliable and rainfall can be frequent throughout the year, so always remember to pack a jumper in case skies become overcast.

Beach

Eastbourne is fronted by a grand sweep of shingle beach and an elegant pier. For a more dramatic beach, head 6km (4 miles) west to Birling Gap, which is a wonderfully wild, empty, shingle stretch, backed by white chalk cliffs, that was a landing place for smugglers in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Beyond the beach

The views from Beachy Head have to be some of the most awesome in the UK, a jewel-green headland above dizzying white cliffs. The soaring cliff tops appear at the end of The Who's cool, era-encapsulating film Quadrophenia.

Family fun

Strolling along the 19th-century elegance of the seafront and gorging on cream teas best fits with the sedate Eastbourne vibe, though you can indulge in more dynamic sports at Spray Water Sports Centre (Royal Parade), which teaches sailing, windsurfing and canoeing.

Retail therapy

Eastbourne offers a good mix of high street names and independent retailers. The main shopping area is the Arndale Centre (Terminus Road), which has all the big names. The area known as 'Little Chelsea' around South Street and Grove Road has a great second-hand bookshop as well as a chocolate shop and other small retailers. As with most British seaside resorts there are the usual shops selling beach gear and souvenirs.

A night on the town

Eastbourne has a busy night scene, with plenty of pubs, bars and clubs to choose from and has become a favourite haunt for raucous stag and hen parties. Those looking to taste some 'real ale' should head to The Marine (Seaside), or The Lamb (Old Town), which is the oldest pub in Eastbourne. Clubs are concentrated around Langney, Pevensey and Terminus Roads.

Eating out

Cream teas and pub grub are the name of Eastbourne's game, but you can also plump for tasty mussels at Café Belge (11-23 Grand Parade), or the better-than-you'd-expect Indian Spice Garden (6 Church Street). For fish and chips try Qualisea (Terminus Road). Otherwise it's best to take a trip out of town. Jevington is good for food; try the recommended charming thatched Hungry Monk or the cosy Eight Bells, with fine views from the garden and good, hearty food. Or make a trip to the award-winning delicatessen Frith & Little in nearby East Dean, for organic food, sandwiches and the best homemade cakes around.

Getting around

Eastbourne is fairly compact, easy to get around on foot, and is well connected by trains and buses to other Sussex towns and London.

Exploring further afield

Head down the coast to the area of Brighton and Hove - which together form one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the UK, with world-class arts and culture, a world-famous music and club scene, an incredible nightlife, great shopping, top-class restaurants and a deep-seated tolerance of alternative lifestyles. Brighton is well known for its gay scene, and the city's bohemian traditions are alive and well.

Splashing out

For some typically English decadence enjoy an afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel, a wedding cake-like confection overlooking pristine lawns on the seafront. For the ultimate indulgence opt for the Grand Champagne Afternoon Tea.

Flying in

London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

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