East Sussex, Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Eastbourne Beaches

Overview

Welcome to Eastbourne, a classic British seaside town nestled on England's sunny south coast. Often favoured for its calmer atmosphere compared to nearby Brighton, Eastbourne offers a traditional beach holiday experience popular with families and those seeking relaxation. While the main beaches are primarily shingle, low tide reveals stretches of sand perfect for exploring. The town itself provides easy access to its long, inviting seafront promenade.

The heart of the action is along Royal Parade Eastbourne, the town's main beach. Here you'll find the iconic pier, traditional seaside amusements, and easy access from the town centre. Swimming is a popular activity, thanks to generally good water quality often recognised with awards. For a quieter experience favoured by locals, head west towards Holywell, a more sheltered spot at the foot of the cliffs, known for its rock pools at low tide and offering a gateway to the scenic South Downs National Park.

Beyond the main town beaches, the coastline offers dramatic beauty. A short trip west brings you to Birling Gap, offering breathtaking views of the Seven Sisters cliffs and opportunities for coastal walks. If you're craving a truly sandy experience, the vast dunes of Camber Sands Beach make for an excellent day trip, showcasing a different coastal character to Eastbourne's shingle shores. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal spots in and around the area, explore our full list of beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Eastbourne actually good for a beach holiday?

Eastbourne is a classic British seaside resort town, making it a popular choice for a traditional beach holiday, especially for families and those seeking a calmer atmosphere than nearby Brighton. Its long shingle beach, pier, promenade, and nearby natural beauty spots like the South Downs offer a relaxed coastal experience.

Is Eastbourne beach sandy or pebbles?

Eastbourne's main beach is primarily a shingle (pebble) beach, especially at high tide. However, as the tide goes out, stretches of sand are revealed closer to the water's edge, particularly towards the eastern end. Holywell Retreat, at the western end, has more rock pools and pebbles.

Holywell

Can you swim in the sea at Eastbourne?

Yes, swimming is popular at Eastbourne, especially during the summer months. The water quality is regularly monitored, and parts of the beach have received awards for cleanliness. However, like all UK sea swimming, the water can be cold, and it's important to be aware of tide times and sea conditions. Lifeguards often patrol the main sections during peak season.

What's the water quality like at Eastbourne beach?

Generally, the bathing water quality at Eastbourne is rated as good or excellent by the Environment Agency, particularly at the main central beaches which sometimes achieve Blue Flag status. However, quality can occasionally be affected after heavy rain. You can check the latest official ratings online before visiting.

Royal Parade Eastbourne

Western Parade Eastbourne

Holywell

Cuckmere Haven Beach

Where is best to stay in Eastbourne for beach access?

For direct beach access, staying along the seafront is ideal. Grand Parade and Marine Parade have numerous hotels, guesthouses, and apartments offering sea views and immediate access to the promenade and beach. Staying closer to the town centre also provides easy walking access to the central beach sections and the pier.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are dogs allowed on Eastbourne beaches?

Dogs have restrictions on Eastbourne's main resort beaches between May 1st and September 30th. During this period, dogs are typically not allowed in the central stretches between the Pier and the Wish Tower. However, there are designated areas where dogs are welcome year-round, usually towards the eastern and western ends of the main promenade. Always check local signage for specific zones and dates.

Which part of Eastbourne beach is best?

It depends on what you're looking for. The central section near the Pier is busiest, with easy access to amenities and attractions. The western end towards Holywell Retreat is quieter, backed by cliffs, and good for rock pooling at low tide. The eastern end often feels more spacious. Families might prefer the central areas with lifeguard patrols in summer.

Holywell

Is Eastbourne beach good for families with kids?

Yes, Eastbourne is generally considered very family-friendly. The main beach has lifeguard services in summer, a promenade for walking and cycling, the pier with amusements, and nearby facilities like toilets and cafes. While it's mainly shingle, the sand revealed at low tide is great for sandcastles. The town itself offers parks and other attractions.

Royal Parade Eastbourne

People Also Ask

What facilities are on Eastbourne beach?

Eastbourne beach is well-equipped, especially along the main promenade. You'll find public toilets, cafes, kiosks selling ice cream and snacks, deckchair hire, showers (at certain points), and first aid stations during peak season. The Pier also offers food, drink, and entertainment options.

Royal Parade Eastbourne

Is Eastbourne beach accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs?

The promenade running alongside Eastbourne beach is wide, flat, and paved, making it very accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Access down onto the shingle beach itself can be more challenging, although some access points and ramps exist. Beach wheelchairs may sometimes be available for hire; check with the Seafront Office for details.

Royal Parade Eastbourne

Is Eastbourne beach or Brighton beach better?

They offer different experiences. Eastbourne is generally considered quieter, more traditional, and perhaps more family-oriented, with a long promenade and pier set against a backdrop of hotels and gardens. Brighton is busier, trendier, and has a more vibrant nightlife and extensive shopping right by the beach. Both have pebble/shingle beaches and piers.

Royal Parade Eastbourne

Brighton Beach

Are there quieter beaches near Eastbourne town?

Yes, if you head west along the promenade from the Pier, you'll reach Holywell Retreat. This area is generally quieter than the central beach, backed by the Italian Gardens and cliffs, and offers rock pools at low tide. Further west, beyond Eastbourne, you'll find Birling Gap at the foot of the Seven Sisters cliffs, which is more rugged and natural (National Trust site).

Holywell

Birling Gap

Can you have a BBQ on Eastbourne beach?

Generally, BBQs are permitted on Eastbourne beaches after 6 pm, but only on the shingle areas, not on the promenade or grassy areas. Restrictions apply, such as keeping them a safe distance from beach huts, chalets, and bins, and ensuring all litter and coals are disposed of responsibly. It's always best to check the latest local council guidelines before planning a BBQ.

Royal Parade Eastbourne

Western Parade Eastbourne

Holywell

Winchelsea

Is it easy to get to the beach from Eastbourne town centre?

Yes, it's very easy. The main Eastbourne beach runs directly alongside the town centre and seafront promenades (Grand Parade, Marine Parade). From the main shopping areas or the train station, it's typically just a 5-15 minute walk to reach the beach and pier area.

Royal Parade Eastbourne

Is parking difficult near Eastbourne beach?

Parking can be challenging and expensive right on the seafront, especially during peak season and sunny weekends. There are pay-and-display bays along the main roads (like Grand Parade) and several car parks nearby. It's often easier to find parking slightly further away from the central pier area or consider using public transport if possible.

Royal Parade Eastbourne