Interesting Facts About Eastbourne

30 June 2020

Ahh East Sussex. Hours of coastal sunshine, a daisy chain of seaside resorts basking between stunning chalk cliffs and a walk down the memory lane of our bygone childhood holidays. 

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside and Eastbourne serves up a huge helping of the best holiday ingredients.  Miles of sweeping, palm-tree-lined seafront? Tick. Traditional arcades, complete with the unmistakable, chiming coin pusher games? Tick. A stunning pier boasting waterfront fish and chip kiosks and Victorian tea rooms? Tick. 

While reminiscing about our fantastic seaside holidays, we discovered these interesting facts about sprightly Eastbourne. How many did you already know? 

Happy As A Clam

Over the years Eastbourne has regularly ranked within the Top Ten UK’s Happiest Towns. Voting criteria includes various ‘happiness factors’ such as the friendliness of the locals, the level of community spirit, neighbourhood safety, the local amenities, personal wellbeing and the quality of cultural activities. We personally think extra points should be given for the tinkling music coming from the world’s busiest bandstand and that fresh sea air that hits you as you approach the postcard perfect beachfront. 

Ready For My Close Up

Eastbourne has featured many times on the big screen due to its photogenic scenery. Its star-studded showreel features James Bond The Living Daylights, Pearl Harbour, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Diana. Not forgetting Harry Potter’s Quidditch World Cup scene filmed at Beachy Head. Plus, television credits include Poirot, Little Britain, Miss Marple and Top Gear. 

1066 Country

Eastbourne might entice people in as one of the most popular beach escapes in the UK, but there is plenty more to discover beyond the seafront. Visitors often delve into the dramatic history of this trio of nearby towns; just 15 minutes away lies Pevensey, where William the Conqueror landed in 1066, and nearby Battle, the scene of his famous victory and the coastal town of Hastings, which boasts the remains of the first castle in England to be built by William the Conqueror. 

Here Comes The Sun

According to the Met Office, Eastbourne regularly comes up trumps as one of the sunniest places in England. Not only are the extra hours of sunshine perfect to help us de-stress on a much-needed break, but the sound of the sea lolling against the shore provides the ultimate holiday soundtrack. It’s no wonder that this little town has been attracting holidaymakers since Victorian times. 

Smugglers Cove

We can’t mention Eastbourne without a nod to the highest chalk sea cliff in the UK! Beachy Head towers at over 500 ft above sea level and is one the most famous beauty spots in the south east. Did you know that it used to be a haven for smugglers or that the chalk was formed millions of years ago, when the area was submerged by the sea?

If these fun facts have whet your Eastbourne appetite, then grab a cone of cockles, your jazziest beach hat and dive into our selection of Eastbourne tours.