Dakota Murphey is an experienced freelance writer who enjoys creating content for a number of authoritative sites.
She covers topics ranging from travel, photography and sustainability to company growth, business trends and branding.
Here she captures the growing momentum behind Eastbourne as the must-visit place for 2023.
Old dog, new tricks
Eastbourne has undergone a cultural renaissance in recent years. The announcement that Eastbourne will host the prestigious Turner Prize art exhibition in 2023 highlights just how far the town’s art scene has come. Eastbourne is shedding its outdated image and emerging as the South Coast’s ultimate destination, with a thriving art and culture offering, miles of scenic coastline and countryside, and a buzzing food scene.
Once seen as a quiet seaside resort favoured by pensioners and second home owners, Eastbourne has witnessed an influx of creative talent, independent businesses and visitors of all ages. At the heart of this transformation is the Towner Art Gallery which is the venue hosting the Turner Prize 2023. The gallery has established itself as a leading cultural hub, hosting major exhibitions from renowned artists like David Hockney and Tracey Emin. But Eastbourne’s appeal stretches far beyond the gallery walls.
Nestled between the sea and the South Downs National Park, Eastbourne is the perfect base for enjoying the best of the outdoors. Take in the breathtaking views from Beachy Head, the UK’s highest chalk sea cliff, go strolling along the scenic coastline or relax on one of Eastbourne’s four stunning beaches. In this article, we’ll take a look at how the town became a must-see destination on the South Coast.
Towner Gallery and the local art scene
At the heart of Eastbourne’s cultural transformation is the Towner Art Gallery. Since opening in 1923, the Towner has established itself as one of the UK’s leading regional art museums, putting Eastbourne firmly on the art world map. The Towner, known for hosting major exhibitions from celebrated artists like David Hockney, Tracey Emin, and Paul Nash, attracts visitors from across the country.
The gallery’s permanent collection is also outstanding, featuring over 3,500 works of art spanning from the 15th century to the present day, including pieces by John Constable, Paul Cézanne and Duncan Grant. Though the collection has a strong focus on art from Sussex and the surrounding area, its scope is impressively wide-ranging.
Eastbourne’s art scene extends well beyond the Towner’s walls. Each year, Eastbourne hosts the renowned Artists Open Houses festival, where local artists open their doors to visitors. You can discover an array of artistic talent, all set within the charming architecture of Meads village.
There are also several independent art galleries dotted around Eastbourne’s town centre, like the Nigel Greaves Gallery and The Lighthouse Gallery which promote both emerging and established artists. With the Towner at the helm, Eastbourne’s art scene is experiencing an exciting renaissance. Whether you’re an avid art lover or simply interested in discovering creative talent, Eastbourne has plenty to offer.
Beachy Head and the South Downs
For panoramic views of the coastline, head to Beachy Head, a spectacular chalk cliff standing at the highest point of the Eastbourne Downland Estate. At over 500 feet high, Beachy Head is the highest sea cliff on the South Coast – the cliffs are an area of outstanding natural beauty, especially when the sunny skies turn crimson at dusk.
The South Downs Way national walking trail starts by Beachy Head and winds through the South Downs National Park. One picturesque walking route leads from Beachy Head along the chalk cliffs to the charming seaside village of Birling Gap, about four miles away. Along the trails, you’ll stumble upon rolling hills, ancient woodlands and historic landmarks like the Belle Tout lighthouse.
The Beachy Head and South Downs countryside provides a habitat to an array of wildlife, including rare birds like the peregrine falcon. With over 1,600 species of plants and animals living in the area, keen nature spotters will have no shortage of sights on a walk through the park. It’s no surprise, then, that this is one of the most lauded spots of nature photography.
Whether you want to embark on an active adventure, learn about the area’s natural and human history, or simply soak in the picturesque views, a visit to Beachy Head and the South Downs offers the perfect escape from it all. The scenery around Eastbourne is just as much an attraction as the town itself.
Eastbourne’s beaches
Eastbourne is blessed with a picturesque coastline and four stunning beaches. The aptly named Eastbourne Beach is one of the main beaches, stretching 1.5 miles along the seafront promenade. The beach is a bustling spot, dotted with colourful huts and beachside cafes, perfect for sunbathing, swimming in the sea or building a sandcastle.
To the east is Sovereign Harbour beach, a charming shingle beach overlooking Sovereign Harbour marina. Relatively quiet, it’s a popular spot for angling and bird watching. The slab rocks along the beach also create sheltered positions – ideal for a picnic with scenic views of the marina.
Eastbourne's reinvention
For a classic British seaside experience, visit the traditional shingle beach between Grand Parade and Pier. Take a ride on Eastbourne’s Victorian pier, grab some fish and chips or an ice cream and relax while enjoying the sea views and pier entertainment. A hidden gem is the western end of the beach, a peaceful spot to watch the sunset.
Finally, at the foot of Beachy Head lies Birling Gap shingle beach, a scenic spot popular with walkers finishing the South Downs trail. When the tide is out, Birling Gap reveals some of East Sussex’s most impressive rock formations. Though there are no facilities, the beach is renowned for stargazing at night due to low light pollution.
While it seems Eastbourne’s reinvention came almost overnight, the reality has been a gradual build over the past decade – the town has stayed true to its roots but isn’t afraid to move with the times. Still more renowned for its scenery and coastline, Eastbourne deserves more than a cursory stopover on the way to neighbouring Brighton. It seems keeping up with the times has transformed Eastbourne into the ultimate place to visit on the South Coast. Eastbourne’s is a story of reinvention worth discovering in itself.