Dakota Murphey highlights just how Eastbourne, renowned as the “sunshine coast”, sheds its summer reputation to reveal a tranquil character, perfect for a winter getaway.
Word is getting out on Eastbourne
Recent national recognition confirms what the locals in Eastbourne have known for a very long time. Time Out crowned Eastbourne the best place to visit in the UK for an overnight trip in 2023, while its reputation as a thriving cultural hotspot was confirmed with the Turner Prize exhibition taking place at the prestigious Towner Eastbourne art gallery.
At this time of year the town‘s true character emerges. You’ll find plenty to enjoy, from the dramatic winter lights illuminating the Seven Sisters cliffs, to invigorating and inspiring seafront strolls.
For those seeking some much-needed respite from urban city life, or those looking for a slightly different tone to their Christmas this year, there are a wide variety of holiday homes and properties spanning across the South Downs, Sovereign Harbour, Meads Village and everywhere in between. All provide ample opportunity to enjoy a winter break offering tranquillity without isolation, and beauty without bustle.
Getting to Eastbourne in Winter
Eastbourne’s notoriously easy to get to, with direct trains from London reaching the coastal town centre in roughly 90 minutes, and with Brighton sitting just 25 miles west and Hastings 17 miles east, it’s situated in a highly convenient spot. Be mindful of unexpected train service delays and winter timetables, as these can impact journey times and logistics.
For those driving, even in winter, the journey is straightforward, sitting just 44 miles south of the M25, 20 minutes from Newhaven ferry port and less than an hour from London Gatwick Airport. If you are driving in winter, as the weather begins to turn and we start seeing more sleet, snow and ice, a seasonal vehicle check wouldn’t go amiss, as 24% of weather-related road accidents occur due to these more challenging conditions.
The perfect accommodation for your Winter retreat
The finest way to experience Eastbourne in winter is from the comfort of a premium self-catering property, in the form of quaint, idyllic cottages, modern apartments, and large multi-floor properties for large groups. The holiday rentals are scattered across the town’s most desirable and beautiful locations, each offering a distinct character that makes for a perfect winter escape.
Explore the prime locations in Eastbourne
Meads Village
This epitomises genteel coastal living, with the upmarket area nestled at the foot of Beachy Head, boasting an abundance of independent shops and cafés throughout the leafy streets. A cliffside property here places you within walking distance of the iconic lighthouse and sweeping coastal paths with the waves crashing on the shoreline providing serenity in spades, whilst the beach huts in Holywell offer can’t-miss photo opportunities.
Eastbourne’s Old Town
The Old Town exudes historic charm, and when the winter frost touches the 12th-century church, or when the mist rolls through the sweeping greens of Gildredge Park, you’ll see Eastbourne at its most organic. A cottage escape here gives you the chance to explore many of the antique shops, artisan bakeries, and traditional country and village pubs within a short walk.
Central Eastbourne
Here you have the chance to soak in all the town has to offer. The aforementioned Towner gallery, the Victorian pier, and the 1930s bandstand, among others, make for the landmarks that make this town quintessentially coastal and historic. One of the contemporary apartments gives you the perfect opportunity to hop to one of Eastbourne’s most adored restaurants, a show at the theatre, and the heavily pedestrianised town centre.
Sovereign Harbour
For those with a penchant for a waterfront stay, this award-winning marina, and one of Europe’s largest, is a blessed spot that becomes truly wondrous in winter. The waterside restaurants, wine bars, and bistros offer plenty of cosy places to retreat and escape and soak in some of the best evening sunset maritime views while indulging in quality local produce.
Pevensey Bay
With big skies, sweeping seascape and a dramatic history which shaped the course of England and the United Kingdom. This beautiful sleepy haven is a wonderful location from which to take in the sea views as you wander along the shingle beaches and enjoy the invigorating air.
St Leonards-on-Sea & Hastings
Genteel, but funky, structured architecture and a laid-back, creative vibe – St Leonards-on-Sea and Hastings are the places to see and be seen. Expect a surprisingly cosmopolitan dynamism, artistic flair and some old-school charms. Ice cream on the promenade never goes out of fashion.
What to see in Eastbourne during Winter
During your winter stay, Beachy Head (Britain’s highest chalk sea cliff at 530 feet) is an absolute must, as is a clifftop walk along the South Downs Way, if you want to soak up the wintry, crisp, and fresh sea air. The Seven Sisters Country Park offers peaceful solitude with its 280 hectares of river valleys and cliffs, a reprieve from the summer crowds, that’s for sure.
Take in some of the town’s year-round offerings. Towner Eastbourne, the South East’s largest gallery, offers plenty of exhibitions to explore at your leisure. Meanwhile, Eastbourne has four theatres (the Congress, Devonshire Park, Winter Garden and Royal Hippodrome) which are sure to showcase something worth your fancy this festive season.
Eastbourne has experienced something of a culinary renaissance in recent years, with plenty of contemporary restaurants lining the town centre and seafront streets. From traditional fish and chips shops to vegan and vegetarian speciality restaurants and artisan coffee shops, there’s plenty on offer. You can also expect to see some exceptional Christmas markets in the town, with the Victorian pier looking marvellous when laden with festive lights.
The best Winter staycation you can expect
Winter in this part of Sussex represents something increasingly precious: a genuine escape that gives you the chance to truly unwind, relax, and soak in something new and different. No long-haul flights, no complex logistics, just gentle coastal walks, uninterrupted sea views, and a bustling, connected local community that welcomes you with open arms.
By choosing one of Exclusively Eastbourne’s hand-picked holiday homes, you’re guaranteed comfort, style, and an ideal location from which to explore everything this remarkable and stunning town offers when temperatures drop.
Book your winter getaway and discover why Eastbourne’s true charm emerges when the summer crowds depart and the season’s special magic begins.
