Apartments, airbnbs and Houses in Eastbourne

Visit Eastbourne: Britain's sunniest town!

Often overshadowed by its neighbour, Brighton, Eastbourne is a classically English seaside resort, with Victorian-style houses and hotels, a 19th century Pier, an incredible art gallery featuring the work of some of Britain's most prominent modern artists as well as historical monuments such as Redoubt Fortress. The recent influx of students has caused a "millennial" effect on Eastbourne, transforming it into a popular spot for travellers and families alike, all looking for the best holiday rentals to make their stay fantastic.

Best Time to Visit Eastbourne

The best time to visit depends on what you're looking to get out of your trip to Eastbourne. The weather here varies quite a lot throughout the year, with a chance of snow or rain pretty much constant. If you're looking for a nice snowy escape, then March is the reportedly the month most likely to experience very large amounts of snow – although, if you're looking to go skiing, then December is when the fresh snow powder is deepest. Alternatively, if you're looking for a nice, sunny break, then head to Eastbourne during the summer, aka June through to August. The temperatures are high, but not uncomfortably so, while there is little chance of rain in comparison to the rest of the year. This is also the busiest season for tourism, which means there will be a lot going on around the town.

How to get to Eastbourne

Set along the south coast of England, Eastbourne is served by various main roads – such as the A27, the A259, and the A22. From here, it's easy to get to Brighton, Hastings, and London, which is easily accessible from all over the country – and world – whether by plane, car, or train. The sea-side resort is just 44 miles south of the M25, less than an hour from London Gatwick, and only 20 minutes from Newhaven ferry port. If you wanted to have a car during your stay, you can easily hire one from the airport, or bring yours over on the ferry, and your sea-side holiday cottage will just be a short drive away. If you'd rather travel by train, Southern Railway is the primary trainline that runs all the way top Eastbourne, with direct trains from London Victoria, Ashford International, Brighton, and Lewes. Alternatively, the National Express coach service also operates two daily coaches to Eastbourne: one from London, and the other from Cornwall, which stops at many scenic coastal destinations along the way – perfect if you want to stretch your legs on the beach with an ice cream. For anyone travelling from further afield, the nearest airport is London's Gatwick Airport, which has a direct train to Eastbourne that runs every half an hour. Heathrow Airport, London's largest, is also fairly close – only a 2 hour drive down to the coast.

Where to Stay in Eastbourne

Along the Seafront

Eastbourne's seafront is award winning, and immaculately clean. It's been featured on A Place by the Sea, the BBC, Carlton Kids, and many more. Dotted with countless boutique cafes and bars, as well as the famous Eastbourne Pier that features a 1000-seater theatre, bar, camera obscura, and arcade games. The Pier splits the seafront, with high-class hotels to the west, and family hotels and boarding houses to the east. Whether you're looking for niche B&B holiday rentals, or high-end hotel accommodation, the seafront in Eastbourne has what you're looking for.

Pebble Beach B&B

This charming little bed and breakfast holiday rental sits right opposite Eastbourne's pebble beach, offering elegant and stylish rooms that have incredible views of either the sea or the town. Breakfast is served using locally sourced ingredients, and the B&B is only a few minutes' walk from the train station. If you're looking for cheap accommodation in Eastbourne for a short weekend getaway, then Pebble Beach B&B is your place.

The Iverna

With perfect seafront views, The Iverna is the best value holiday rental if you're looking for something a little more upbeat than a B&B. Just a 5 minute walk from the pier, the Iverna offers en-suite bathrooms, a full English breakfast, and a surrounding area full of pubs and restaurants. The hotel is also just a short walk away from the main shopping centre in Eastbourne, which features over 70 stores.

What to do in Eastbourne

Eastbourne Pier

The fantastic Victorian Pier was built in Eastbourne a long time ago – between 1866 and 1872 in fact, making it roughly 150 years old. The best morning is spent wandering along the pier, gazing back at the seaside town's picturesque beach before skipping some stones along the water. The pier is full of mini amusement arcade games to keep the little ones entertained for hours, before stopping off in one of the Victorian Tea Rooms for a spot of afternoon tea. End your trip with a visit to The Chippy for some of the best fish and chips along the south coast.

Beachy Head

The highest sea cliff in the UK formed from chalkstone, Beachy Head is one of the country's most famous TV and film locations. The dramatic coastline has been featured in films ranging from James Bond, to The Living Daylights, and even Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. More recently, the quidditch scenes from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire were filmed here, while England's Rugby World Cup team chose the spot for their 2007 advertising campaign.

The Towner Gallery

The incredibly modern building in the heart of Eastbourne is strikingly different to its Victorian architectural neighbours, and it definitely knows how to stand out from the crowds. The gallery is home to countless memorable exhibitions, such as the collection of watercolour paintings by Eric Ravilious, who uniquely captures the county of Sussex using sweeping shapes and uplifting colours.

Herstmonceux Castle

One of the oldest brick buildings still standing in England, Herstmonceux Castle was built back in 1441. It is famous for being one of the first buildings ever made with those materials, and today it makes for a magical, fairy-tale day out. The castle is set among some fantastically stunning gardens, creating a true atmosphere of medieval England.

The Curzon Cinema

One of few traditional cinemas left in the country, the Curzon Cinema has only three screens set inside the walls of a beautifully traditional, old building. The cinema shows a massive range of movies, from the latest blockbusters to independent art films and foreign language movies. It's also the headquarters of the Eastbourne film Society, which was first created in 1949.