“Situated on the coast in East Sussex, Eastbourne has a population of around 140,000 and was once one of the biggest seaside resorts in the UK”
Moving to Eastbourne
Just 25 miles by road from Brighton, Eastbourne has long been seen as the quieter, more reserved cousin of the renowned seaside party town. Situated on the coast in East Sussex, Eastbourne has a population of around 140,000 and was once one of the biggest seaside resorts in the UK. As is the case with many British seaside towns, it saw a boom with the arrival of the railways in the 1800s, and is still popular with holidaymakers and the retired population today.
Regularly cited as the sunniest place in the UK, Eastbourne is popular with families and older couples, many of whom settle here and stay for decades. With 3.5 miles of seafront and the famous Beachy Head nearby (which you may recognise from numerous films) as well as an impressive array of cultural venues and a beautiful pier, it’s an idyllic spot if you’re looking for a combination of lively cultural life and connection to nature, without the party lifestyle that often accompanies resort towns.
House prices in Eastbourne
With an average property price of £283,547 as of 2020, house prices in Eastbourne are significantly more affordable than the East Sussex average of £332,000, and just slightly higher than the UK average. Within the town, popular neighbourhoods include Sovereign Harbour, Meads, Saffrons and the Old Town.
“Regularly cited as the sunniest place in the UK, Eastbourne is popular with families and older couples, many of whom settle here and stay for decades.”
Travel in Eastbourne
Eastbourne is well-connected by rail, with regular services from Eastbourne Station to neighbouring towns, Ashford International and to London in under 90 minutes. Driving is a little slower, with Brighton and Hastings in easy reach but the capital and further north a rather slow slog via A-roads until you reach the M23 at Crawley. Coach services are also available, as well as buses within the town itself. For foreign travel, the closest airport is London Gatwick, around an hour’s drive away and offering flights to destinations all over the world.
Lifestyle
While not known for its shopping (and certainly no rival to Brighton), Easbourne does offer a reasonable retail selection, including well-known brands and quirky independent spots. Eastbourne Arndale Centre is the town’s main shopping centre, with big names including Topshop and M&S, while for something a little different, try the Sovereign Harbour area or the streets surrounding Eastbourne Station, which are home to hidden gems such as the antiquarian bookseller Camilla’s Bookshop.
With over 70 pubs, you’ll never be short of a place to drink in Eastbourne, and the local restaurant selection is rather good as well. Waterfront Place, Bolton Road and Terminus road are hotspots for dining, while the seafront is always a good option too. Top independent places include the Lamb Inn, one of the oldest pubs in the UK dating back to 1180, Lilac Fish Restaurant, and The Buccaneer. For lunch, the Belgian Cafe and the Pavilion Cafe are popular choices, whilst late night revellers often find themselves at the Eastbourne Cocktail Club. Don’t forget to try one of the area’s legendary ice cream shops too, such as Fuscardi’s and Notarianni’s!
Food shopping in Eastbourne
Home cooks will be well provided for here, with multiple branches of major supermarket chains including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Waitrose spread around the town, as well as an Asda superstore. There’s also some excellent independent grocers and food suppliers to be found, such as the traditional J Heath & Son butchers shop on Albert Parade.
Health and sport
With a mix of big-name gym brands and local studios, fitness fanatics won’t have to search far for a good facility in Eastbourne. Branches of The Gym, David Lloyd and Bannatyne Health Club are all located here, as well as a yoga studio, an MMA studio, and more. The town is also home to an international tennis championship, the Aegon International Eastbourne WTA Tennis Tournament, for those who prefer spectator sports.
Culture
Eastbourne is renowned for its cultural offerings, giving the 140,000 residents (and many visitors) plenty to keep them occupied. The beautiful Eastbourne Pier is a visitor attraction, as well as the Redoubt Fortress and Royal Hippodrome, while theatre fans can enjoy performances at four theatres – the Devonshire Park Theatre, Congress Theatre, Underground Theatre, and Printers Playhouse Theatre. Add a number of art galleries and a local zoo, and you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied.
“The beautiful Eastbourne Pier is a popular visitor attraction, as well as the Redoubt Fortress and Royal Hippodrome, while theatre fans can enjoy performances at four theatres”
Schools and education in Eastbourne
Once home to over 70 private schools, Eastbourne no longer offers the same variety with just four left today. However, there’s still a good number of schools here and plenty which boast an impressive reputation. Leading primary schools in the town include Roselands Infants’ School, St Thomas A Becket Catholic Junior School and Tollgate Community Junior School, while for older children, the independent Eastbourne College is the leading secondary school in the area, and popular state options include Willingdon Community School and The Causeway School.
In terms of further education, Eastbourne has no independent university but is home to a portion of the University of Brighton, as well as a campus of Sussex Downs College.
Safety
With an average crime rate of around 72 crimes per 1000 people, Eastbourne is considered to be a relatively safe town with similar figures to the national average. Crime here is higher than the Sussex average, although statistically safer than the likes of Brighton, Hastings and Crawley.
Green spaces in Eastbourne
Aside from the glorious sandy beaches and the famous Beachy Head, Eastbourne is awash with green spaces – top spots include Gildredge Park, Shinewater Park, and Manor Gardens. For something a little more rural and rugged, the South Downs National Park is right on your doorstep, complete with stunning views and the 100 mile South Downs Way walk if you’re feeling particularly ambitious.
How can OneDome help me move to Eastbourne
We are the first property website in the UK capable of connecting each and every step of the home buying and selling journey. If you’re thinking of moving to Eastbourne, we can help you find a home there, get a mortgage, and complete your conveyancing. All this is done online and in one place, simplifying the entire process and making buying a home easier for all. We cover home selling as well, making it easy for you to find and compare estate agents based on their success rate selling properties similar to yours, their proximity to you, and their reviews.