When you picture a classic British seaside town, it likely conjures up scenes of pebbled beaches, breezy promenades, and piping-hot chips eaten from paper wrappings. Few places capture that nostalgic charm as effortlessly as Eastbourne. Located on the East Sussex coast, this seaside town has long been a go-to for families, day-trippers, and anyone craving fresh sea air and calming coastal views.

According to Exclusively Eastbourne and Weather2Travel, Eastbourne boasts more sunshine than anywhere else in the UK, earning its title as the nation’s sunniest spot. What makes it especially attractive to those wanting to escape busier seaside spots like nearby Brighton is its laid-back atmosphere. It’s less crowded, more affordable, and doesn’t rely on flashy attractions or overdevelopment. Instead, Eastbourne remains true to its relaxed, traditional character, granted it’s less polished than other popular seaside towns and has stayed largely unchanged over the decades, but it’s the stunning walks across the downs and the natural beauty of the area that truly set it apart.

The town appears to lean proudly into its identity as a traditional seaside resort, and whether you like it or not, that’s also what gives it so much character.

While Eastbourne does have much to offer, one experience completely exceeded my expectations and stunned me: visiting Beachy Head. Just outside the town centre, Beachy Head is home to the UK’s highest chalk sea cliffs, rising dramatically above the coastline.

The views here are truly spectacular, with sheer white cliffs, rolling downs, and the famous Beachy Head Lighthouse standing proudly at the base of the cliffs.

The combination of geography, history, and sheer scale makes Beachy Head one of the most remarkable places I’ve visited in the UK. I also stopped for a meal at the Beachy Head Pub, a historic inn with rustic interiors, a roaring fire, and windows that frame the dramatic landscape like paintings with great food that was both hearty and satisfying. 

Along the wide promenade of Eastbourne, you’ll find majestic Victorian and Edwardian architecture lining the seafront, including stately hotels, well-kept gardens, and charming benches perfect for watching the world go by.

The Eastbourne Pier, one of the town’s key landmarks, feels like a slice of living history. Built in the 19th century and topped with a gleaming golden dome, the pier is home to traditional amusements, tea rooms, and panoramic views of the English Channel.

Bistrot Pierre, a trendy French restaurant located right on the water’s edge was another highlight of the visit. With a menu full of comforting classics and a terrace that looks directly onto the beach, it was the perfect place to unwind.

During my visit, I also had the pleasure of enjoying a meal at the Hydro Hotel, a grand old building perched above the seafront with beautiful gardens, great food, and even better views.

Among Eastbourne’s other highlights is Sovereign Harbour, where you can enjoy waterside dining while watching yachts drift gracefully through the marina, or the iconic Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway, offering a unique ride through scenic parkland.

For those seeking a quieter moment, Gildredge Park provides a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll and just a short walk away is The Lamb Inn, believed to be the oldest pub in Eastbourne.

Rather than chasing modernity, Eastbourne embraces its roots as a classic British seaside town, and that enduring sense of tradition.

Yes, Eastbourne may be Britain’s sunniest seaside spot, but it’s the scenery, the food, and the relaxed atmosphere that truely make it an underrated UK seaside spot.