When most travelers think of Eastbourne, they picture the iconic seafront promenade, the Victorian pier, and perhaps the dramatic Seven Sisters cliffs. Those are undeniably beautiful, but after years of wandering around this seaside town, I’ve come to realize that the real soul of Eastbourne lies in its quieter corners—the places where tourists rarely go, but where magic lingers in the air. I’ve spent countless weekends wandering these side streets, hidden gardens, and tucked-away galleries, and every time I stumble upon a spot that feels like a secret shared only with locals.

In this article, I’ll take you through ten lesser-known attractions in Eastbourne that have stolen my heart. These aren’t just places to tick off a list—they’re experiences that left me with stories to tell, photographs to treasure, and memories that feel like private treasures.

Throughout, I’ll share my own impressions, practical details like locations, costs, and booking tips, and even a few insider hints on how to make the most of your visit. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll also find recommendations for platforms I personally rely on for accommodation (Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb), flights (Skyscanner, British Airways), and even restaurant reservations (OpenTable, Resy).

1. The Italian Gardens – A Serene Hillside Retreat

Location: Beneath Holywell, at the western end of Eastbourne seafront

I still remember the first time I climbed down the winding path leading to the Italian Gardens. It was a misty morning, the kind where the sea almost disappears into the horizon, and the scent of damp earth mingled with the salty air. As I descended, the sound of the town slowly faded behind me, replaced by the gentle crash of waves. What appeared before me felt like a hidden world—small terraced lawns, stone steps worn smooth by time, and old pergolas draped in wisteria. The view of the sea framed through the arches gave me the feeling of stepping into a painting.

Unlike the lively promenade where children run and ice cream vans line the path, this garden is often still and contemplative. I noticed locals tucked quietly on benches, reading books or simply gazing at the water. For me, it became a place of retreat—a pocket of calm where I could open a notebook and let words flow while the gulls wheeled above.

What makes it special: Designed in the early 20th century, the gardens have an intimacy that larger parks lack. They’re both romantic and quietly powerful.

Cost: Free entry

Travel tip: Arrive early in the morning with a coffee or even a small picnic. If you’re lucky, you’ll have this sanctuary entirely to yourself.

2. Holywell Tea Chalet and Beach – Eastbourne’s Hidden Seafront

Location: Western end of Eastbourne seafront, near the foot of the cliffs

Unlike Eastbourne Pier or the main beach, Holywell Beach remains a hidden corner. There’s something rugged and authentic about its chalky pebbles and rock pools, which appear when the tide is low. The Holywell Tea Chalet, a no-frills seaside café, serves hearty breakfasts and steaming mugs of tea that somehow taste better with sea spray on your face.

Personal memory: One late summer evening, I came here just before sunset. I had fish and chips wrapped in paper, and I watched the sky turn pink while children splashed in the shallows. The laughter, the scent of salt and vinegar—it was pure seaside nostalgia.

Cost: Free access to the beach; Tea Chalet meals around £6–£12

Booking tip: No booking needed, but it’s cash-friendly, so bring coins.

3. Towner Eastbourne – The Contemporary Art Haven

Location: College Road, Eastbourne BN21 4JJ

Most visitors skip Towner Gallery in favor of Brighton’s bigger art scene, but they don’t know what they’re missing. Towner Eastbourne is a bold, colorful cube of modern architecture. Inside, it’s a treasure trove of contemporary art, photography, and experimental exhibitions.

Why it’s unique: The Towner isn’t just about art on walls—it feels alive. I once attended an evening screening in their cinema space, and the energy of the local creative crowd was infectious. They also have works by Eric Ravilious, a Sussex-born artist whose paintings capture the rolling landscapes of Eastbourne’s surroundings with such intimacy.

Cost: Free entry, but special exhibitions sometimes cost £5–£10

Booking tip: Check their website for event tickets. I usually book via Eventbrite when workshops are hosted.

4. Eastbourne Redoubt Fortress – A Walk Through History

Location: Royal Parade, Eastbourne BN22 7AQ

This Napoleonic fortress stands silently by the seafront, often overlooked by beachgoers. The Redoubt Fortress is circular, with stone walls that echo with centuries of history. I wandered here one chilly afternoon, and the emptiness inside gave me goosebumps—it felt like stepping into a time capsule.

Highlights: Exhibitions about Eastbourne’s military past, cannons pointing toward the sea, and atmospheric tunnels.

Cost: Around £6 for adults, free for children under 5

Booking tip: Tickets are usually available through Eastbourne Borough Council’s website. Book in advance during summer, as guided tours can fill quickly.

5. Motcombe Gardens – A Slice of Village Charm

Location: Motcombe Lane, Eastbourne Old Town

While tourists stick to the seafront, locals retreat to Motcombe Gardens in Old Town. A duck pond, surrounded by trees and cottages, creates the feeling of a rural English village. It’s especially beautiful in autumn when leaves fall into the pond.

Personal connection: I once brought a picnic here, and an elderly couple told me stories of how they used to ice-skate on the frozen pond decades ago. That sense of living history lingers in the air.

Cost: Free

Travel tip: Combine this with a wander around Old Town pubs, like The Lamb, which claims to be Eastbourne’s oldest.

6. Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway

Location: Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne BN23 6QJ

This is one of those whimsical places that bring out your inner child. The Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway lets you ride tiny trains through pretty gardens and around a lake.

Why it’s special: It’s family-friendly, but even as an adult, I loved the craftsmanship of the engines and the gentle nostalgia of the ride. It feels like stepping into a model village come alive.

Cost: Around £7 per adult, £5 per child

Booking tip: Tickets can be bought on-site, but for peak summer weekends, I suggest booking via their official website.

7. Beachy Head Countryside Centre – The Quiet Alternative

Location: Beachy Head Road, Eastbourne BN20 7YA

Most people rush to the Beachy Head viewpoint, but the Countryside Centre is where you truly experience the landscape. It’s part exhibition, part café, and part information hub. I loved browsing the displays about geology and wildlife, then stepping outside to walk along lesser-trodden trails.

Highlight: On a clear day, the views stretch endlessly, but the best part is escaping the selfie-stick crowds.

Cost: Free entry; donations encouraged

Travel tip: Wear sturdy walking shoes. Trails here can be muddy even in summer.

8. Treasure Island Adventure Park – Nostalgic Seaside Fun

Location: Royal Parade, Eastbourne BN22 7AE

It might sound touristy, but the Treasure Island Adventure Park is actually one of those retro gems that make Eastbourne special. Part pirate-themed mini golf, part soft play, part amusement arcade—it’s like stepping into a childhood dream.

Personal memory: I went here with a friend’s children, but ended up enjoying the crazy golf more than they did. There’s something wonderfully silly about putting a golf ball through a pirate cave.

Cost: Around £8–£12 per activity

Booking tip: Check Groupon or local discount sites for family passes—you can often save 20–30%.

9. Eastbourne Heritage Centre

Location: Carlisle Road, Eastbourne BN21 4JR

If you want to understand Eastbourne’s transformation from fishing village to elegant resort town, the Heritage Centre is the place. It’s housed in a charming Victorian building, with exhibits full of photographs, maps, and models.

What struck me most: The stories of Victorian holidaymakers arriving by train in their finest clothes. It made me realize how much Eastbourne owes its identity to the railway age.

Cost: Around £4 entry

Booking tip: Tickets are usually bought at the door.

10. Shinewater Park – Eastbourne’s Green Escape

Location: Larkspur Drive, Eastbourne BN23

For those willing to wander further from the center, Shinewater Park is a sprawling green space with lakes, wildflower meadows, and walking paths. I once came here on a spring morning when the air was alive with birdsong—it felt worlds away from the bustling pier.

Cost: Free

Travel tip: Bring binoculars if you’re into birdwatching—this park is home to swans, geese, and countless smaller species.

Booking Platforms I Recommend

While exploring these hidden gems, I’ve come to rely on a few platforms:

• Accommodation: Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb for unique stays.
• Flights: Skyscanner for comparisons, and British Airways for reliable service from London airports.
• Restaurants: OpenTable and Resy for advance bookings in Eastbourne’s growing foodie scene.
• Tickets: Eventbrite and local council websites for entry to exhibitions and activities.

Exploring Eastbourne beyond its postcard attractions has been one of the most rewarding travel experiences I’ve had in the UK. These hidden gems may not make it onto every tourist’s itinerary, but they’re the places where I’ve felt most connected—to the town, its history, its people, and to myself. Whether it’s sipping tea by a quiet beach hut or wandering a forgotten garden, Eastbourne’s secrets are worth discovering—slowly, quietly, and with an open heart.