Eastbourne Landmarks and Monuments

(Eastbourne, East Sussex, England, UK)

There are some important landmarks to be found within the town of Eastbourne, with the most impressive being located along the coastline, such as the town's splendid Victorian pier. A popular seaside attraction and Grade II listed landmark, Eastbourne Pier has a very long and interesting history.

An arresting chalk headland located next to Eastbourne and on the easterly side of the Seven Sisters, Beachy Head is a record-breaking landmark, since at just over 160 metres / 525 feet above sea level, is actually the United Kingdom's highest chalk sea cliff. Other important sights include the Martello Towers, the Sovereign Harbour and the magnificent Town Hall.

Eastbourne Pier

Address: Eastbourne, East Sussex, England, UK
The building of Eastbourne Pier commenced in 1866 and although it was officially opened in 1870, it was not actually completed in its entirety until 1872. However, as soon after as 1877, a devastating storm literally swept away half of the pier, meaning that it was necessary to redesign and rebuilt much of the overall structure. Measuring approximately 205 metres / 1,000 feet in length and featuring a tea room, various kiosks, bars, a large amusement arcade and the Atlantis Nightclub, Eastbourne Pier is also known for its camera obscura room which was restored in 2003 and features an optical device that projects the outside image onto a circular screen. Of interest, the pier was recently used as a backdrop in the remake of the classical Brighton Rock movie, featuring Helen Mirren and John Hurt. If you are here at dusk, then be prepared for a truly breathtaking sight, when an enormous flock of literally thousands of starlings appears from nowhere and circle the pier a number of times as they prepare to roost, creating seemingly perfect and quite amazing irregular shapes with neat edges.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Beachy Head

Address: Eastbourne, East Sussex, England, UK
Many visitors come to Beachy Head for its spectacular coastal views, which stretch as far as Selsey Bill (west) and Dungeness (east). Over the years, Beachy Head has become something of a notorious suicide spot, although the town chooses to withhold official statistics. During the 17th and 18th century, countless shipwrecks occurred in the surrounding waters, and so in the early 1830s, the cliff-top Belle Tout Lighthouse was erected. Now decommissioned since the light was often hidden by low clouds, the Belle Tout Lighthouse was actually successfully relocated some 50 metres / 164 feet inland in 1999, due to coastal erosion and the increasing possibility of it collapsing into the sea below. A fully automated red and white lighthouse now operates at sea level and at night, its light can be seen over 40 km / 25 miles away.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Sovereign Harbour

Address: Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, East Sussex, England, UK
An award-winning destination that is widely known to locals as 'Little Venice', the Sovereign Harbour is a very popular place to hang out during the sunny summer months and is well known for its high concentration of canals, shops and cafes. Home to a huge marina complex, which is actually now amongst the biggest in the whole of northern Europe, Sovereign Harbour lies on the easterly side of Eastbourne, where is appeals to both sailing enthusiasts and tourists alike. Every year, this part of the town enjoys many thousands of visitors, who come here to enjoy the views of marina life, watching the luxury yachts sailing along the waterways and passing through the huge lock gates.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Seven Sisters

Address: Eastbourne, East Sussex, England, UK
One of the most famous naturally created landmarks in East Sussex, the Seven Sisters are actually a series of dramatic chalk cliffs and dominate this part of the coastline of the English Channel. The Seven Sisters form part of the scenic South Downs area and lie between Eastbourne and Seaford, where they are a part of the Seven Sisters Country Park. These bright chalky cliffs have been featured in television programmes and films many times over the years, such as Kevin's Costner's 1991 movie blockbuster 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves', when they were used as a replacement for the white cliffs of Dover. The cliffs on the eastern side of the Cuckmere haven are a much-favoured place to photograph, with their distinctive facade and peaks.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Martello Towers

Address: Eastbourne, East Sussex, England, UK
At the end of the 18th century and also in the early 19th century, 14 individual Martello Towers were built on the westerly coast of Pevensey Bay, to provide a strategic defence between Hastings and Beachy Head, against a possible attack and invasion attempt by Napoleon. A number of these small historic defensive forts are still standing in a very good state of repair, such as the Wish Tower, which has become a much-loved landmarks along the town's seafront. The best way to view the Eastbourne Martello Towers is to take a boat trip from Sovereign Harbour. These cruises tend to hug the coastline and provide excellent photographic opportunities along the way.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Town Hall

Address: Grove Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4UG, England, UK
Tel: +44 01323 410000
Eastbourne Town Hall is a prominent sight on Grove Road and stands at the point where this stretch joins with South Street. Construction of the Town Hall commenced in 1883 and was finally completed three years later, in 1886, when the building opened to great applaud. The opening ceremony is documented as being particularly extravagant, with surrounding streets being filled with bustling crowds and a public holiday being declared for all residents of the town. The facade of the town hall is easy to recognise, being traditionally Victorian is style and combining red bricks with ornate white detailing and edging around the windows.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free