Eastbourne is an attractive and historic town with plenty of beaches, walks, and spas if you’re looking for the perfect combination of relaxation and wellness.
Rejuvenation by the sea
Perched between the sea and the South Downs, this traditional seaside town has a unique blend of natural beauty, grand architecture, and modern facilities for an ideal retreat from everyday life. If you love sea swimming, want to explore some incredible beaches, or trek along clifftop countryside with amazing views, Eastbourne has it all.
Here, Dakota Murphey explores why Eastbourne is ideal for anyone looking to rejuvenate by the sea, savour the great outdoors, and unwind in relaxing surroundings.
Lasting popularity of sea swimming
In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of outdoor swimming and Eastbourne is at the forefront of this trend. This won’t come as any surprise because the town’s prominent seafront stands as a lasting legacy to sea swimming and its grand past.
Sea bathing in Eastbourne dates back to 1802, thanks to the Victorians choosing to holiday here, swim and benefit from the healthy sea air.
Today, its reputation from being one of earliest seaside resorts lingers on. If, like your ancestors, you travel to Eastbourne for its beaches and a good dose of fresh sea air, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a great destination if you love to immerse yourself in the exhilarating and therapeutic effects of open water swimming, with its range of health benefits.
Regular cold water swimming is linked to improved circulation, reduced stress, and an enhanced immune function. For outdoor or ‘wild swimmers’, as they have become known, there are several popular wild swimming spots in the area.
Discovering Eastbourne’s best beaches
If you are eager to reap the benefits of ‘blue zones’, Eastbourne’s beaches certainly impress with dramatic cliffs dropping down to its shores, and the wider area is famous for its unique and impressive coastline. If you’re in Eastbourne for a weekend or have a bit of extra time to see a few beaches, you’ll find several that are worth ticking off, including:
- Eastbourne Main Beach: A favourite among locals and visitors alike. Its gentle slope makes it suitable for swimmers of all levels.
- Holywell Retreat: More secluded and perfect for those seeking a peaceful swimming experience.
- Birling Gap: A short drive from Eastbourne, which on arrival, offers dramatic views of the Seven Sisters cliffs. This is a popular spot for more experienced swimmers.
- Pevensey Bay: Just west of Eastbourne, this tranquil and striking stretch of shingle beach is a great spot for a refreshing swim. Don’t miss a day trip to Pevensey Castle or Norman’s Bay.
Retreating to a relaxing spa
While Eastbourne’s outdoor offerings are impressive and its sea swims still popular, the area is equally fabulous if you prefer indoor wellness and spa retreats. Immersing yourself in water or relaxing in a swim spa can greatly enhance wellbeing, boosting your mood and overall sense of calm. The area boasts several high-quality spas that provide a range of lovely treatments, massages, and other pampering and beauty experiences.
If you are caught out on a damp and drizzly day, or planning to surprise a loved one with a treat to celebrate a romantic occasion, Eastbourne offers a lovely selection of spas waiting to be enjoyed. These are a few to consider, in and around the town:
- Grand Hotel Spa: Located in the iconic Grand Hotel, this spa offers a range of treatments using luxurious ESPA products. The spa itself features a swimming pool, sauna, and steam room, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Hydro Hotel Health Club: This charming hotel spa offers a serene environment with stunning sea views. Their facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna, and beauty treatment rooms, providing a comprehensive wellness experience.
- Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club: Although a little further afield from Eastbourne, this spa is worth the trip. Set in 186 acres of landscaped parkland, it offers a range of treatments, a pool, and a fully equipped gym.
- The Waterfront Hotel Spa & Golf Resort: Located in nearby Seaford, this spa offers panoramic views of the coast. Their facilities include a 20-metre indoor pool, sauna, and steam room, as well as a range of holistic treatments.
- The Cooden Beach Hotel Spa: Situated on the beachfront in Bexhill-on-Sea, this spa combines sea views with luxurious therapies. There is the opportunity to enjoy a heated indoor pool and jacuzzi, together with a range of beauty and wellness treatments.
These spas offer a variety of wellness options to cover all your needs. From traditional massages and facials to more unique sessions such as hydrotherapy and aromatherapy, visitors can find the perfect treatment to enhance their wellbeing.
Exploring an imposing coastline
For those preferring an outdoor retreat, Eastbourne’s proximity to stunning beaches and picturesque countryside are a major draw to all who love to get outside and enjoy healthy activities. The well-known South Downs Way walk welcomes hundreds each year to trek the popular stretch from the Seven Sisters to Eastbourne. Indeed, the length of the South Coast region is a gift to walkers and cyclists, offering breathtaking scenery and must-see areas. Local highlights include spots such as Birling Gap and the imposing cliff edges at Beachy Head.
Embracing time gone by
There’s an opportunity to indulge in a bit of history too. The prestigious Eastbourne Pier, which opened to holidaymakers in 1872, offers insights into Eastbourne’s opulent Victorian architecture; a nod to the town’s rich history as an original seaside destination. Today, you can enjoy its kiosks, amusement arcades and walk along its pretty promenade. The ever popular traditional beach huts and chalets that still reside on nearby beaches are a further welcome Victorian footprint left on this coastline.
Stay a while
Eastbourne has a unique blend of natural beauty, attractive beaches, and wellness spas making it a lovely place to visit. It’s more than a holiday destination; it’s an inviting, historic, and charming seaside town waiting to be discovered, and enjoyed for a while.
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If you want to discover such delights — dip in the sea, stroll along the promenade, hike along Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters — let us help you plan a visit.