Sovereign Harbour

Opened in 1993, Sovereign Harbour is northern Europe’s largest composite marina complex and boasts four linked harbours and the hugely popular Waterfront retail and restaurant development with indoor and outdoor dining.

The adjoining Sovereign Harbour Retail Park also offers excellent shopping and transport links with major brands including Next, TK Maxx, Wilkos, Matalan, Asda and more.

The harbour offers some wonderful walks with lots to see, including one of Europe's largest water features. Situated at the eastern end of Eastbourne's seafront, the tidal Outer Harbour provides an entrance to the marina through twin sea locks, which are operated 24 hours a day.

Seals are often known to make an appearance in the outer harbour, and there are several Napoleonic Martello Tower sea defences on the beach.

Getting to the Harbour

With free parking, the harbour is also accessible on the number 99 Stagecoach bus which runs frequently from the pier and town centre. The Dotto Train also offers a delightful trip, running from Holywell to the Harbour stopping at various points along the seafront (seasonal).

Things to Do

Sensational Dining

A vibrant waterside complex of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and take aways with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the idyllic marina. Watch the world go by as yachts and boat tours motor through the harbour.
Harbour Ice Cream

Ice creams, waffles, crepes, milkshakes and more! The perfect spot for a sweet treat after a stroll around the harbour.
Visit the Lock

Visit the lock gates at Sovereign Harbour and watch the impressive twin 50m lock gates in action. See the water levels rise and fall – a brilliant feat of engineering, every 30 minutes and 24 hours a day, closing on the hour and half hour.
Columbus Point Fountains

The water feature at Columbus Point at Sovereign Harbour, is one of the largest in Europe. The 310 metres long, anchor-shaped water feature consists of channels, cascades and fountains, crossed by pedestrian bridges.
Harbour Shopping

Visit the harbour retail park for out of town shopping in Next, Matalan, TK Maxx, Boots, Sports Direct, Wilko and Asda, which also includes a post office. Plus a gym.
Explore the Outer Harbour

Wander past the lock gates to the outer harbour and you might be lucky enough to see some seals at play! Walk along to the beaches by the Harbour Arm West or East and you’ll find several Napoleonic Martello Towers, part of England’s sea defences
Fisherman's Quay

Visit Fisherman's Quay for the catch of the day. See the fishing boats in action in the west harbour, or bring your own net and bucket and fish for crabs from The Waterfront.
Boat Trips

Explore the harbour by water taxi for an up-close view of many of the yachts, the fishing pontoon, wildlife and a glimpse of 'Millionaire’s Row'. Or join one of the boat trip operators or boat charters running from the harbour, which offer trips to Beachy Head lifghthouse and more.