25 Reasons to Put Eastbourne on the Must Visit List in 2025

20th December 2024

Eastbourne has an incredible line-up of events, exhibitions and celebrations in 2025, from the UK’s Best Free Airshow, to anniversaries, brand new festivals, walking trails and much more.  Read on for the top 25 highlights in 2025.

1.       Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow 14 – 17 August

The UK’s Best Free Airshow as voted by Airscene. This free four-day airshow is a must visit from fast jets to historic warbirds, military ground displays, fireworks and top aerobatic teams – which regularly include the world-renowned Red Arrows.  Entry is free, however paid premium seating is a brilliant way to upgrade your visit for a memorable day.  www.eastbourneairshow.com 

2.       NEW Luna Sauna Hut on the Beach

This new Finnish-style sauna hut on the Wish Tower beach offers the rejuvenating benefits of a seaside sauna, combining refreshing sea plunges with soothing sauna sessions.  The perfect place to detoxify and unwind and open all year round.  www.lunahutsauna.co.uk/eastbourne

3.       King Charles III England Coast Path

The latest section of what is set to be the world’s longest walking route, is now open between Eastbourne and Rye Harbour, connecting with the existing path from Eastbourne to Shoreham-by-Sea. The new stretch passes through Eastbourne’s Sovereign Harbour, Pevensey Bay, nature reserves, a series of Napoleonic defence towers and also includes three galleries – Towner Eastbourne, the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea and the Hastings Contemporary. www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/england-coast-path 

4.       NEW Sussex Wine & Food Show 18 – 19 July

This brand new event at the King’s Centre, run by Fizz on Foot wine tasting tours, will showcase a range of English sparkling and still wine producers, including many of the vineyards to be found around Sussex, alongside gin, brandy, rum, beers, fruit juices, cheeses and much more.                 

5.       Rothesay International Tennis 21 – 28 June

Some of the world’s top tennis stars descend on Devonshire Park for 8 days of incredible sporting action in this pre-Wimbledon thriller.  Perfect for tennis fans who want to cheer on the Brits and avoid the crowds of London, whilst star spotting in a more intimate and relaxed setting. www.lta.org.uk/fan-zone/international/rothesay-international-eastbourne 

6.       150 Years of the Grand Hotel

Known as ‘The White Palace’ and one of England’s finest 5 star hotels by the sea, The Grand celebrates 150 years in 2025.  Having hosted many greats over the years from prime ministers to movie stars, as well as hosting live BBC broadcasts of the orchestra from the Great Hall every Sunday, the hotel also provided inspiration to composer Debussy who completed his symphony La Mer here.  www.grandeastbourne.com 

7.       A Natural Gateway to the Seven Sisters

The magnificent Seven Sisters white chalk cliffs are famous around the world, from their significance in Chinese legend to starring in Hollywood blockbusters – most recently the musical Wicked!  Eastbourne is the closest gateway to this star attraction in the South Downs National Park and easily accessible from Eastbourne Railway Station with local bus services, open top sightseeing buses, boat trips and by bike – with bike hire and plenty of cycle-friendly accommodation in Eastbourne to choose from. www.sevensisters.org.uk 

8.       NEW Public Art

To coincide with Nigel Hall’s exhibition Here and Now, There and Then at Towner Eastbourne (until 3 March), Hall’s sculpture Gravity/Levity (2015), is now installed on the Devonshire Quarter Plaza and will remain on display throughout 2025.

The 5-metre high, magenta steel sculpture from Kensington and Chelsea Council has been in temporary storage following the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy and the subsequent protection of the site, whilst the local residents lead on finding it a new home. The loan of the sculpture to Towner Eastbourne is fully supported by the community.

A brand new public art commission funded by Eastbourne’s successful Levelling Up bid will also be installed on the seafront later in 2025. www.townereastbourne.org.uk

9.       Beer & Cider by the Sea 16 – 18 May

This annual three-day music, food and drink festival features more than 100 different tipples curated by CAMRA including real ales, craft beers, ciders and perries – the majority showcasing local producers.  Set on the seafront Western Lawns, live music ranges from tribute acts and cover bands to jazz and acoustic sets. www.eastbournebeerfestivals.com 

10.     UK’s Busiest Bandstand

Top tribute acts from the world of rock and pop return to the seafront Bandstand from 19 April to 31 October with a packed weekly programme of outdoor concerts at this iconic 1930’s seafront venue.  With tributes to Kylie, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Oasis being just a few of the highlights - add in 1812 firework concerts, Kids Disco Party Nights, traditional concert bands and Beach Life Music Festival 12 – 13 July for a vibrant and varied line-up totalling more than 100 concerts. www.eastbournebandstand.co.uk 

11.     Dog-Friendly Award Winning Destination

With miles of beaches, promenade, walking trails and downland to explore, alongside an abundance of pet-friendly accommodation, attractions and restaurants, it is no wonder Eastbourne picked up silver for most Dog Friendly Town/City in the recent Dog Friendly Awards.  A new brochure showcases all that Eastbourne has to offer for dogs and their owners – free to pick up from Eastbourne Visitor Centre or download at www.visiteastbourne.com/pet-friendly.

12.     Direct From the West End

Eastbourne Theatres is packed with new shows, music icons, comic legends, dance stars, West End musicals, literary classics and so much more in 2025.  From the UK tour of the global smash hit Ghost the Musical 25 – 29 March to the multi award-winning Chicago 7 – 12 July, and the spellbinding spectacle of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe 12 – 16 Aug – Eastbourne is the perfect place for a theatre break without the stress of the city. www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk.

13.     Set-Jetting

Among the many movies and TV shows to be filmed in and around Eastbourne, the recent Hollywood blockbuster Wicked showcased the iconic Seven Sisters Country Park scenery on Eastbourne’s doorstep, including the famous cliffs and meandering Cuckmere valley.  Harry Potter, James Bond, Pearl Harbor, Atonement, Fantastic Beasts, Mr Holmes, The Crown, Worzel Gummidge and Agatha Christie’s Marple are just a few of the highlights filmed in and around Eastbourne. www.visiteastbourne.com/offers-and-ideas/watch-videos/filmed-in-eastbourne 

14.     Best for Stargazing

Recently named the best spot in England for stargazing, Eastbourne offers excellent conditions for inspecting the night sky, with a mainly dry climate, clear skies and low light pollution where the town meets the Downs.  A gateway to the South Downs National Park Dark Sky Reserve, scenic spots such as Beachy Head and Birling Gap also provide unrivalled views of the twinkling stars across the stunning English Channel horizon. Eastbourne Astronomical Society provide free monthly stargazing events at Beachy Head in the winter months with telescopes provided – next dates are 4 Jan & 8 Feb. www.southdowns.gov.uk/dark-night-skies/where-to-stargaze/birling-gap-dark-sky-discovery-site 

15.     Sussex Modernism

Two major exhibitions have been announced for Towner Eastbourne in the summer of 2025. The first, Sussex Modernism 21 May – 21 Sept, brings together artists not usually included in the story of modernism – including those who opposed it, those who came before and after it, and an array of countercultural artists.  The exhibition will bring together monumental artworks including a sculpture by Jacob Epstein and one of the largest paintings Ivon Hitchens ever created. 

From 14 May – 31 August Paule Vézelay: Living Lines curated by Simon Grant will celebrate one of the UK’s first abstract artists with more than 60 works on display, revealing how she became a prominent figure within the European avant-garde. www.townereastbourne.org.uk

16.     Celebrating Local Makers

For incredible gifts and unique homewares, Towner Eastbourne will be showcasing many local makers and talented craftspeople in the gallery in 2025 with a Ceramic Fair 15 – 16 March, a brand new Textile Fair 6 – 7 June and the popular Towner Christmas Fair is extended across two weekends 8 – 9 and 15 – 16 Nov.  www.townereastbourne.org.uk 

17.     Railway 200

During this year of nationwide Railway 200 celebrations, Eastbourne is the perfect place to discover the birth of the British seaside resort which followed the arrival of the railway in the 1800’s. Eastbourne Heritage Centre traces this development of Eastbourne from the ‘Empress of Watering Places’ to the ‘Suntrap of the South’ with a fascinating exhibition showing how the railway brought prosperity to the town, along with a scale model of the railway station and vintage films.  www.eastbourneheritagecentre.co.uk

To experience the thrill of steam in this year of celebration, families can hop onto an 1/8th scale locomotive at Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway for a wild ride around the lake.  www.emsr.co.uk  A visit to the former Victorian railway shed near Eastbourne Station is also a must – now the thriving Enterprise Shopping Centre– it is packed with an eclectic mix of boutique style shops and eateries all under one big sunny glass roof. www.enterprise-centre.org 

18.     Magnificent Motors 3 – 4 May

More than 600 classic cars and vintage vehicles will celebrate over a century of motoring on the seafront Western Lawns during the May bank holiday weekend in this free festival.  Established as one of the biggest motoring festivals on the south coast, each year exhibits range from vintage heirlooms, classic coupés and revered retros to motorbikes, military vehicles, high performance sports cars and the latest in EV technology. www.magnificentmotors.co.uk 

19.     100 Years of Drusillas Park

Drusillas Park, near Eastbourne, celebrates 100 years of wild memories and family fun at this popular zoo and adventure park set in the South Downs countryside.  A series of centenary Saturdays will mark the occasion from vintage car shows to special keeper talks, cream teas, giveaways and live entertainment.  www.drusillas.co.uk

20.     Sustainable Events

Eastbourne’s Spring Water Festival 9 – 18 May is a 10 day town-wide celebration of the natural environment and its preservation.  Organised by Plastic Free Eastbourne, the family-friendly festival is packed with entertainment, activities and learning opportunities, ranging from guided walks, watersports and beach clean events to art exhibitions, talks and an Eco Fair.  www.plasticfreeeastbourne.co.uk/festival 

21.     NEW Destination Restaurant

Eastbourne’s newest destination restaurant The Glass House, opened in September, following the regeneration of the Pavilion and Redoubt Gardens on the seafront.  Showcasing local produce and culture, the restaurant, café and bar offers a sensational menu, mouth-watering cocktails and spectacular views of the seafront.  www.glasshouseeastbourne.co.uk 

22.     NEW Camper Jamboree Country Music Festival 25 – 27 July

From the organisers of Feastival, Eastbourne Ice Rink and Camper Marmalade comes this brand new country music festival in Hampden Park offering both camping and day visit options with an exciting line up of tribute acts and UK country music performers. www.camperjamboree.onlineticketseller.com/events/90254 

23.     Free to Watch Tennis

After watching top tennis stars compete at Devonshire Park in June, there is still so much more sporting action to enjoy in the relaxed parkland setting with free-to-watch tennis at the Summer County Cup 21 July – 25 July, the Devonshire Park South of England Open Championship 27 July – 1 Aug, GB Women’s 35s Inter County Tennis Championships 2 Aug – 4 Aug, GB Men’s 35s Inter-County Tennis Championships 8 Aug – 10 Aug and British Open Masters Grass Court Championships 26 Aug – 31 Aug. www.visiteastbourne.com/whats-on/devonshire-quarter/devonshire-park-tennis 

24.     Set Yourself a Challenge

Eastbourne is the place for setting new challenges in 2025, including the Beachy Head Marathon 25 – 26 Oct – one of the UK’s most scenic and challenging off-road races.  Now in its 45th year, the clifftop route takes place across the magnificent Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. www.beachyheadmarathon.co.uk  Eastbourne Triathlon Festival on 8 June features British Triathlon Team Qualifier events with running events along the promenade, swimming against the backdrop of the pier and cycling in the South Downs National Park.  www.eastbournetriathlon.co.uk 

25.     More brilliant events

There are so many more events to look forward to this year including the Eastbourne Half Marathon 23 Feb, Eastbourne Carnival 24 May, 999 Emergency Services Display 12 – 13 July, Eastbourne Pride 19 July, TriBourne Festival of Endurance 20 July, The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company 6 – 10 Aug and 2025 MG South Downs Run 7 Sept, plus thrilling football action from Eastbourne Borough Football Club at the Reach TV Stadium.  View all events at www.visiteastbourne.com/events.

Councillor Margaret Bannister, Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure, Accessibility & Community Safety, said, “We have so much in store for you in 2025.  Whether its art and culture, family fun, thrilling sporting action or wellness and relaxation you are looking for, then you’ll find this in abundance in Eastbourne this year.  A real opportunity to make it a year to remember!”

For more information on Eastbourne, itinerary planning and to find and book accommodation visit www.visiteastbourne.com.