Half term is fast approaching and what better place to enjoy some family seaside fun than in the beautiful seaside town of Eastbourne. Bustling with activities for all the family, makes Eastbourne an ideal destination. Eastbourne is after all the sunshine coast, boasting more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the country and with the long range forecast predicting higher than average temperatures over the next few months, our seaside resort is the perfect place to getaway this half term!
So why not try our fun ‘Bucket and Spade List’ of seaside family activities to get you started?
Rock Pooling: A Marine Conservation Society recommended beach, Eastbourne has one of the cleanliest and family friendly beaches in the UK. On the western edge of the promenade, you will find Holywell, a predominantly shingle beach, however, when the tide goes out, it unveils a treasure of sand and rock pools full of fascinating marine life. Please ensure you check the tide times.
South Downs National Park and Berlin Gap: The South Downs National Park’s landscapes cover 1,600km2 of breath-taking views and hidden gems. Discover the white cliffs of Seven Sisters, rolling farmland, ancient woodland and lowland heaths or enjoy our ‘picture perfect’ villages, traditional country pubs or flourishing vineyards, and beach walks and sunsets across Birling Gap.
Treasure Island: Treasure Island is a charming Pirate-themed Adventure Park. Many generations have visited this iconic attraction over the years, with Long John Silver’s outdoor adventure, Buccaneer’s indoor adventure and Pirates Adventure golf, there’s something for everyone, whatever the weather! Check here for opening times and prices.
Eastbourne Kayak and Surf Hire: Those with a little adventure in their bones have the opportunity to hire paddle boards and kayaks. A unique and fun way to experience the sights of Eastbourne. You can find them over by the Wish Tower (just a pebble’s throw away from the Grand Hotel). Click here for more information.
Eastbourne Open Top Sightseeing Bus: Grab a 24hr ticket and experience some breathtakingly beautiful views of Eastbourne Seafront, Beachy Head, Birling Gap and the surrounding areas from an open-top double-decker bus. The hop on, hop off ticket will allow you and your family to explore at your own pace and there’s even a stop just outside the Grand! For information and prices visit their website.
Eastbourne’s Dotto Train: Hop on Eastbourne’s historic Dotto train and take a ride along Eastbourne picturesque seafront promenade. The train runs the length of the beach from western Holywell to the popular Eastern Sovereign Harbour, northern Europe’s largest composite marina complex. Suitable for all ages but especially loved by children, this mini train will return to the seafront, running daily from 25th May. For routes, stops, times and prices visit Stagecoach.
Harbour Sightseeing Tours and Seal Spotting: Take a trip to The Waterfront at Eastbourne Harbour, bustling with activities and climb aboard a P&K Harbour tour for with a full commentary trip of the Sovereign Harbour Marina Complex. If the tide’s out, take a short stroll to the locks and you might be lucky enough to spot Eastbourne’s very own family of resident seals basking on the mud flats – a delight for young and old!
Theatre Performances for the Family: Just a short walk from the Grand, you will find the Devonshire Park Theatre, showing the family favourite, The Jungle Book during the May 2019 half term week. Slightly further into town you will find The Royal Hippodrome Theatre, who will be delighting audiences with a showing of Pinocchio. Sit back and relax for a few hours and enjoy these live shows. For times and prices please visit Devonshire Park Theatre or The Royal Hippodromes websites.
Of course, while this resort town is very proud of its seaside activities, there is so much more to Eastbourne than the beach so please visit the Grand’s 'What to do' page for more inspiring activities (including a zoo, some fabulous historic buildings, nature reserves and more) to keep you busy this half term. Happy Holidays, from the Grand, Eastbourne!