Between Portsmouth And Margate Is A Coastal Town With Beaches, A Quaint Pier, And Victorian Lodging

The south coast of England is dotted with a veritable treasure trove of charming towns for a seaside getaway. While England does have a reputation for lots of rain, if you find yourself down in Eastbourne, which claims to be "one of England's sunniest seaside towns," you might get lucky with a spell of pleasant weather. Eastbourne's pebbly beaches beckon for leisurely strolls amidst gently crashing waves, while a Victorian-era boardwalk stretching out into the English Channel offers excellent coastal views. Londoners craving a weekend escape from the stress of the city can hop on a train from Victoria Station directly to Eastbourne in less than two hours.

Back in the Victorian era, Eastbourne emerged as a posh coastal retreat for wealthy holidaygoers, who developed the town with paved promenades and gardens. Today, aside from heading out on beachside strolls, visitors will find all kinds of entertainment in Eastbourne. Stop by the Eastbourne Bandstand to enjoy an array of tribute concerts and family-friendly festivals, or visit the Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum to learn about local maritime history. For a panoramic view of the town, climb up to the top of the Wish Tower, a stone garrison built in the 18th century as a coastal lookout. When you start feeling hungry, Eastbourne offers an array of local eateries for a tasty meal.

Locals to the west in Portsmouth are just over two hours away from Eastbourne by train, while travelers to the east in Margate are closer to three hours away. While doable as a day trip, staying overnight by the seafront gives you more time to unwind. Hotels built during the Victorian era offer travelers elegant accommodations with views across the water. For a relaxing coastal escape, consider Eastbourne for your next weekend getaway.

An iconic landmark on Eastbourne's coastline is Eastbourne Pier, a lengthy boardwalk sitting atop a framework of stilts, with a domed pavilion at its far end. Holidaygoers have been strolling the pier since it opened to the public back in the late 19th century, with a scattering of gift shops and local eateries offering ample seaside delights.

Picnic tables and benches built into the railings along the length of the pier offer places to relax and enjoy the sea air. What's more, eager anglers can even pick up rods and tackle at Eastbourne Fishing near the end of the pier before casting a line out into the sea. Also on the pier is The Victorian Tea Room, tucked within a gazebo. Inside, a glittering chandelier and strings of lightbulbs create an elegant atmosphere for dining. "Highly recommend the Sussex cream tea," wrote one customer.

With miles of shingle shoreline, Eastbourne is ideal for a scenic beach day. Around the pier is the Main Resort Beach, where visitors can stroll along the paved promenade, or bring a blanket to relax on the pebbles while soaking up the sea views. Right by the promenade is The Beach Cafe, which features an open terrace where you can sip refreshments while gazing out at the crashing waves. Follow the path south to the King Edward Beaches, a stretch of secluded seafront backed by forested slopes. In the distance, the view of steep chalk cliffs against the water creates a picturesque backdrop. Once you've had your fill of the beach, make your way into the South Downs National Park, known as "the gateway to England."

After wandering Eastbourne Pier and strolling along the beaches, weary travelers can retreat to the bevy of Victorian-era hotels along the seafront. The Grand Hotel has been a majestic landmark since it opened in the 1870s. Inside this sprawling, ornate white building, guests will find "history around every corner," according to the HelloSussex travel blog. What's more, a whole host of notable guests have set foot within the hotel, including Arthur Conan Doyle, famed author of the Sherlock Holmes novels, and Claude Debussy, the French composer.

Roughly a 20-minute walk from Eastbourne Pier, the Grand Hotel's high-ceilinged lobby and columned hallways evoke a more glamorous era, when men donned white ties and women wore flowing gowns. Solo travelers and couples alike can unwind with treatments at the spa or even jump in the pool, while families with tiny tots in tow will also be able to enjoy themselves. According to reviews, the hotel offers a shallow kiddy zone at the pool, not to mention plenty of toys in the dedicated kids' playroom.

Another stately Victorian option is the Hydro Hotel, which was built at the end of the 19th century. Though a slightly further walk away from the pier, the hotel is highly rated on Google Maps. "Definitely one of the most luxurious and memorable stays of my trip," wrote a previous guest. Many of its suites offer views overlooking the sea, and the hotel even welcomes guests traveling with their four-legged companions. Once you've spent enough time in Eastbourne, find more adventures in Hastings, a quirky coastal town with old-world charm and seaside fun. Another delightful spot to explore nearby is Rye, a postcard-pretty village with historic streets and cozy pubs.