10 reasons to love Eastbourne

One of England’s most popular coastal towns, Eastbourne is up there with the likes of Brighton and Bournemouth when it comes to picking the perfect place to learn English and enjoy life by the seaside. Even if you can’t travel there quite yet, there are many reasons to get excited about a trip to this charming town.

1. It’s sunny

Yep, you read that right: Eastbourne is sunny; one of the sunniest spots in the UK, in fact. Boasting a prime location on the south coast of England, the summers average a cosy 18-21ºC (that’s pretty balmy by UK standards!).

2. It’s a great place to study English

What better place to learn English, than a traditional English town? Mingling with the friendly, chatty locals of Eastbourne, you’ll find yourself picking up the language in no time. Plus, learning English surrounded by the classic ‘Queen’s English’ accent found across the south coast will help you pronounce your new vocabulary clearly and correctly.

3. It’s home to some iconic natural scenery

The endless pebble beaches offer a perfect place for a long, lazy walk on the weekend, or to enjoy a little break from your studies, breathing in some fresh sea air. The stunning coast is also overlooked by magnificent, towering white chalk cliffs. These are Eastbourne’s most iconic landmarks and the view of the red and white-striped Beachy Head Lighthouse protecting ships from sailing too close is one of the south coast’s most photographed views.

4. You can eat ice cream on the pier

Still standing over 150 years since it was built, the classic Victorian pier is a regular film location and an idyllic spot for a delicious, locally-sourced ice cream. With seagulls swooping overhead and the smell of fish and chips gently wafting past, you couldn’t get more English unless you were having cream tea with the Queen.

5. It’s a historic city with oodles of charm

Whether you’re standing at the edge of the iconic wooden pier, wandering along the seafront lined with grand historic hotels, or exploring the suburbs filled with rows of terraced Victorian houses, there’s no denying that Eastbourne is both a pretty and historic place to live. Further afield, the surrounding countryside is dotted with tiny, quaint villages and traditional old red brick houses – perfect for a quick escape from city life. Plus, not far from the city, history buffs can step back in time at medieval Pevensey Castle or Herstmonceux Castle.

6. It is a nature-lover’s paradise

Interested in nature, wildlife or geology? This is the place for you. Fans of Sir David Attenborough will delight at the number of bird species you’re able to spot from just one walk along the cliffs, whilst the countryside is filled with deer, sheep and foxes. Top tip: keep your eyes on the ground when you take a stroll along the beach – ancient ammonite fossils often fall from the crumbling chalky cliffs and make a unique souvenir.

7. The nightlife is lively

Boasting trendy bars, live music venues, friendly pubs and popular nightclubs, it doesn’t take long to realise that the student scene here is a lively one – and there’s room for everyone. Whether you’re looking to find your dream teammates for the pub quiz around the corner, bandmates to jam with in your downtime or some dancing buddies to hit the town with on a Friday night, you’ll find your tribe in this laid back city.

8. You can indulge in some serious retail therapy

From the flashy Beacon shopping centre bursting with all the big high street brands to the charming streets of Little Chelsea, lined with vintage stores, ageing record shops and second-hand book stores, it’s almost a crime not to shop in Eastbourne.

9. There are plenty of activities

Out of the classroom, there’s always something to keep you busy. Walk the coastal path over the magnificent cliffs to enjoy the best of British coastal scenery, head into the stunning South Downs National Park for hikes or cycles or a horse ride through the countryside, and try your hand at kayaking or boating along the river.

10. The rest of England is in easy reach

Eastbourne is perfectly positioned to explore the rest of England. You’re just an hour and a half from London by train or 40 minutes from Brighton. Bournemouth, Reading and Oxford are brilliant options for a weekend break and only around three hours away. In fact, from Eastbourne you could even head to Dover, board a ferry and spend a few days exploring northern France quite easily.