Eastbourne has a diversity of offering, which will allow you to venture off track and discover in abundance. This trail will start you from the West to East, so if Eastbourne is the last in your destination along the Coastal Culture Trail then all will be in order, if you are making Eastbourne your starting point – approach this trail in reverse!
Eastbourne’s seafront is open and peppered with history. On the other side of Treasure Island Adventure you will find, peacefully tucked away on Royal Parade, The Beach Deck cafe, a great place to get out your map and orientate with a cup of coffee, or a tempting dessert from the menu. As it is so named, you will find yourself contemplating the rest of your time in Eastbourne with a table right on the beach, whilst watching the dog walkers and cyclists go by. As this is the cycle path you’d take if you were cycling the trail, you may see some fellow Coastal Culture Trail explorers.
Heading towards the centre of Eastbourne, it is impossible not to stop at the famous Fusciardi’s Ice Cream Parlour. This family run business has been serving ice creams since 1967, it’s unassuming and easy to miss, set back a little from the main road, but well worth finding.
Veering off from the main road, and just a short walk away, is VOLT gallery on Seaside Road. This exceptional gallery, part of the Devonshire Collective, has a scale that allows you to fully take in the contemporary exhibitions on display. You will find a member of the team on hand to dive deeper into the artworks and is a great warm-up for the Towner.
You are spoiled for choice on places to eat in Eastbourne, but if you are looking for something authentic, with a homely feel, gr/eat Greek Deli and Cuisine will give you just that. With outside seating on Terminus Road, you will be in great company, with plenty of independent restaurants to choose from.
If you are making your way to Towner gallery, it is really worth taking the route that will take you past Barley Sugar cheese shop and cafe on Cornfield Terrace. Here you can explore the curiosities from the selection of vintage lifestyle goods as well as sampling some of their many cheeses on offer at the deli – a great stop off, and packed with personality.
Once you have taken in the latest exhibitions at Towner, hidden behind The Grand Hotel, (although The Grand Hotel itself is not off the beaten track, it is an amazing place to stop and have a cocktail or book in to swim in the outdoor pool!), you will find a neat offering of three independent offerings. The Green Almond is a friendly, family run vegetarian bistro, sitting closely next to Hudsons Fine Food Store which offers all the sights and smells of a wonderful greengrocers, alongside the Levels Bottle Shop where you can try and buy many of its wines and craft beers on offer, this little stretch of Compton Street really does have a lot to offer.
Heading towards the sea, you will find a network of coastal paths taking you in the direction of Beachy Head. These beautifully wild paths are lined with wildflowers and plant life, and will lead you to the Italian Gardens and then eventually, Holywell Beach. This beach, complete with beachside cafe and huts, is the lesser known end of this stretch of coastline. Laying at the foot of the cliffs, under the watchful eye of Beachy Head, this really is a unique coastline, and unmistakably Eastbourne.