Beach and harbour, St. Ives, Cornwall, England.

Coastal Towns

There is something in the water and in the air of our coastal towns. Historically retreats for artists and the rich who came in search of inspiration, to take the sea air and enjoy restorative walks along the promenade, nowadays our English coastal towns appeal to all of us in search of an expanse of big sky and afternoon tea in a grand hotel. Bustling marinas and coastal villages offer a place to moor up or the opportunity to cast off in search of a day on the waves. The artists are still here for the special light and many seaside towns host year-round cultural events and festivals.

26 Experience Results

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Adventure boat trips to Beachy Head

Jump aboard an adrenaline filled boat trip for a close up view of the stunning South Downs National Park coastline and Beachy Head lighthouse.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

 

Go shopping in Little Chelsea

Explore the Victorian shopping streets of Little Chelsea in Eastbourne for contemporary homewares, art galleries and restored antiques.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

 

Alfresco Shakespeare in Eastbourne’s pretty Italian Gardens

Discover one of the South Coast’s best kept secrets, with hidden gardens, secluded walkways, outdoor Shakespeare and rock pooling.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

 

Nightly summer bandstand concerts and weekly fireworks

The UK’s busiest bandstand on Eastbourne’s seafront offers nightly concerts from pop to rock throughout summer, with a weekly firework crescendo.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

 

Take an inspiring trip through Shanklin Chine

This leafy gorge on the Isle of Wight is lined with rare plants, wildlife and waterfalls, making for a magical walk day or night.

Location: Shanklin, Isle of Wight

 

Bask in the traditional charm of Shanklin Seafront

Shanklin Seafront is one of the Isle of Wight's most popular seaside resorts, with loads to keep the kids quiet and plenty of places for adults to take it easy.

Location: Shanklin, Isle of Wight

 

Discover a foodie’s heaven on the quayside

Enjoy fine dining, traditional pubs and a long history of oyster fishing in Emsworth, near Portsmouth.

Location: Emsworth, Hampshire

 

Get your vintage chic on at Dreamland Margate

Indulge in an 'old fashioned yet oh so fashionable' break in the UK's trendiest seaside resort

Location: Margate, Kent

 

Travel the Solent Way

Get your boots on, pick up some treats and strike out on The Solent Way.

Location: Lymington, Hampshire

 
A close up of a man shucking an oyster

July events: Whitstable Oyster Festival

One of the biggest events in Kent’s calendar, the annual oyster festival in trendy Whitstable is far more than a foodie’s fiesta.

Location: Whitstable, Kent

 

Harwich Maritime Heritage Trail

Take a voyage of discovery around the old port of Harwich and discover a wealth of maritime history.

Location: Harwich, Essex

 

Go in search of Sherlock, smugglers and Legless Rambler

Discover the hidden secrets of East Dean at this pretty village, set in the South Downs National Park, just outside of Eastbourne.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

 

Join a ghost tour of England’s spookiest fortress

Join a spooky twilight tour at Eastbourne’s Redoubt Fortress this October for a fun and frightful tour around the creepy cobwebbed corridors.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

 

Meet the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington

Take a trip to discover this incredible figure situated on the South Downs, near Eastbourne.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

 

Cycle and canoe in the iconic Seven Sisters Country Park

Explore the South Downs Way, near Eastbourne, discovering Seven Sisters Country Park by bicycle and the Cuckmere Valley by canoe.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

 

Embark on a beginners cycle tour on The Red Squirrel Trail

Looking for your first car free, overnight cycle tour on a beginner’s route? The Red Squirrel Trail is the perfect multi day family cycle adventure, and is mostly on car free rail trail.

Location: Isle Of Wight

 

Go on the Taste Round the Island Cycle Route

Enjoy a three to four night cycle tour on quiet country lanes right around the Island, whilst stopping at top quality food and drink “taste locations” on route.

Location: Isle Of Wight

 

Channel your inner artist in the South Downs

Create your own artistic masterpiece at one of the South Downs’ most scenic locations, with stunning views of the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Valley.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

 

Follow Sussex’s Coastal Culture Trail

Discover contemporary art at three leading coastal galleries, all linked by a scenic and historic cycle route though Hastings, Bexhill and Eastbourne.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

 

Go on a ‘legless ramble’ through East Sussex’s countryside

Escape to the English countryside and explore Beachy Head in East Sussex, first on a brewery tour and then on foot.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

 

Soar above England’s highest chalk sea cliff

Work up the courage for a unique, exhilarating way to take in the iconic scenery of East Sussex’s famous Beachy Head, near Eastbourne.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

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