Eastbourne is the second biggest town in East Sussex with a population of just under 100,000. The town become popular in Victorian times when it become a seaside resort. Its history, however, goes back as far as the Romans with many ruins being found over the years, including some close to the current pier.
In the 18th century Eastbourne was developed into a major defensive town against the possible threat of invasion by Napoleon for which the the Eastbourne Redoubt fort was built, which today is now a museum.
In 1849 the railways came to Eastbourne, which proved to be the start of it development and growth into the town it is today. The Second World War saw the town badly bombed and much of its ancient and Victoria architecture was destroyed.
Today Eastbourne thrives as a commercial centre, venue for conferences, for major lawn tennis tournaments, and its Blue
Flag rated beaches stretching from Eastbourne's Sovereign Harbour all the
way to Beachy Head.
Eastbourne is the start and or finish of the 100 mile South Downs Way, an ancient route across the top
of the South Downs that goes all the way to Winchester in Hampshire. To the west of Eastbourne there is the World famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and the valley of the River Cuckmere with is picturesque scenery.
Local attractions include Drusillas Park at Alfriston, the Observatory Science centre at Herstmonceux, an annual international airshow, called Airbourne, and the historic buildings of Alfriston Clergy House, Battle Abbey and Bodiam Castle.
