Eastbourne is a lovely seaside town located in East Sussex, England.
The town’s history dates back to the Roman era when a fort was built in the area to protect the Roman invasion from Gaul in AD 43. During the Middle Ages, Eastbourne was a small village focused on fishing and agriculture.
In the 18th century, the town began to develop as a popular holiday destination for the wealthy, with several grand hotels and villas being built along the seafront. In the early 19th century, the famous author and social reformer Charles Dickens visited Eastbourne and wrote about its beauty in his novels.
In the late 19th century, Eastbourne experienced a period of rapid growth and expansion as a result of the Victorian enthusiasm for the seaside. The town became known as the “Watering Place of the South” and attracted many visitors seeking the health benefits of sea air and bathing.
During World War II, Eastbourne was heavily bombed by the German Luftwaffe, causing significant damage to the town. However, the town was quickly rebuilt after the war, and many of the damaged buildings were replaced with new developments.
Today, Eastbourne remains a popular holiday destination for people from all over the world, with its scenic seafront, elegant architecture, and beautiful gardens. The town is also home to a thriving arts and cultural scene, including the Towner Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
Overall, Eastbourne has a rich and varied history, and its enduring popularity as a seaside resort is a testament to the town’s enduring charm and beauty.
Get ready to fall in love with Eastbourne, one of England’s most famous coastal towns that rivals Brighton and Bournemouth as the perfect place to learn English and enjoy life by the sea. Even if you can’t be there just yet, there are many reasons to get excited about a study vacation in Eastbourne.
Sunshine galore
Yes, you read that right: Eastbourne is sunny, one of the sunniest places in the UK, to be precise. The town boasts a prime location on the southern coast of England, with summer temperatures averaging 18-21°C (which is pretty mild by British standards!).
Ideal for learning English
What better place to learn English than a traditional English town? By mingling with the friendly and chatty people 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 on the south coast will help you pronounce your new vocabulary clearly and correctly.
Iconic natural landscapes
The endless pebble beaches offer a perfect place for a long, leisurely stroll on the weekend or to take a break from your studies and breathe in the fresh sea air. The stunning coast is also dominated by magnificent white chalk cliffs, the most iconic spots in Eastbourne, along with the view of Beachy Head’s red and white striped lighthouse, which protects ships from getting too close and is one of the most photographed panoramas on the south coast.
Eating ice cream on the pier
Built over 150 years ago, the classic Victorian pier is a popular filming location and an idyllic spot to enjoy a delicious locally made ice cream. With seagulls swooping down and the smell of fish and chips wafting gently in the air, you couldn’t be more English unless you were having a cream tea with the Queen.
It’s a historic town with great charm
Whether you’re standing on the edge of the iconic wooden pier, wandering along the promenade flanked by grand historic hotels, or exploring the suburbs full of rows of Victorian terraced houses, it’s undeniable that Eastbourne is a beautiful and historic place to live. Just a short distance away, the surrounding countryside is dotted with small picturesque villages and traditional old red brick houses, perfect for a quick escape from city life. And for history buffs, not far from town, you can take a trip back in time by visiting Pevensey Medieval Castle or Herstmonceux Castle.
It’s a paradise for nature lovers
Are you interested in nature, wildlife or geology? This is the place for you. Fans of Sir David Attenborough will be delighted with the number of bird species that can be spotted from a single walk along the cliffs, while the countryside is full of deer, sheep and foxes.
A tip: keep your eyes to the ground when walking along the beach; ancient ammonite fossils often fall from the crumbling chalk cliffs! A unique souvenir, isn’t it?
The nightlife is lively
Boasting trendy bars, live music venues, cozy pubs and popular nightclubs, it doesn’t take long to realize that the student life here is vibrant – and there’s room for everyone. Whether you’re looking to find the dream team companions for the pub quiz around the corner, bandmates to jam with in your free time or some dance partners to paint the town on Friday night, you’ll definitely find your crew in this laid-back town.
You can indulge in serious retail therapy
From the flashy Beacon shopping center, filled with all the big high street brands, to the charming streets of Little Chelsea, lined with vintage shops, old record stores and second-hand bookshops, it’s almost a crime not to go shopping in Eastbourne.
There are plenty of activities
Outside of the classroom, there’s always something to keep you busy. Walk along the coastal path, above the magnificent cliffs, to enjoy the best of the British coastal scenery; then head to the stunning South Downs National Park for hiking or biking, horseback riding through the countryside or try kayaking or boating along the river.
The rest of England is easily accessible
Eastbourne is in the perfect location to explore the rest of England. You are just an hour and a half away from London by train or 40 minutes from Brighton. Bournemouth, Reading and Oxford are interesting options for a weekend break, being only 3 hours away. Moreover, from Eastbourne you can also head to Dover, hop on a ferry and easily spend a few days exploring northern France.
The Eastbourne College
Eastbourne College is a co-educational independent school located in the seaside town of Eastbourne in East Sussex, England. The school was founded in 1867 by the Duke of Devonshire, who wanted to create a school to provide a first-class education for the sons of the gentry. The college originally had just 19 pupils and was housed in a rented house in Old Town, Eastbourne.
The school grew rapidly and by the early 20th century had become a major public school with a reputation for academic excellence. The college moved to its current site in 1890, where it has since undergone significant expansion and modernization.
During the First World War, the school played an important role in the war effort, with many former pupils serving in the armed forces. The school also housed Belgian refugees during the war.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the college continued to thrive, with a new science block, library, and chapel added to the campus. During the Second World War, the school was requisitioned by the government and used as a military hospital.
After the war, the college resumed its role as a leading independent school, with further expansion and modernization of the campus. In recent years, the college has undergone significant development, with the construction of a new sports center, science labs, and boarding houses.
Today, Eastbourne College is one of the leading independent schools in the UK, providing an excellent education for boys and girls aged 13-18. The school is renowned for its academic standards, strong pastoral care, and diverse range of extracurricular activities.
Study Holidays
Eastbourne is an excellent destination to send young students for summer study vacations. This charming seaside town on the south coast of England offers a variety of activities and attractions that cater to students of all ages and interests.
For students who love the outdoors, Eastbourne’s stunning coastline and South Downs National Park provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and horseback riding. The town is also home to several parks and gardens, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
For students interested in history and culture, Eastbourne boasts several museums and historic buildings, including the Redoubt Fortress and the Towner Art Gallery. The town also has a rich theatrical tradition, with several theaters hosting a variety of performances throughout the year.
In addition, Eastbourne offers plenty of shopping opportunities, from the high-end stores of the Beacon shopping center to the quaint shops and markets of Little Chelsea.
Most importantly, Eastbourne is a safe and welcoming community, with excellent schools and a supportive environment for international students. With its easy access to London and other destinations in England and Europe, Eastbourne is an ideal location for young students to explore and learn during their summer holidays.
