‘Elegant’ UK seaside town gets new direct train to London after it was axed five years ago

Among many, many other crimes, the pandemic put an end to a direct rail link connecting Eastbourne to London.

But now, after five years of campaigning, the train is back, with services resuming from December.

It’s good news for commuters who live in the East Sussex seaside town, who will be able to get to the capital’s London Bridge station in just 1 hour and 37 minutes.

The service will run from Monday to Thursday, departing from Eastbourne at 06:48, and arriving at London Bridge for 08:25. The train will also make a stop in Lewes.

Travellers previously complained that the train ‘vanished’ back in 2020, while others said it was ‘quicker from Paris’ to get to London, than it is from the south coast town.

Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde, who had been spearheading the campaign, called the train’s comeback a ‘huge victory’.

The direct link will also make it even easier for Londoners who fancy a day by the seaside. Currently, there is just one direct train connection from Eastbourne, which goes to London Victoria throughout the day.

While Eastbourne gets overlooked for the likes of Brighton or Bournemouth, it’s got a lot to offer, and has even been named as one of the best seaside towns in England, according to Conde Nast Traveller.

TripAdvisor reviews have dubbed the town ‘elegant’ with its ‘Victorian hotels, 19th-century pier, and ‘wide promenade fronting a stretch of quintessentially British shingle beaches.’

Things to do in Eastbourne

You won’t miss the rainbow mural that adorns the outside of the Towner Eastbourne.

The free-to-open art gallery opened in 2009, and houses an impressive contemporary art collection. In 2023, it even hosted the Turner Prize, featuring works from Rory Pilgrim, Barbara Walker and winner, Jesse Darling.

For more art, the nearby Volt features work of more under-the-radar local artists.

There’s also lots of traditional seaside fun to be had. Head to the Pier and past the famous bandstand, which has an impressive, if not somewhat exhausting, schedule of events, which in the last few weeks of July alone includes tribute acts for Pink, UB40, Kylie Minogue and Michael Jackson.

There’s also an arcade for those willing to gamble all of their 2ps, and of course, a fish and chip shop.

While walking around the town, make sure you head to Camilla’s Bookshop, a treasure trove which has been selling second hand and antique books since Camilla set it up in 1985. The only complaint that reviewers on TripAdvisor have is there are simply ‘too many’ books, which are ‘stacked floor to ceiling.’

Finally, venture about 15 minutes outside of town and you’ll get to the Seven Sisters, the glorious chalk cliffs. Walking up and down them can be a little tricky – especially if it’s been raining – but on a clear day, the views are breathtaking.

There’s also the famous Beachy Head, known for mysterious stories, from its role in smuggling, to supposed hauntings.

And after all the walking, rest your legs and grab a pint at the nearby The Beachy Head pub, with amazing views out to sea.

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