What to do in East Dean and Friston

Activities, attractions and tours

The Seven Sisters, a series of seven chalk cliff peaks along the East Sussex coast in England. Seaford head in the background is on the other side of the River Cuckmere and not part of the Seven Sisters. Taken by myself as a series of 7 frames with a Canon 5D and 70-200mm f/2.8L lens at 200mm.
The Seven Sisters, a series of seven chalk cliff peaks along the East Sussex coast in England. Seaford head in the background is on the other side of the River Cuckmere and not part of the Seven Sisters. Taken by myself as a series of 7 frames with a Canon 5D and 70-200mm f/2.8L lens at 200mm.
East Dean and Friston, UK
Photo by Mike Hudson (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
A view of the Seven Sisters from Birling Gap in East Sussex. Being a National Trust location there’s plenty of room to park along with information on walks in the area.
The villages of East Dean (lower valley) and Friston (upper valley) as viewed from along the South Downs Way near Birling Gap in East Sussex, England.

East Dean and Friston Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that East Dean and Friston has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to East Dean and Friston, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to East Dean and Friston with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in East Dean and Friston

East Dean and Friston is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in East Dean and Friston, and make it a breeze to explore East Dean and Friston and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in East Dean and Friston to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to East Dean and Friston, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in East Dean and Friston.

East Dean and Friston attractions

East Dean and Friston has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in East Dean and Friston to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of East Dean and Friston.

Looking for things to do in East Dean and Friston can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of East Dean and Friston or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to East Dean and Friston attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is a popular seaside escape that buzzes with activity during the summer. Go for a stroll along the promenade, ride fairground attractions on a Victorian pier and revel in the lively atmosphere of the beach’s busy cafés, restaurants and clubs.
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Brighton Beach which includes general coastal views

2. Brighton Centre

The Brighton Centre is a multipurpose arena that hosts a variety of events such as conferences, music and sports. It has an audience capacity of 4,500 and an exhibition space of 53,820 square feet (5,000 square meters). Set on the seafront, Brighton Centre has been an integral part of the city’s cultural scene since opening in 1977. It has a Brutalist architectural design that was unique in England at the time of its inauguration.
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AY7KWM Brighton seafront - the view of the Brighton Centre and the Grand Hotel, East Sussex, England. Image shot 2008. Exact date unknown.

3. Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier is the heart of the town’s seaside entertainment scene. Spend an afternoon eating cotton candy and riding thrilling roller coasters and come back in the evening for a stroll.
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Brighton Pier showing signage

4. Brighton Marina

Brighton Marina consists of a harbor full of boats and a maze of houses overlooking the English Channel. The 127-acre (51-hectare) labyrinth is charming in its simplicity and is home to gated communities with townhouses and apartments. Spend the afternoon browsing its various leisure centers, shops and restaurants with waterfront views.
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Brighton Marina showing a house, boating and a marina

5. Preston Park

The city’s largest green area, Preston Park, has a lake, children’s playground and vast forest. The site consists of 63 acres (26 hectares) of pleasant parkland. Visit for its regular outdoor events, such as music performances, circuses and family activities. Enjoy a picnic on a lovely green patch in the shade of a tree while you watch the kids at play.
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Preston Park which includes a park and heritage elements

6. University of Sussex

The University of Sussex is an educational institute nestled in the shadow of the beautiful South Downs National Park. Walk alongside students and between an interesting collection of architectural landmarks. Be part of student-organized events and follow a trail around the campus’ surrounding countryside. Established in 1961, the University of Sussex counts Nobel Prize laureates among its staff and notable politicians among its alumni.
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East Sussex

What to do in East Dean and Friston

Popular places to visit

Seven sisters are popular coastal attraction of Eastbourne, East Sussex.

Seven Sisters

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Seven Sisters during your travels in East Dean and Friston. Wander through the seaside and beautiful beaches in this relaxing area.

Seven Sisters
Beachy Head which includes a city

Beachy Head

4.5/5(211 reviews)

Feel the sea breeze blow and admire the views of this white bluff, the highest chalk sea cliff in the United Kingdom.

Beachy Head
#BeachTips Eastbourne Pier at the close of day

Eastbourne Beach

4/5(229 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Eastbourne Beach during your travels in Eastbourne? Amble around this relaxing area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Eastbourne Beach
Eastbourne Pier which includes general coastal views and a sunset

Eastbourne Pier

4/5(270 reviews)

Extending out from the seafront, this much-loved pier has shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.

Eastbourne Pier
Sovereign Harbour which includes a river or creek and a bridge

Sovereign Harbour

4/5(1 review)

Stroll around the harbor-side walkways, admire the gleaming vessels moored at this marina and relax over a meal at a waterfront restaurant.

Sovereign Harbour
Eastbourne Bandstand showing a pebble beach as well as a couple

Eastbourne Bandstand

4.5/5(8 reviews)

One of the focal points of the Eastbourne seafront, this 1930s entertainment venue regularly hosts music concerts.

Eastbourne Bandstand
Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum showing heritage elements as well as a small group of people

Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum

3.5/5(17 reviews)

Browse the military-themed exhibits at this fascinating museum, housed in a seemingly impregnable Napoleonic fort.

Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum
Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park featuring railway items as well as a small group of people

Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park

Ride miniature trains, bring the kids to the adventure play area and have a picnic near a picturesque lake at this family-friendly country park.

Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park

Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club

4/5(4 reviews)

Catch an event at Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club during your trip to Eastbourne Seafront. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.

Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from East Dean and Friston

Eastbourne featuring general coastal views

Eastbourne

Spectacular views of rapeseed fields, Berwick church and the south downs from Milton street in east Sussex south east England UK

Polegate

Seaford Cliffs

Seaford

Wonderful view of the Seven Sisters white chalk cliffs stretching in a curve towards sunset. National Trust cafe and car park, plus secure metal caged staircase allowing safe child. and dog beach access . #perspective

Birling Gap

Frequently asked questions

Is East Dean and Friston worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in East Dean and Friston is visit Eastbourne Beach. Tick this major attraction off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's nature and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in East Dean and Friston?
Kick your day off with a visit to Eastbourne Beach and Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park. Then, tour other parts of East Dean and Friston for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in East Dean and Friston?
The top tourist attraction in East Dean and Friston is Eastbourne Beach, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in East Dean and Friston?
You can easily tour top attractions like Eastbourne Beach, Congress Theatre and Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park with a three-day getaway in East Dean and Friston. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so linger longer and head to Brighton.
Is East Dean and Friston a walkable city?
If exploring on foot sounds like your style of holiday, East Dean and Friston is a perfect place to visit. Find top attractions, including South Downs Way, within walking distance of downtown. You can also go for a stroll around Meads, a vibrant neighbourhood located about 5 kms (3 miles) from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in East Dean and Friston with kids?
Deciding what to do in East Dean and Friston with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're travelling with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in East Dean and Friston for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in East Dean and Friston, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club.
Are there free things to do in East Dean and Friston?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in East Dean and Friston is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Eastbourne Beach is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.