ONE of the UK’s prettiest English seaside towns is getting new direct trains to the capital city
Eastbourne was once connected to London Bridge, but these direct routes were scrapped during the Covid.
The new direct route launched earlier this week, running from London Bridge to the Sussex coastal town.
The new route as part of the December timetable will run two trains, with one in each direction.
The Eastbourne train will leave at 6:47am, arriving in London Bridge at 8:25am.
The return London Bridge train will be at 5:03pm, arriving in Eastbourne at 6:35pm.
The trains will run Monday to Thursday so is mainly a commuter route, and it will sadly not run in the school holidays.
However, a day trip mid week means it can easily be visited with the new route.
Josh Babarinde MP said: “I am delighted that our campaign to restore the direct train service between Eastbourne and London Bridge has been successful – this is a massive win for our town.”
It will also stop at Lewes, another seaside town previously without a direct London route.
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It was also backed by Jenny Saunders, Southern’s Customer Services Director, who said: “I am delighted that we’ve been able to introduce this direct service from the coast to the capital.”
Tickets start from around £25.
Of course, you can still travel to Eastbourne from London Victoria.
Eastbourne was a popular seaside destination during the Victorian times, but became run down over the years.
Yet a resurgence in popularity has even seen it named one of the UK’s best seaside towns.
CN Traveller said it was the “quintessential, old-fashioned seaside resort”.
And back in 2023, Time Out named it one of the best places for a British day out.
It was praised for being a “hub for creatives,” with the Towner Eastbourne art gallery.
One of the most popular spots of Eastbourne is Beachy Head, the beautiful cliffs overlooking the sea.
Otherwise there is Eastbourne Pier, with arcades and live music.
