Eastbourne has many attractions, and among the best known are its stunning coastline, iconic Beachy Head lighthouse and classic Victorian pier.
But visitors should not miss out on the many delights offered by Sovereign Harbour Marina.
It is Northern Europe’s largest composite marina, featuring over 800 berths, the Waterfront dining and retail complex, and a full-service boatyard, with a 60-tonne travel lift.
My wife Heather and I love going there for lunch. We can choose from Italian, Indian, Turkish and Thai restaurants, plus cafes, bars and coffee shops. If you prefer traditonial British dishes, the Harbour also has a Harvester and the Harbour Fish and Grill.
Our favourite eatery is the Thai Marina. They offer a special two-course lunch menu, including a glass of wine (it cost £15 the last time Heather and I visited). The a la carte menu includes coconut cream yellow chicken curry, pan-fried sea bass and aromatic chrispy duck.
My wife and I also greatly enjoy going to the 4 Seasons Brasserie, which offers a wide range of dishes, both hot and cold, rich coffee, and warm hospitality.
If you love ice cream, there is a good choice of parlours!
Boat trips at Sovereign Harbour include 30-minute tours of the inner harbour with Sovereign Harbour Tours (£8 for adults, £7 for children and seniors) and longer coastal trips to Beachy Head lighthouse or the Seven Sisters via Eastbourne Boat Trips. You can also book private charters for fishing/sightseeing, with departures near The Waterfront.
Parking at Sovereign Harbour North is easy. There’s a large free parking area near to the many facilities, which include hair and beauty salons, toilets, showers, and laundry rooms. There is an adjacent retail park, containing a good choice of shops, including Asda and Sports Direct, plus a gymnasium.
If you fancy a stroll, you may enjoy walking around either the North or South Harbours.
Location is always important. That is another reason why the marina, managed by Premier Marinas, is so popular with residents as a vibrant leisure spot.
Sovereign Harbour provides several lift bridges that manage pedestrian and vehicle access across the marina’s inlets while allowing boats to pass through to the locks.
I should point out that Heather and I live in the North Harbour where we have a wonderful view of the adjoining ‘millionaires’ row’, a stretch of stunning waterside houses, some of which have yachts moored in front of them.
In contrast, the far busier Waterfront provides a large number of births for yachts, part of the 800 in the marina
