Main site
Western Lawns
The hub — food, bars, military stands, simulators, Air Bears, kids’ zones.
- Best for
- A full day out, exhibitions, shade and facilities
- Tip
- Site open 10:30–17:00. Arrive before the first display if you want a patch of grass.
Visitor guide
Two miles of seafront
The display line runs from Holywell in the west to the eastern beach. Pick a stretch, then stay put — moving through the crowd during a Typhoon slot is a wasted pass.
Western Lawns last August
How to get here
Train — the sensible way
- Eastbourne station is the stop. Southern from London Victoria (about 90 minutes), Brighton, Lewes and Hastings.
- The seafront and Western Lawns are a 10–15 minute walk through the town centre. Follow the crowd once you leave the concourse.
- Weekend trains fill after 17:00. Check the last train before the flying ends, and allow extra time. Under-5s free on Southern; kids from £2 on many tickets.
Car — possible, not pleasant
- Seafront roads close or crawl before and during the show, especially Saturday and Sunday.
- Use town-centre or station car parks and walk. Do not aim for a space on Grand Parade.
- Leaving by car after the last slot is the slowest part of the day. Train home is faster.
Once you are here
- Local buses link the station with the eastern seafront and Sovereign Harbour if you do not want the full promenade.
- The display line is two miles. Pick a stretch and stay — moving during a jet slot wastes the pass.
- Tune Radio Airbourne on 87.7 FM for holds, next aircraft, and the Black Cats times.
While you are here
On the display line · 10 min from the Lawns
Eastbourne Pier
Victorian ironwork, Channel on three sides, and the classic Airbourne backdrop. Walk it between slots — do not try to cross it during a Typhoon pass.
Open the place
20 min bus or a serious walk west
Beachy Head
Chalk cliffs and the striped lighthouse. If you have a spare morning, go west. Aircraft often run in from this direction, so you may see them before the lawns do.
Open the place
On site
Wish Tower & Western Lawns
The Martello-style redoubt at the west end of the lawns. Best elevated picnic grass on the free site, and the heart of the ground show.
Open the place
5 min along the prom
Eastbourne Bandstand
Tribute show from 20:00. The flying ends mid-afternoon; this is why you stay. Middle balcony seats sell on the official site.
Open the place
Bus or 40 min along the eastern seafront
Sovereign Harbour
Modern marina, restaurants, and a quieter evening if the prom is still heaving. Good reset after four hours on shingle.
Open the place
15 min east along the seafront
Eastbourne Redoubt
Napoleonic fortress on the eastern beach. Cannons, moat, and a different angle on the same display line.
Open the place
Radio Airbourne 87.7
Bring a portable radio. Commentary tells you what is holding, what is next, and when the Black Cats are due.
- Western Lawns open 10:30–17:00
- Bandstand tribute from 20:00
- Fireworks after the flying, over the pier