The Royal Eastbourne Golf Club
Eastbourne
Set in the lee of the Sussex South Downs, The Royal Eastbourne Golf Club is a traditional members’ club with a long and proud history dating back to 1887. Its setting gives golfers a lovely mix of parkland, downland and coastal-town scenery, with views across Eastbourne and the surrounding countryside.
The club offers 27 holes, with the Devonshire Course acting as the main 18-hole layout. This par-70 course measures around 6,076 yards and combines open fairways, narrow doglegs, testing bunkers and subtle putting surfaces. It is not brutally long, but it does reward accuracy, patience and sensible course management.
The Devonshire Course is described by the club as a blend of parkland and downland, with excellent drainage helping it remain playable throughout the year. That makes it a useful option for UK golf breaks where reliable year-round conditions matter.
For golf holidays, Royal Eastbourne works well as part of an East Sussex or South Coast itinerary, especially when paired with other nearby courses around Eastbourne, Brighton, Rye or the wider Sussex coastline. It is ideal for golfers who enjoy traditional club golf, scenic surroundings and a course that asks for more than just power.
London Gatwick Airport
53km
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England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner
Time Zone:
GMT+0
Currency:
British Pound
Temperature:
00-00℃
Cost of a Beer:
£5.00
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£5.00
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About The Area
Eastbourne is one of England’s classic south coast golf bases, combining seafront charm, dramatic chalk cliffs and easy access to scenic downland golf. It works especially well for golfers who want a relaxed coastal stay rather than a big resort setup, with the beach, pier, restaurants and South Downs all close together.
The main venue is Royal Eastbourne Golf Club, founded in 1887 and set in the lee of the Sussex South Downs. Its Devonshire Course is described by the club as a 100-year-old layout combining parkland and downland, with views across Eastbourne, open fairways, narrow doglegs, bunkers and accurate tee shots all part of the challenge. The chalk bedrock also helps with drainage, supporting strong year-round playing surfaces.
Nearby, Eastbourne Downs Golf Club adds another strong local option, offering an 18-hole course with wide views and a friendly, accessible feel. It is a great fit for golfers who want a scenic but less formal round, with downland fairways and exposure to the coastal breeze shaping the experience.
Golf around Eastbourne is best from April to October, with late spring and early autumn especially appealing for comfortable temperatures and good course conditions. Coastal wind can play a part, so controlled ball flight and smart club selection matter.
Off the course, Eastbourne has loads going for it. Beachy Head, at the western end of the seafront, is the UK’s highest chalk sea cliff and sits within the South Downs National Park and Seven Sisters Country Park. The wider area is excellent for walking, cycling and coastal views, while the town itself offers seafront cafés, traditional pubs, the pier and a calm seaside atmosphere.
For golfers seeking scenic downland golf, fresh sea air and an easy-going English coastal break, Eastbourne is a very enjoyable South Coast choice.
