Every August, Eastbourne's seafront becomes home to one of the UK's most exciting summer events as Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow returns to the Sussex coast. Drawing thousands of visitors across four days, it's one of Britain's best-known free airshows and a highlight of the summer events calendar.
This guide will help you plan the perfect day with practical visitor advice. From where to watch and when to arrive to how to get there by train, here's everything you need to know before heading to Eastbourne Airshow.
What is Eastbourne Airshow (Airbourne)?
Image credit: Visit Eastbourne
Known locally as Airbourne, the event is a four-day airshow held along Eastbourne seafront. Flying displays take place over the sea, while the main event site is centred around the Western Lawns and Bandstand area, where you'll find exhibitions, attractions, food and drink vendors and entertainment.
One of the reasons Airbourne is so popular is that most spectators can watch the flying displays for free from the seafront. Premium hospitality and reserved seating options are available, but they are not required to enjoy the event.
When is Eastbourne Airshow 2026?
Eastbourne Airshow (Airbourne) 2026 takes place from Thursday 13 August to Sunday 16 August 2026.
Flying displays typically begin around lunchtime and continue until approximately 5pm, although timings vary by day and can change because of weather conditions or operational requirements. Saturday often starts slightly earlier than other days.
For the most up-to-date flying programme, you can check the official event information.
When should you arrive at Eastbourne Airshow?
If you're travelling on the Saturday or Sunday, arriving early is strongly recommended. The flying programme may not begin until around lunchtime, but the best viewing spots are often snapped up much earlier in the day.
I recommend arriving during the morning, especially if you're travelling as a family or hoping to secure a prime location along the seafront. An early arrival also gives you time to explore Eastbourne before the displays begin.
Is Eastbourne Airshow free to attend?
Yes, one of the best things about Airbourne is that it remains free to attend.
You can watch the displays from many points along Eastbourne seafront without having to buy a ticket. Optional paid experiences include reserved seating and hospitality packages for visitors who want guaranteed views and additional facilities.
What can you expect at Eastbourne Airshow?
Image credit: Claire Hartley
| Experience | What to expect |
| Flying displays | Military, civilian and aerobatic aircraft performing over Eastbourne seafront. |
| Exhibition area | Aviation-themed displays, exhibitors and interactive attractions. |
| Food and Drink | Street food vendors, cafés and restaurants along the promenade. |
| Atmosphere | A relaxed seaside event suitable for all ages. |
| Evening entertainment | Some days include additional entertainment after the flying programme |
Where is the best place to watch Eastbourne Airshow?
Image credit: Visit Eastbourne
| Location | Best for | What to expect |
| Western Lawns | First-timers | The heart of the action with commentary, food stalls, exhibitions and a lively atmosphere. Can become very busy. |
| Wish Tower slopes | Families | Grassy seating area with elevated views and room for picnic blankets. Popular but slightly more relaxed than the promenade. |
| The beach | Clear views | Watch the aircraft directly overhead with fewer obstructions. A good choice if you don't mind sitting on pebbles. |
| Eastbourne Pier | Fewer crowds | Generally quieter while still offering excellent views of many displays. Ideal if you prefer more personal space. |
| Beachy Head | Photography | Spectacular backdrop as aircraft approach or depart the display area. Further from the event atmosphere and facilities. |
What happens if Eastbourne Airshow is affected by bad weather?
Like all airshows, Airbourne is weather dependent. Individual displays may be modified, delayed or cancelled if conditions are unsuitable. High winds, low cloud or poor visibility can affect flying schedules, even when the event itself continues. I recommend checking official updates on the day.
Top tips for visiting Eastbourne Airshow
- Arrive earlier than you think you need to.
- Bring your own water and snacks.
- Expect restaurants and cafés to be busy.
- Plan your journey home before the displays finish.
- Be prepared to spend the whole day at the event.
- Check the weather forecast several times before travelling.
- Simple planning can make the difference between a stressful visit and a memorable day out.
What should you bring to Eastbourne Airshow?
As a summer event, you’ll want to make sure you bring with you anything that will help you stay comfortable throughout the day.
- Suncream
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Water
- Snacks
- Portable phone charger
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Folding chairs or a picnic blanket
- Binoculars
The weather on the Sussex coast can change quickly, and there is often limited shade at the best viewing points.
How to get to Eastbourne Airshow
Image credit: Claire Hartley
For many visitors, travelling by train is the easiest way to reach Airbourne.
Nearest railway station
Eastbourne railway station sits in the town centre and is served by regular Southern services from London, Brighton, Lewes, Hastings and other destinations across the South East. From the station, the seafront is within walking distance, while local buses also connect the station with the airshow area.
Walking to the airshow from Eastbourne station
Eastbourne station is around a 10-15 minute walk from the main Airbourne event area on the seafront. The route is straightforward, taking you through the town centre before joining the promenade near the Western Lawns and Bandstand, where much of the action takes place. On event days, simply follow the signs or the crowds heading towards the seafront.
Why travel by train
- Avoid road closures around the event site.
- Skip the search for parking.
- Reduce the risk of long delays leaving after the show.
- Enjoy a more sustainable journey.
- Event organisers actively encourage visitors to use public transport where possible.
Eastbourne Airshow train travel tips
If you're attending on the weekend:
- Travelling as a family? Kids can get train tickets for as little as £2, and under 5s travel for free.
- Visiting Airbourne with friends? GroupSave provides substantial savings on your train travel.
- Check engineering works before travelling.
- Allow extra time for your return journey.
- Expect busy trains after the show finishes.
- Check the time of your last train home before setting off.
Eastbourne station can become busy in the late afternoon, with queue management measures sometimes introduced to help manage demand safely.
Parking at Eastbourne Airshow: What to expect
Although parking is available in Eastbourne during Airbourne, driving is not the most convenient option.
The event brings significant visitor numbers into the town, while extensive road closures are introduced around the seafront area before and during the event. Traffic can be heavy, particularly at peak arrival and departure times.
I recommend avoiding driving, especially on the busiest days.
How to make the most of your Eastbourne Airshow trip
Image credit: Visit Eastbourne
Airbourne attracts visitors from across the UK, and turning your visit into a weekend break allows you to experience more of wonderful Eastbourne beyond the airshow itself.
Popular things to do in Eastbourne
- Beachy Head
- Eastbourne Pier
- Holywell
- The South Downs National Park
- Sovereign Harbour
- The Towner Eastbourne art gallery
Staying overnight in Eastbourne
I recommend booking a stay at The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. It’s a beautifully historic hotel right on the seafront, with comfortable rooms, friendly staff, restaurants, and even a spa and outdoor swimming pool.
Having an overnight stay booked means you can enjoy the airshow during the day, without worrying about getting home during the busy rush afterwards.
Why Airbourne is one of the UK's best free airshows
Image credit: Claire Hartley
There are larger aviation events in the UK, but few combine aerial displays, a seaside setting and free public access on the scale that Airbourne does.
Watching aircraft perform against the backdrop of the English Channel, with Eastbourne's Victorian seafront below, creates a uniquely British summer experience. Whether you're a dedicated aviation enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable day by the coast, Eastbourne Airshow remains one of the South East's standout annual events.
