Eastbourne is one of those seaside towns where you don’t have to do very much to have a good day. There’s the seafront, of course, but you’ve also got gardens, galleries, shops and plenty of places to sit down when you need a break.

That makes it a good choice for spending time with an elderly parent. You can plan a full day if they’re feeling energetic, or keep things much slower if they’re not.

Here are 10 things to do with an elderly parent in Eastbourne.

Take a Gentle Stroll Along Eastbourne Pier and Seafront

A walk along Eastbourne seafront is a simple way to enjoy some fresh air without having to plan too much. The wide promenade gives you plenty of space to walk at a comfortable pace, while the sea views give you something to look at along the way. You can head towards the pier, stop for a while and watch the boats or simply find a bench and enjoy the view. There’s no need to walk the whole length of the seafront. Even a short stroll can make you feel like you’ve had a proper day out.

Relax in Carpet Gardens by the Promenade

Carpet Gardens is right by the seafront, so it’s an easy place to include during a walk around town. The flower displays add a splash of colour and there are places to sit and take a break. If your parent enjoys gardening, you could spend some time looking at the different plants and flowers, or just sit together and watch people passing by. It’s the sort of place where you can stop for ten minutes or stay for much longer.

Visit the Towner Eastbourne Art Gallery

Towner Eastbourne offers something a little different from the traditional seaside attractions. The gallery has a changing programme of modern and contemporary art, so there’s usually something new to see. You don’t need to be an art expert either. Pick out the pieces you like, talk about the ones you don’t and see what your parent makes of them. It can be a surprisingly good way to get a conversation going.

Explore the Sovereign Harbour Marina

Sovereign Harbour has a much more relaxed feel than the main seafront. You can wander around the marina, watch the boats and stop at one of the waterside cafés when you fancy something to eat or drink. The relatively flat surroundings can make it easier for older visitors who don’t enjoy hills or uneven paths. If walking isn’t your parent’s thing, simply sitting somewhere overlooking the water can be just as enjoyable.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea at a Traditional Eastbourne Tearoom

Eastbourne and afternoon tea seem like a natural combination. Find a traditional tearoom, order some sandwiches and cakes and give yourselves plenty of time to sit and chat. There’s something particularly nice about not having anywhere else you need to be. If your parent tires easily, this can also work well as the main event of the afternoon rather than something squeezed in between other activities.

Browse the Shops at The Beacon Shopping Centre

The Beacon is useful when you want to get out and about without worrying too much about the weather. There’s a range of shops under one roof, along with places to sit down and have a rest. You can browse at your own pace, pick up anything you need and then stop for a coffee. It’s also a good option for a day when your parent wants to go somewhere but doesn’t quite have the energy for a longer outdoor trip.

Take a Scenic Walk at Beachy Head (Accessible Viewpoints)

Beachy Head is known for its dramatic coastline and views across the surrounding countryside. You don’t have to tackle a long walk to appreciate it, though. There are viewpoints where you can stop and take in the scenery without turning the visit into a strenuous hike. Just make sure you choose a suitable area and take care near the cliff edge. On a clear day, the views alone make the trip worthwhile.

Visit St Mary’s Church in Old Town

St Mary’s Church in Old Town offers a quieter side of Eastbourne. As one of the town’s oldest buildings, it’s an interesting place to visit if your parent enjoys history, architecture or simply exploring somewhere with a bit of character. Take some time to look around and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It can make a nice change after spending time around the busier seafront.

Spend Time at Hampden Park

Hampden Park is a good choice if you want somewhere green without travelling too far from town. There are gardens, lakes and paths to explore, and you can decide how much walking feels comfortable on the day. Perhaps your parent will enjoy watching the ducks or taking a slow wander around the park. Or maybe you’ll find a bench, sit down and spend most of your time talking. Both are perfectly good ways to spend an afternoon.

Enjoy Views Across the South Downs

The South Downs provide an impressive backdrop to Eastbourne and there are plenty of places around the town where you can appreciate the landscape without going on a long countryside walk. Find somewhere with a good view, settle down together and take it all in. It’s particularly lovely on a bright day, when the countryside stretches out behind the town. Sometimes you don’t need an attraction at all. A good view and someone to share it with can be enough.

Eastbourne gives you plenty of choice without making you travel from one end of the town to the other all day. You can combine a short walk with lunch, spend an afternoon in the gardens or simply find somewhere comfortable to sit and enjoy the seaside. The important thing is to choose things your parent will actually enjoy and leave enough time to take the day at their pace.