St Leonards-on-Sea

St Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex Town Guide

About St Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex

St. Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex is a charming seaside town situated on the South East coast. The original town was created by famous architect James Burton in the early 19th century and was intended as a holiday resort for the bourgeois; attracting both aristocracy and royalty to its grandeur.

St Leonards has some of the most magnificent architecture in all of East Sussex; including the popular Royal Victoria Hotel and the Clock House, as well as many of the seafront houses located along what is now known as The Marina. The striking St Leonards Archway (also created by Burton) was a central architectural feature of the town and was used to separate St. Leonards from the nearby town of Hastings. After being destroyed by builders in 1859, only a small section of archway sadly remains. Another notable building is North Lodge, which was originally used as a tollgate between Hastings and the northern section of St. Leonards. The pyramid-shaped Burton family tomb is located in the old burial grounds of St Leonards’ parish church.

St Leonards also has a double-decker promenade which stretches from nearby Hastings to the Warrior Square area of the town. Dubbed “bottle alley” during its construction in the 1930’s, the walls are flecked with broken glass decoration that form pretty mosaics. This type of promenade is not only unique to East Sussex, but is also the only one of its kind in Britain.

There are also several formal parks in St. Leonards, including the recently renovated St Leonards Gardens (Heritage Fund sponsored), as well as Gensing Gardens, Marwick Square Gardens and Warrior Square Gardens located along the seafront.

St. Leonards’ historic buildings, beautiful parks and abundant choice of delightful B&B’s, restaurants and hotels means it is the ideal choice for an East Sussex break that is packed with adventure.

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Message Board

Selmes Family History

If there are any family historians / genealogists who are interested in the Selmes family (occasional spelling Selms) from St … more

Location of Church

I think you might be referring to Hollington ‘Church in the Wood’. This is in St Leonards-on-Sea. Although modern buildings … more

Attractions and Activities

St Leonards Gardens

St Leonards Gardens is a beautiful public park located in St Leonards-on-Sea. It is a picturesque and well-maintained green space that offers a tranquil retreat for both locals and visitors. The gardens span approximately 4.5 acres and is situated near … more

Warrior Square Gardens

Warrior Square Gardens is a picturesque green space located in St Leonards-on-Sea. This serene and well-maintained garden offers a peaceful oasis where visitors can relax, enjoy nature, and take in the beautiful surroundings. The gardens are adorned with a variety … more

Pett Level Beach

Pett Level beach is characterised by its pebble shoreline, which is typical of most beaches along the coast. One of the notable features of Pett Level is its exposure of prehistoric submerged forest remains during low tides. Ancient tree stumps … more

Accommodation

Tower House 1066

Privately owned, this beautiful red brick Victorian guesthouse offers 4-star guest accommodation in beautiful boutique rooms, decorated with a contemporary…

Zanzibar

Situated on the beachfront in St Leonards on Sea, The Zanzibar offers a self-catered holiday home with complimentary Wi-Fi and secure parking for up to 2…

OYO Eagle House Hotel, St Leonards Hastings

This large house is just a 5-minute walk from the seafront, local shops and St Leonards Beach.

Restaurants

De La Warr Pavilion

The first public Modernist building to be opened in the UK in 1935, this Grade 1 listed, internationally renowned icon re-opened after a £9m lottery funded restoration and redevelopment. It is now the South East region’s most significant centre for … more

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