One of my favourite things about London is how easy it is to leave. Don't get me wrong, I love the city, and there's rarely a dull moment here, but the hustle and bustle of it can get overwhelming. Getting away, even if it's just for the day, is often much needed.

Thankfully, transport hubs such as Euston, Kings Cross and Victoria offer trains that can whisk you across all corners of the country, and as the weather improves, many of us urbanites will undoubtedly be flocking to the coast for a sun-soaked retreat.

Whether it's the golden sands of Camber Sands, the stylish shores in Margate or Whitstable's pebbly coastline, there's no shortage of seaside towns to explore. However, one always seems to outshine the rest.

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Brighton Beach is frequently hailed as the best seaside spot near London, conveniently situated less than an hour from the capital. But if you venture another 30 minutes by train along the coast, you'll discover another seaside town that surpasses it.

Trawling through busy streets packed with people, I often find that a jaunt to Brighton doesn't feel all that different from being in London - it's consistently crowded and not significantly cheaper. In fact, it sometimes feels like London with a beach tacked on.

If you're looking for a real respite from the hustle and bustle, just 30 minutes down the road is Eastbourne, often overlooked in favour of its more popular neighbour, Brighton.

Whether it's lounging on the pebble beach, strolling along the stunning Seven Sisters, or taking in the sunset at Beachy Head, Eastbourne feels like a proper seaside getaway.

The streets leading to the beach are dotted with independent coffee shops and eateries, minus the throngs of people you'd typically encounter in other popular seaside towns like Holiday.

My idea of a holiday requires a few things, including quality time with friends, delicious food, perhaps a few tipples, and plenty of outdoor activities to soak up the views - all boxes that Eastbourne ticks effortlessly.

One of my go-to spots is Soup n Tap, a Latin-inspired bistro serving fresh food and fantastic cocktails, making it an ideal stopover on the way back from the beach.

Situated just outside the South Downs National Park, if you're travelling by car, a visit to Eastbourne isn't complete without a drive through the glorious rolling hills. There are also numerous quaint villages and walking trails to explore along the way.

A change of pace and scenery is often the best part of a getaway, and Eastbourne might be an unexpected choice for this, but it always manages to deliver exactly that.