The Redoubt Fortress is one of Eastbourne's most distinctive seafront landmarks: a squat circular fort built in the early 19th century when Britain feared a Napoleonic invasion. Its thick brick walls, dry moat, gun platforms, and parade ground make it feel quite different from the resort architecture around it. For travelers who like military history, it gives Eastbourne a harder edge than the pier and promenade suggest.
The fortress is best combined with a walk along the eastern seafront. Access and museum opening have varied over the years, so check the current arrangements before making a special trip, but the exterior alone is worth a look if you are passing. It is also a useful reminder that this stretch of coast was once watched as a defensive frontier, not just a holiday beach.