Eastbourne is among the UK’s five fastest-growing destinations for autumn hotel bookings, according to new research.

Booking data taken from Trip.com has revealed that Eastbourne is the fourth fastest UK destination, with East Sussex city Brighton following closely behind in fifth.

While bookings across the platform have grown overall, both destinations have also increased their share of autumn hotel bookings compared with last year, highlighting their growing appeal outside the traditional summer holiday season.

Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead Member for Tourism & Place, Cllr Jenny Williams said: “We are incredibly proud to see Eastbourne recognised as one of the UK’s fastest-growing autumn hotspots.

“With a packed programme of brilliant seasonal events, theatre shows and exhibitions, and a newly revitalised town centre creating a vibrant space for shopping and dining, there are so many reasons to visit and celebrate our wonderful town throughout the autumn and winter months.

“There is so much more to come – keep an eye out on VisitEastbourne.com for news of our Christmas events and festive offers to keep everyone entertained as we approach the yuletide season.”

The findings come as autumn accounts for an increasing proportion of hotel bookings made through Trip.com’s UK site, rising from 40.9% of summer and autumn bookings in 2024 to 44.2% in 2026.

Autumn hotel rates are about 3% lower per night than in summer, while the stays themselves are about 10% longer than summer stays.