About Us

The tradition that has been part of Eastbourne's seafront for more than 140 years.

A major programme for our boats is ongoing, to maintain and preserve an important piece of maritime history and a unique visitor and holiday attraction for residents and visitors to Eastbourne alike.

The business is regulated by The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which surveys vessels to ensure they comply fully with all the regulations and requirements currently in force.

Allchorn Pleasure Boats is operated by Jason Foster who is an Eastbourne resident and who also trades as Eastbourne Marine Ltd – a boat management company in Eastbourme.

The Future

Maintenance and preservation of the boats is an ongoing process to ensure that the cruise to Beachy Head continues to be available for future generations.

history of allchorn pleasure boats

In 1861, Edward Allchorn established a pleasure boating business to operate from Eastbourne's beach, providing holiday makers with cruises along the seafront and out to sea. The demand grew steadily for this type of attraction, to the extent that many other operators entered the trade and Eastbourne's beaches became extremely busy with boating activities in the years that followed.

As the opportunities for international travel grew after the war years, visitor numbers declined such that by the early 1960's only Allchorn Pleasure Boats and the Sayers Brothers remained as competitors in the trade.

In 1964 the Sayers Brothers decided to withdraw from the business, and the Allchorn family acquired their business and their vessel, the 'Southern Queen', which still delights visitors today sailing under the house flag of Allchorn Pleasure Boats.

In the mid 1990's Brian Allchorn, Great Grandson of Edward Allchorn, decided to retire and placed the business up for sale. A third party family took the business on and operated it successfully until 2000 when they elected to pursue other interests.

In May 2001, Allchorn Pleasure Boats was acquired by the previous owner whose intention was the long term further trading in this traditional seasonal trade.