About Us
The tradition that has been part of Eastbourne's seafront for more than 140 years continues.
A major restoration programme for our boats is in hand and ongoing, and work continues behind the scenes throughout the winter months to restore, preserve and improve 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 regularly surveys the vessels which comply fully with all regulations and requirements currently in force.
Allchorn Pleasure Boats is now operated by Jason Foster who is an Eastbourne resident and who also owns Eastbourne Marine Ltd – a boat management company in Eastbourme. He looks forward to welcoming you aboard.
The Future
The restoration and preservation programme now in hand has been embarked upon to ensure that the fun and enjoyment of a cruise to Beachy Head continues to be available for future generations
This programme will take a number of years to complete but it is hoped that each year our passengers will be able to enjoy ever improving facilities and services.
Our vision is to make a cruise with Allchorn Pleasure Boats a more memorable and unique heritage experience.
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.