Enjoy 6 days in elegant Eastbourne and a journey on a steam train through the Sussex countryside
Enjoy 6 days in elegant Eastbourne and a journey on a steam train through the Sussex countryside
Eastbourne
Eastbourne nestles at the foot of the South Downs next to national beauty spot Beachy Head and its famous chalk cliffs and lighthouse. Tour the South Downs Way, a 100 mile trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders between Eastbourne and Winchester.
The seafront stretches from Beachy Head through to the award winning Sovereign Harbour. Enjoy clean and safe family friendly beaches, a Victorian pier and plenty of water sports and activities.
Brighton
Brighton is an English seaside resort town. About an hour south of London by train, it's a popular day-trip destination. Its broad shingle beach is backed by amusement arcades and Regency-era buildings. Brighton Pier, in the central waterfront section, opened in 1899 and now has rides and food kiosks. The town is also known for its nightlife, arts scene, shopping and festivals.
The Bluebell Railway
Sheffield Park Station was built in 1882 by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway and The Bluebell Railway has restored this station in the style of the Brighton era in the 1880s. The station was really built to serve Lord Sheffield who owned the large house and estate about a mile away. Lord Sheffield was a great supporter of Cricket and the Sheffield Shield is still played for today in Australia.
The Bluebell Railway commenced train services in August 1960 and now runs trains on a 22 mile return trip between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead.
Battle
The attractive town of Battle gets it name from the Battle of Hastings, which was fought between Harold the Saxon king and William the Conqueror in 1066. The battle was so significant it changed the course of English history. The town grew up around the Abbey of St Martin which was built by William the Conqueror after the battle. It is said that William vowed that should he win the battle he would build such an abbey. Battle also has some notable Georgian buildings along its High Street.
Rye
Once surrounded by sea, this fortified hilltop town played an important role in the defence of the south coast of England. These days, the river no longer harbours warships and is home to the local fishing fleet. Meandering for over one and a half miles from Rye to the coast, the river forms part of the picturesque scenery visible from several vantage points in and around the citadel of Rye. Many authors, musicians, artists and celebrities have made Rye their home, a medieval haven periodically visited by Royalty. In 1573 the title "Rye Royale" was bestowed upon the town by Queen Elizabeth I after a three day stay.
Hastings
This cosmpolitan coastal town lies between the rugged beauty of the East and West Hills and has its own 660 acre country park . Home to Europe's largest beach-launched fishing fleet, in the recent past Hastings has been at the heart of the smash hit ITV wartime drama series 'Foyle's War' which is both set and shot in the town. Hastings is a Cinque Port, and up until the 16th century, with other coastal towns provided the ships and men who guarded king and country from frequent and vicious attacks in return for special privileges. This unique confederation of South East England Channel ports was the original force behind Englands maritime power.
Hastings is really three towns in one joined by a level promenade; the Old Town to the east, the bustling contemporary shopping Town Centre in the middle and St Leonards to the west featuring the classical elegance of James Burtons architecture and the fashionable Norman Road offering a great collection of antique shops and vintage galleries.
Day 1
A morning departure from Cumbria as we make our way to Eastbourne, we are due to arrive at the Best Western Lansdowne Hotel in ample time to freshen up before our meals commence with dinner in the hotel.
DDay 2
This morning we head via Beachy Head, the UK’s highest chalk sea cliffs, then along the Sussex Coast to Regency Brighton, a very popular coastal resort with many attractions which include the Royal Pavilion, Historic Lanes Shopping quarter, the Palace Pier, Marina and the Brighton i360, the highest observation tower in the UK outside London. Dinner in the Lansdowne Hotel this evening.
B, DDay 3
A day at leisure in Eastbourne, with its famous Carpet Gardens, 1930’s bandstand, Victorian Pier and elegant seafront. Dinner in the hotel.
B, DDay 4
This morning we head inland to Sheffield Park and a ride on the famous Bluebell Steam Railway, one of the UK’s best-preserved heritage railways, travelling through the idyllic Sussex countryside. We return to Eastbourne via the picture postcard village of Alfriston and the Cuckmere Valley. Dinner in the hotel.
B, DDay 5
Today we tour 1066 country, first to the picturesque town of Battle, the site of the Battle of Hastings before visiting the delightful cinque port town of Rye. On our return to Eastbourne, we call into Hastings with its quaint narrow streets, antique dealers and bookshops, you may also recognise it as one of the main locations for filming the TV series 'Foyles War'. Dinner in the hotel.
B, DDay 6
After breakfast we leave our hosts at the Lansdowne Hotel for the return journey to Cumbria, we are due to arrive home late evening.
BB=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included
The Best Western Lansdowne Hotel
The Lansdowne Hotel is privately owned, and has been in the same family ownership since 1912. It is this that has given the hotel the personal touch that remains evident today. The Hotel occupies a premier position on the elegant seafront overlooking the Western Lawns and Wish Tower with splendid views of Beachy Head and the sea.
The hotel is 10 minutes walk and less than 200 yards from Eastbourne beach, the Lansdowne Hotel has sea-facing lounges with original Victorian features and free Wi-Fi. Beachy Heads chalk cliffs are just 2 miles from the hotel.
A British menu is served in the Devonshire Restaurant which has elegant decor and views across the seafront. Bar meals are available also from the Regency Bar or in the lounges overlooking the sea.
All rooms are decorated in contemporary style and include a TV, en-suite bathroom, hairdryer and tea and coffee facilities.
The Congress Theatre, Winter Garden, Devonshire Park Theatre and grounds are just three or four mintues' walk away. Two theatres offer spectacular productions, and there are two cinemas: one a short walk away in the town centre, and one in the harbour. The 300m long pier also offers entertainment.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Name | Address | Contact Details |
---|---|---|
Appleby | The Sands Appleby | |
Aspatria | Car Park beside Spar Aspatria | |
Brough | Monument Bus Shelter Brough | |
Carlisle | Entrance to Sands Centre Car Park Carlisle | |
Cockermouth | Monument Main Street Cockermouth | |
Dearham | Commercial Corner Dearham | |
Distington | Outside Prospect Works Distington | |
Egremont | Conservative Club Egremont | |
Flimby | Railway Station Flimby | |
Harrington | Galloping Horse bus stop Harrington | |
Keswick | Bell Close Car Park Keswick | |
Kirkby Stephen | Market Square Kirkby Stephen | |
Maryport | Outside Coop Maryport | |
Penrith | Sandgate Bus Station Penrith | |
Shap | Village Hall Shap | |
Tebay | Old Services Car Park Tebay | |
Thursby | Bus Stop Thursby | |
Waverton | Bus Stop Waverton | |
Whitehaven | Bus Stop Tangier Street Whitehaven | |
Wigton | Old Bus Station Wigton | |
Workington | Lay By opposite Grahams Travel Jane St. Workington |