Elegant Eastbourne & the Bluebell Railway

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 16^th 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 England’s 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 Burton’s architecture and the fashionable Norman Road offering a great collection of antique shops and vintage galleries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Head’s 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.

Lansdowne Hotel Eastbourne Brighton