Elegant Eastbourne

Timeless Eastbourne has a leisurely atmosphere with its elegant seafront terraces, level promenade and immaculately kept floral gardens. A holiday in Eastbourne will leave you feeling re-energised, refreshed and re-invigorated. Breathe in and feel the energy of endless blue skies, sweeping South Downs countryside, a colourful art scene and warm sunshine, vibrant events and bucket-loads of things to do. Based in a seafront hotel, relax and enjoy a well-deserved coastal break.
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Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with dinner & breakfast- Tea / coffee after dinner- Porterage- Out of Hours admission to Sussex Prairie Gardens with a short introduction talk with the owner (Aug only)- Visit & entrance to Bodiam Castle (Oct only)- One way journey on the Kent & East Sussex Railway (Oct only)- Excursion to Hastings (Oct only)

Itinerary
Day 1 - From your chosen joining point your feeder vehicle will take you to the designated interchange where your holiday begins. Head to the South Coast with a suitable stop en-route to your hotel on Eastbourne seafront for 4 nights DBB\n\nDays 2 - 4 - At leisure in Eastbourne with one or two included excursions and a day at leisure in resort\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nSussex Prairie Gardens (Aug only)\nThe Gardens opened to the public in 2009 and are Britain's largest "Prairie" or "Naturalistic" garden, with 8 acres of stunning garden to roam around. The Garden encourages exploration using a network of small wood chip paths, which snake through the huge borders. The plantings consist of large groupings of each variety, planted in a free flowing style, which contrasts leaf forms, stems, stalks, flower shapes and textures. Colours are soft and muted, and complement the natural landscape. Our visit here includes out-of-hours access to the Gardens and a short introduction talk with the owner.\n\nKent & East Sussex Railway & Bodiam Castle (Oct only)\nTake a ride on the Kent & East Sussex Railway, one of the country's finest examples of a preserved rural light railway. With a rich history spanning over 120 years, the K&ESR offers visitors an authentic steam and diesel-powered railway experience through 10½ miles of Wealden countryside in the beautiful unspoilt Rother Valley, an AONB. Board in Tenterden for the 50-minute journey to Bodiam (journey may be operated by either\nsteam or diesel). Upon arrival in Bodiam, your coach will transfer you the short distance to one of England's best known moated castles, built in 1385. Bodiam Castle suffered during the English Civil War and was restored before being bequeathed to the National Trust. It now ranks among the most beautiful castles in the world with battlements, a portcullis and a ruined interior. There are gravel paths throughout the site with some slopes and undulating terrain. There is level access to the castle courtyard but the towers are reached by steep spiral staircases. Head back to Eastbourne this afternoon by coach.\n\nOPTIONAL EXCURSION (included for the October tour))\nHastings\nSet between hills that reach to the sea, Hastings is an oyster that comes with its own grit, where the smooth bustle of modern life rubs along with the rough edges of tradition. Look up and you'll see the ruins of the castle watching over the town, as they have in one guise or another for nearly 1,000 years. The three-mile seafront stretches from the fishing fleet at the eastern end through the hustle and bustle of the arcades and funfair rides, to the pier and unique double-decker promenade, Bottle Alley, arriving finally at peaceful Grosvenor Gardens. Attractions include the Shipwreck Museum, Hastings Aquarium, the Fishermen's Museum, Hastings Museum and Art Gallery. The Old Town features an array of delightful independent shops and a cliff railway. Hastings also has a miniature steam railway (seasonal variations to opening) which has operated since 1948!\n\nDay 5 - After breakfast and perhaps a seaside stroll before heading home via interchange with a stop en-route.\n\n4* or 3* Hotel
Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne (August only)\nOriginally opened in 1895, this fabulous 4* hotel is perched 120 feet above sea level on a cliff top and boasts incredible views of the English Channel, Beachy Head, the Sussex coastline and the South Downs National Park. The Hotel is a few yards from Eastbourne Seafront and a 10-minute walk from Eastbourne Pier. Lift to all floors and there is a few steps up at the entrance of the Hotel.\n\nEastbourne's finest 4 star hotel offers 82 bedrooms all featuring tea/coffee making facilities, TV, and a modern bathroom with a hairdryer with some having views across the English Channel. Free Wi-Fi can be accessed throughout the property. The Hotel also has award winning private gardens & a heated outdoor pool\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Western York House Hotel, Eastbourne (October only)\nThe 3* Best Western York House Hotel is an elegant Victorian-era hotel with a laid-back seafront location. Just 20 yards from the sea and a few hundred yards from the pier, it is just a stroll away from the town centre. The bright guestrooms offer free WiFi, flat-screen TV and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a downstairs heated indoor pool (no lift access), a restaurant, lounge area as well as a bar. There is a lift to all floors (some internal steps and some rooms step free)