Eastbourne & the Bluebell Railway

None given.Description
Attracting holidaymakers since the Victorian times, Eastbourne is a bustling seaside resort that epitomises classic British holidays with its traditional seafront attractions, friendly atmosphere and picturesque vistas. During our relaxing break here we take a trip on the Bluebell Railway, one of the country's best-loved nostalgic heritage lines, spend time in picturesque Lewes and charming Alfriston and also marvel at the spectacular Beachy Head.

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsBluebell Railway & Lewes (full day)We start the day with a trip into yesteryear by boarding the Bluebell Railway, one of the UK's best-preserved heritage railways. From Sheffield Park station we journey through the idyllic Sussex countryside towards East Grinstead, enjoying the lovely vistas along the way.Afterwards, we explore the bustling market town of Lewes, surrounded by chalk cliffs in the South Downs. There are plenty of welcoming cafés and historic buildings to admire, including the Norman castle which dominates the townscape.Alfriston via Beachy Head (half day)On our next included day out we enjoy a scenic drive along the glorious Sussex Heritage Coast, stopping to marvel at the spectacular chalk cliffs at Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters. We continue to the picturesque village of Alfriston, nestled in the valley of the River Cuckmere and full of charming old buildings, gift shops, tearooms and traditional inns.Optional ExcursionRye & Hastings - £14pp (full day)We explore 1066 Country, calling first at the fortified hilltop town of Rye, a charming place of cobbled lanes, secret passages and historic architecture. We then head to the coastal town of Hastings, which boasts the remains of the first castle in England to be built by William the Conqueror and a lovely preserved Old Town with half-timbered houses and narrow streets.

Coach Bullets
- Return coach travel- 4 nights at a selected hotel in Eastbourne (JG2+ or JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Entertainment some evenings (at the Cumberland Hotel only)- Excursions to Lewes & Alfriston (via Beachy Head)- Heritage train journey on the Bluebell RailwayOptional excursion to Rye & Hastings (£14pp)

Search Bullets
- 4 nights at a selected hotel in Eastbourne (JG2+ or JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Entertainment some evenings (at the Cumberland Hotel only)- Excursions to Lewes & Alfriston (via Beachy Head)- Heritage train journey on the Bluebell Railway

JG2+
JG2+ rated hotels offer a slightly higher standard of hospitality, often with good home cooking plus enhanced décor, facilities and services, which is recognised and welcomed by our customers. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. They may also enjoy an enviable location and/or higher levels of satisfaction on online hotel rating sites and our own customer feedback surveys.

JG3
Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.Choice of Hotels
We'll stay at one of two hotels in Eastbourne:Cumberland Hotel, Eastbourne (JG2+ rating) The Cumberland Hotel is located on Eastbourne's seafront, overlooking the promenade. All en-suite rooms offer a TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel is within walking distance of the town centre and also features a lounge and restaurant with sea views.Cavendish Hotel, Eastbourne (JG3 rating)The Cavendish Hotel faces the coast on Eastbourne's Grand Parade. The en-suite rooms offer TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. Other hotel facilities include a bar and restaurant which overlook the beach, a library and guest lounges.