The Coast or the Country? The rolling waves or the rolling hills? Sand castles or ancient castles? Why compromise when Eastbourne has the key to all of this and more? Steeped in history, effortlessly charming and a gateway to some of England’s most picturesque landscape, it’s easy to see why Eastbourne was awarded Best UK Resort 2005. We travel far and wide for glimpses of natural beauty and rugged simplicity, of history and heritage, of classic culture and traditional class but less than 90 minutes from Victoria by train and 44 miles south of the M25 there is a paradise on our doorstep.
Where traditional meets exceptional, the new ‘Coast & Country’ brochure reveals the magnificent natural beauty surrounding the seaside town of Eastbourne, and offers numerous suggestions of activities which take full advantage of the area’s characteristics. Sitting at the foot of the South Downs, fringed by the Sussex Heritage Coast and boasting Blue Flag Beaches, Eastbourne is the perfect resort for the pursuit of outdoor activities.
Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Councillor David Elkin, says, “The location of Eastbourne, combining the charms of the countryside with classic seaside vibrancy, is a unique part of its attraction. Visitors from other towns and cities always comment on how fresh and clean the air feels; they come to the resort and leave with a definite feeling of rejuvenation.”
The Victorian Pier, still with all its splendour, juts out into the English Channel and looks back at the 5 miles of beach coastline, running from the cosmopolitan marina all the way up to the rolling South Downs. Boat trips on fine days sail you out past the dizzy heights of Beachy Head to the dramatic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters Country Park, hand gliders soar on the gusty sea breeze and windsurfers dot the Eastern waters.
Cyclists and walkers can take advantage of the trails winding through the area, with pathways specifically designed for bikes, including a former railway line, miles of flat promenade and the winding paths of the Cuckmere River. The South Downs Way National Trail begins in Eastbourne passing through quaint local villages, meandering past mysterious chalk figures and slipping through rolling expanses of green hills, ending 100 miles away in Winchester.
Explore rock pools for lurking prawns as the tide washes out and later feed the lambs at the Seven Sisters Sheep Centre. Out in Arlington a carpet of blue covers the floor during Spring as bluebells blossom in their thousands and during Autumn the hills are covered with purple heather and bronzed leaves setting the landscape ablaze.
The areas history and heritage is still preserved to this day, all easily accessible by car or public transport. The trail of William the Conqueror can be followed through ancient castles and churches to the infamous Battle Abbey, while the underground secrets of smugglers and mariners are revealed in the caves and inns of Hastings. Historic houses offer fine collections of art to peruse and nearby Ashdown forest is home to the literary Pooh corner and famous Poohsticks bridge.
Throughout the year the town’s unique surroundings are taken advantage of by a varied schedule of events, all complimented with a wide choice of accommodation and services to make our visitor’s stay as comfortable and memorable as possible.
For more information on events for the year and accommodation please contact Eastbourne Tourist Information on 0906 711 2212 (calls cost 50p per minute) or visit
www.visiteastbourne.com
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