September 28th, 2011
Explore Eastbourne’s Napoleonic Fortress in search of headless horses and ghostly trails, stake out the fun with fang-tastic surprises at Drusillas Park or let the kids’ imaginations run wild with The Big Draw at the award-winning Towner – just a taster of the activities coming up in the UK’s sunniest place this autumn!
With forecasters predicting an Indian summer, sunshine and mild temperatures aren’t the only surprises in store for Eastbourne this autumn with the south coast destination preparing for a spook-tacular half-term and Halloween.
From the chance to take part in BBC Reel History Live to carrying out fascinating experiments in a Twilight Special, and from cheering on more than 1,700 runners, walkers and joggers in the Beachy Head Marathon to watching the antics of Stick Man at the Devonshire Park Theatre; Eastbourne has plenty to keep families entertained during the October half-term.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure Cllr Neil Stanley said “What a fantastic line up of activities we have to look forward to in Eastbourne this autumn with so much to choose from! The town makes a brilliant family getaway for the half-term week with dozens of activities to keep the kids entertained as well as promising stunning countryside scenes as the leaves begin to fall. With some of our Eastbourne hotels and guesthouses running great offers this season too, we hope to see lots of visitors over the next few months.”
A double dose of activities kick off the half-term week on Saturday 22 October with the return of the Beachy Head Marathon promising a real sporting spectacular as entrants from across the globe take on a challenging 26-mile cross-country course across the South Downs. Spectators are invited to come along to the start line and cheer the entrants on as they set off at 9am with the route offering plenty of vantage points.
On the same day, Eastbourne’s art museum Towner is teaming up with the Redoubt Fortress to take part in BBC’s Reel History Live. Visit Towner and watch archive footage from the region alternating with poignant new short film, A Picture of Sussex, and then hop on a free shuttle bus to the Redoubt for interactive wartime performances and a tea dance by Rag Roof Theatre Company. Redoubt visitors will also have the chance to browse their Button Museums of Memories and donate their own button and memory.
Towner will host The Big Draw across the opening weekend of half-term with families invited to create huge sculptures. On Saturday 22 October, artist Lynn Weddle and writer Ella Burns will help children to turn Towner into one big drawing and create a hanging sculpture of words, while Sunday 23 October will see photographer Alexander Brattell and artist Jane Henderson helping children to make fun drawings from digital creations and work on a growing sculpture to tumble around Towner!
Children’s events continue throughout half-term week with the Devonshire Park Theatre playing stage to Stick Man from 25 – 29 October, based on the book illustrated by Axel Scheffler, creators of children’s fabourite The Gruffalo.
Drusillas Park in Alfriston, just outside Eastbourne, offers an alternative haunt for families to stake out with a week of spooky surprises from 22 – 31 October. Venture through the creepy cobwebbed corridors of The Haunted Cottage into the terror-tory of Winifred the Witch as she plays hide and shriek with the unsuspecting visitors or jump aboard Thomas the Tank Engine to complete the Pumpkin Challenge.
The Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux offers the chance for children to gets hands-on with science on 25 and 26 October with themed workshops, while Saturday 29 October presents a Family Open Evening with Halloween activities.
This year the popular Eastbourne Beer Festival falls at the end of October too promising a real treat for the adults with more than 120 real ales on tap and a packed programme of live music and entertainment. Book now for the event, taking place from 27 – 29 October, with tickets remaining for the Thursday evening and Saturday daytime sessions only.
With many of Eastbourne’s hotels and guesthouses offering seasonal discounts for the autumn / winter season, visitors can make an affordable staycation in the town. Browse and book special offers on VisitEastbourne.com, including 10% off when you spend 3 nights or more at The Royal, and 3 nights for the price of 2 at The Mowbray, Ebor Lodge, Southcroft and 17 Wilmington Square.
For more information on what’s coming up in Eastbourne this October go to the website or call 0871 663 0031.
