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 |  | Travel Reviews : Eastbourne |
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| | | | Review by Janet Young from Cheshunt
Eastbourne remains one of the few Seaside Towns that has retained all it's traditions. The Pier is wonderful and the Bandstand is not only beautiful, but also offers a wide range of musical events to suit all ages. The promenade is a great place to walk, so peaceful and offers plenty of places to stop for lunch or just a quick cup of tea. The flower gardens are vibrant and colourful and when the sun is shining they take your breath away. The air is so clean and fresh and should you feel a little tired there is always the 'dotto train' to take you the rest of the way. There is the 'tour bus' to Beachy Head which also takes in the sites of the the old town, where there are plenty of little gift shops to browse around to find that little something that will always remind you of your holiday. If you venture out into the countryside you may come across Alfreston, a lovely, old-fashioned village that takes you back in time. But, if you stay in Eastbourne you will never tire of looking out to sea, watching the seagulls and enjoying a traditional plate of good old 'fish & chips'.
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| | Destination Guide : Eastbourne |
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| | | Most welcoming town |  | Why go on holiday to Eastbourne?
Eastbourne recently won the "Most Welcoming Town in Britain" and "South East UK's Tourism Destination of the Year". With credentials like that, it has to be checked out.
Eastbourne sits on the East Sussex coast and enjoys comparatively long hours of sunshine and low rainfall due to the protection of surrounding hills. The lack of shops on the seafront lends a Victorian elegance lacking in most other resort towns.
How much does it cost?
By train from costs £17 for a day return, and an open return is £33. By coach costs £14.
Fares can vary greatly and you should always check with the operator for exact prices.
A moderately- priced restaurant meal costs £15-£20 and a pint of beer £2.40.
Peak-season prices range from £46-£55 per person for bed and breakfast, to £60-£69 for bed, breakfast and dinner depending on the quality of the sea view from your room. Children are half price, and off-season rates can also drop by 50%.
How do I get there?
By train - Eastbourne station is in Terminus Road, one minute's walk from the town centre.
By coach - coaches stop at Terminus Road by the train station, and also at the bus stop shop just by the entrance of the Arndale Centre in the centre of town.
By air - Gatwick Airport is 45 miles away.
By road - leave M25 at Junction 6 and head down the A22.
When should I go?
Sunshine is never guaranteed anywhere in Britain but Eastbourne is a better bet than most. July and August (23C/73F) can get crowded, particularly if it's hot - so book accommodation in advance.
Winter (12C/55F) gets very blowy, but the sea air and lack of crowds can be invigorating.
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| | | Elegant Eastbourne |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Take a promenade down the Victorian pier. Originally built in the 1870s, the silver and blue pier stretches 1,000ft out to sea.
On top of the usual funfare and games arcade there are craft shops including a jewellery maker, glass blower and lacemaker.
There are two large, family entertainment centres - Casino and Funtasia - offering both hi-tech arcade games and traditional favourites.
Does Eastbourne have history?
Millions of years' worth. Take a walk by the cliffs and you will encounter fossils in the chalk and the clays underneath - everything from scallops to ammonites and sea urchins.
On a clear day you can see France and definitely the lighthouse at Beachy Head - Britains most notorious cliffs and Eastbourne's most famous natural feature.
Pay a visit to the countryside centre which has exhibitions and high-tech information about the area and its wildlife.
Where to visit?
Having helped see off Napoleon and chums, Redoubt Fortress is now a museum. Eternal schoolboys will enjoy the British Model Soldier Society's National Collection, and twice weekly in the summer 1812 Nights has fireworks displays and military bands.
Cornfield Terrace is a fascinating shop museum not far from the front. There are four floors of reconstructions including an ironmonger's, a toyshop, a grocer and an Edwardian kitchen.
There's also a wartime family home, complete with understair air raid shelter. Other highlights include the Towner Art Gallery and Museum, the Live Butterfly Centre and the Exhibition of Model Railways.
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| | | Fun parks for kids | | What's the nightlife like?
The pier is most definitely where it's at when it comes to going out - walk to the end and party at Eastbourne's largest and latest nightclub, Atlantis.
For wine bars and other clubs head for the town centre or the newly-developed harbour on the east side of town.
What's the food like?
Eastbourne is a junk food paradise, with everything from candy floss to toffee apples, burgers and hot dogs. You can also find a variety of foreign cuisine restaurants such as Marine Thai and Simply Pasta down by the harbour.
What should I buy?
For individualised speciality shops, like giftshop Banana Tree, go to the Enterprise Centre. The Arndale Centre, also in the middle of town, has the regular selection of shops including Marks and Spencer.
For souvenirs, shop on the Pier and come home with a mini Beachy Head lighthouse of your own.
What is there for children to do?
In and around Eastbourne you will find plenty of fun parks for children - adventure park Fort Fun, and for rainy days the indoor Rocky Adventure Land has a roller coaster and roundabouts for younger children (tel 01323 642833).
Knockhatch Adventure Park has a bird of prey centre and grass carting (01323 442051). Treasure Island is an award-winning playground of sandpits and paddling pools (01323 411077).
Drusillas Park is a small zoo with hundreds of animals and a Playland where the children can swing about like monkeys (01323 874100).
Tourist office
Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre, Cornfield Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4QL. Tel 01323 411 400.
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| | Available rental properties in Eastbourne |
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| |  | | Beachfront apartment
Uninterrupted views of the beach and sea from this two bedroomed apartment sleeping up to 4 people. Apartment is just a few minutes walk from the harbour
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LUXURY APARTMENT ON EASTBOURNE'S SEAFRONT. SLEEPS 4, BALCONY,2 BATHROOMS, KITCHEN/LOUNGE WITH 40 INCH SATELITTE TV, PARKING, LIFT. .
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Holiday Rentals in Eastbourne |
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