Snuggle up and get cosy in Eastbourne this Autumn

As the trees turn from green to brown and the temperatures fall, Eastbourne has it covered for things to do this Autumn to keep you warm and cheery.

Runners enjoying the Beachy Head Marathon

Eastbourne's incredible action packed events season has wound to an end for another year culminating in one of the best ever Beachy Head Marathon with the most perfect of weather; though this is not a reason to hibernate for the winter until it all starts off again in 2015. Instead get out and about and explore some of Eastbourne's gems.

Alfriston Village

Now is the perfect time of year to sling on a scarf, get your finest tea cosy out to keep your head warm and take a lovely stroll across the South Downs. Take full advantage of Eastbourne's great location nestled in the downlands and head over to one of the many quaint Sussex village including Jevington, East Dean, Litlington or Alfriston. Each village naturally has the 'essential' local pub where guests can relax with a warming scotch and put your feet up next to open roaring fires. The Plough & Harrow at Litlington even has a dedicated room, 'The Snug' in which the tables are cosy with an original fireplace to warm up before the walk back.

Beauty & the Beast
c Peter Gurr

For the rainy days, Eastbourne's Theatre-land comes alive in November with a crammed calendar of shows including the Russian State Ballet and Saturday Night Fever, but not forgetting of course the essential part to any festive period, 'He's behind you'....it's the Beauty and the Beast.
Eastbourne Panto returning with what is set to be another Jordan productions epic with the audience in hysterics.

If you're looking for something a bit different then be sure to head to the Ancestors Exhibition at the Pavilion where the home of the mysterious Beachy Head Lady and many other fascinating archaeological finds are housed, will be staying open for an extra month due to popular demand. 

The free exhibition which discovers Eastbourne’s Roman and Saxon roots, using ground-breaking scientific bone analysis and cranio-facial reconstructions, will now remain open until 19 December.

The Winter Wonderland Illuminations at Drusillas Park

As I write, I'm compiling a list of everything Christmasy happening in Eastbourne. The list currently stands at a total of 57 events! There really is so much happening in this festive period in Eastbourne ranging from street Markets in Meads, Seaside, Little Chelsea and Alfriston to dazzling Winter Wonderland Illuminations at Drusillas Park and Santa Fun Run's along the seafront!

Not forgetting of course Eastbourne’s iconic seafront Bandstand will provide a Christmas Day highlight for residents and visitors, as the traditional free concert returns for a triple bill over the festive period.

With packed seafront hotels and more than 4,000 festive fans expected, the seafront venue will provide yuletide entertainment on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day – all completely free of charge.

For all the latest info and events updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter

Beachy Head Marathon & 10K; The Final Countdown

Taking place on 25 October, the Beachy Head Marathon is Eastbourne’s top sporting fixture and a favourite amongst runners. With just a couple of days to go, the end goal is in sight!

The Beachy Head Marathon is a scenic gem, with subscribers to Runners World regularly voting it as one of the most iconic events in the country.  The marathon covers 300 steps and 14 gates, passing through Jevington, Alfriston, Litlington, Friston Forest, the Cuckmere Valley and Seven Sisters, including Birling Gap and Beachy Head.

Runners are greeted by the iconic starting hill

The thought running through most entrants mind right now is one of excited anticipation mixed with with the daunting challenge of the hilly terrain and for some, pure fear! When thinking about the marathon, one of the most iconic images is that of the 'near-vertical' looking hill start that believe me, does seem to just keep on getting higher the further you run up. One of the top tips gleamed on my first Beachy was that of to take the hill very steady and even walk it. It's worth remembering that there are another 26.1 miles to go once your at the top and you'll need every last drop of energy to finish!

With the runners entry list finalised last week, organisers are delighted to welcome runners from all round the globe including America, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Spain, Sweden and of course all over the UK.

With live music at key points along the way including the lone bag-piper at the top of the infamous starting hill, there will be plenty of viewing points for spectators to cheer entrants on around the course with the easiest accessible for spectators being at the Seven Sisters Country Park and Birling Gap.

Last year, a new additional 10 kilometre race was added and it will return again this year. Hill runners can enjoy the shorter version of the marathon with a route comprising of breath taking views and challenges, starting and finishing in the same location. Last years winner, Ben Gibson did so in a time of 40 minutes and 35 seconds. This works out at over 9mph which is an incredble feat considering the challenging and undulating terrain.

Both races start and finish at Bedes School on Dukes Drive on 25 October 2014. The Beachy Head Marathon starts at 9am with runners returning from 12-6pm. The 10k race will start shortly after the marathon at approximately 9:30am.

For more information please visit the website at www.beachyheadmarathon.co.uk

Frightening Family Fun this Half Term

We're ramping up the fear factor this half term with a huge range of activities on offer from spooky trails to our first ever science fiction convention!

Here's our guide to some fiendish fun if you dare to visit....

Spooky Trails and Gruesome Battles at the Redoubt Fortress

25 Oct - 2 Nov

Redoubt Fortress Twilight Tour

Our 200 year old seafront fortress opens its first Halloween trail with treats and prizes for all.  The spooky trail during half term includes a creepy quiz through the cobwebbed corridors of the museum and a macabre science lab of grisly finds.

For those seeking a frightful night, the Twilight Tour on 25 October includes the opportunity to discover gruesome battles and ghostly sightings, as told by the attraction’s resident 19th century tour guide.

To celebrate the big day on 31 October, pop-up cinema returns with an evening film screening of The Evil Dead (1981) within one of the fortresses’ creepy casemates.  With popcorn and a licensed bar, those brave enough, can settle down and enjoy one of the most celebrated horror films of all time.

Plus: don't miss the 2 for 1 offer on tickets throughout the week!

Drusillas Shriek Week 

25 Oct – 2 Nov

Haunted Heights at Drusillas

Drusillas Park unleashes Shriek Week with a spook-tacular week of Halloween fun at the award-winning zoo.  At Haunted Heights, sin sisters Hocus and Pocus play hide and shriek with the unsuspecting public, inviting thrill seekers to knock on the trap door and discover the ghostly secret within.  With an escaped Mummy wandering around the temple ruins in Eden’s Eye maze, creepy crawly encounters at the Discovery Centre and a visit from Scooby Doo on 29 October, there will be more than just the usual animal magic on offer.

Most Haunted

13th century former monastery, and venue of one of the scariest episodes of

Pevensey Castle: Photo by Graham Huntley

TV’s Most Haunted, Michelham Priory, brings a medieval vibe to their Hallowe’en fun day on 31 October with traditional entertainment including Punch & Judy, crafts, drama and more.

Pevensey Castle, home of the ghostly Pale Lady of Pevensey, offers dark dungeons to explore by day along with lantern lit ghost walks by night on 25 and 31 October, uncovering stories of the Pale Lady, smugglers and even a gruesome murder.

Make a Spectre of Yourself
Image by Elizabeth Doak

Fright Nights at Blackstock Farm return from 22 October to 1 November for the brave with creepy craft making, pumpkin carving and ghost hunt in the haunted wood during the day throughout half term. 

Make a Spectre of Yourself at Towner creating creepy images with photographer Elizabeth Doak on 31 October and visit the free exhibitions, including Twixt Two Worlds, which explore early cinema and moving images.

Fiendish Pumpkins

Pumpkin Carving at Sharnfold Farm

The ideal stop off for pumpkin carving, Sharnfold Farm offers a great farm

shop and café, along with a Wicked Witch Hunt around the farm trail from 27-31 October.  Their Halloween displays are legendary and staff are on hand to help young visitors with their own fiendish pumpkin creations.

Meet witches, wizards, owls and bats at Borde Hill Garden throughout half term, or head to the Observatory Science Centre on 30 October for fascinating experiments with volcanoes and earthquakes.  Make flying bats and screaming balloons at their Open Evening on 1 November before gazing through the historic telescopes.

WynterCon

For Science Fiction Fans

30 Oct – 2 Nov

Perfect for science fiction, horror and fantasy fans, Eastbourne’s first ever WynterCon convention at the Winter Garden, brings a Halloween Masquerade Ball, Steampunked Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties, comic book zone, celebrity guests, the UK’s largest collection of Blade Runner props and memorabilia and cult classic movie screenings.

Fang-tastic Free Fun

Discovering Bones at
Eastbourne Ancestors

Budding archaeologists and young historians can discover the mystery surrounding the Beachy Head Lady at the free Eastbourne Ancestors exhibition.  Thousands have already marvelled at the Saxon treasures and met the skeleton of Eastbourne’s most famous ancestor, a rare archaeological discovery for British shores. 

Beachy Head Marathon
photo by Graham Huntley

Hundreds will be cheering on the Beachy Head Marathon runners at this annual sporting fixture on 25 October.  One of the most challenging and scenic marathon’s in the UK, the huge turnout of spectators along the route is thanks to the beauty of the South Downs National Park route, perfect for Autumn walks, discovering pretty villages and pub lunches by the fireside.

Terrific Theatre

St Vincent

In the evening, Eastbourne Theatres offer a packed programme of shows, including Grease, Oliver!, Alfie's Starquest hosted by BGT Finalist Steve Hewlett and American singer-songwriter St Vincent, following her recent support of The Black Keys. Plus Henrietta the Hippo's Funhouse returns on Saturday morning 1 November.

Great Offers

Boutique hotel, The Langtons, and the family-friendly Guesthouse East, are offering 20%off all stays of 3 nights or more throughout October, with the latter offering self-contained family suites and the flexibility of both B&B and self catering.

                                                                                 

For more information visit www.VisitEastbourne.com/halloween.