Magnificent Motors and More to Make the Most Perfect Vintage Visit to Eastbourne

Eastbourne has one of the most stunning Victorian promenades, Pier and many Victorian buildings which adds beauty and history to our Seaside Town. However, Eastbourne offers up so much more in the way of vintage for a stylish break by the sea.

For a truly vintage festival, a visit to Eastbourne this Bank Holiday weekend is a must, when 'Magnificent Motors' takes over Eastbourne's Western Lawns. The free festival will showcase hundreds of vintage and classic cars, motorbikes, buses and steam powered vehicles.

Step back in time and admire the beautiful motors on display, imaging the journey's they made in wartime Britain, the swinging sixties and post-war America, and learning about the stories behind the cars and their previous owners.

Modern day Ferrari's, Porsche and Lotus models are just a small handful of the beautiful motors which can be found at the seafront motoring festival, and every motoring fan will find something to get their gears going! 

Magnificent Motors runs between 2 and 3 May, and begins each day with a seafront cavalcade at 10am, from the Eastern Seafront (near to Sovereign Harbour) to the Western Lawns - showing off the vintage variety of vehicles for all to admire. The lawns will be filled with exhibits, live bands and childrens's rides to complete the vintage festival atmosphere. The four day continental market from 1-4 May, will have many delicious foods on offer, so why not take a picnic basket and blanket for a lunch beside the sea? Put the pedal to the metal and get yourself down to Eastbourne for stunning cars in the sunshine!

If you're looking for a way to explore the beautiful South Downs National Park, then jumping on board a 1920's Rolls Royce Tourer, on a brand new vintage chauffer-driven tour is the perfect way to see it. 

Work up an appetite taking in all the beauty of the Sussex countryside, and indulge in an Afternoon Tea at one of the many hotels and cafe's in Eastbourne offering up vintage teas. The Grand Hotel, often dubbed as 'Downton-by-Sea' is a classic and historical hotel of grand beauty, inside and out, and for an elegant Afternoon Tea this is where one should go. The clifftop Hydro Hotel offers up fabulous art deco interior and gorgeous gardens to devour a delicious Sussex cream tea in. The Redoubt Fortress's very own vintage styled cafe, The Outpost, serves a very purse friendly and appetizing 'General's Cream Tea', in surroundings reminiscent of a world-war two living room! 

On Friday 2 May, step back in time at the opening night of the Bandstand season - when the Legends Tribute extravaganza brings the Grade 2 listed Victorian Bandstand to life! The Legends Tribute Show will have you reliving your teenage memories as you dance away to hits from rock and pop legends from past decades, including Johnny Cash, Lionel Richie, Buddy Holly, The Euyrthmics, Bonnie Tyler, Madonna, Amy Winehouse and many many more! A dazzling firework display will make a grand finale ending to the show!

So, put your best frock on and come and experience the fabulous vintage fun on offer in Eastbourne this May Bank Holiday!

Eastbourne joins in with English Tourism Week!

The UK’s sunniest place will be joining in the fun of English Tourism Week from 16 - 24 March, with some great offers and daily prizes to be won. 

Residents and visitors will be able to test their knowledge of tourism in Eastbourne by entering the competition each day on Facebook and Twitter for the chance to win a range of great prizes from concert tickets to fish and chips!

English tourism week was set up by VisitEngland and is a week long celebration of events from 16-24 March. The week will highlight all the fantastic things to do and see in England and Eastbourne.

Eastbourne and Tourism go hand in hand as 4.9 million visitors come to Eastbourne each year and spend an average of £261 million annually. Further more, £102 million is spent just by day visitors alone! Eastbourne thrives on tourism as it brings over 7000 jobs to Eastbourne and a whopping £346 million to the local economy.

Eastbourne was the first town to hire out quadricycles. To celebrate this and English tourism week, Ride and Joy are offering half price hiring on both weekends of English tourism week - 16/17 and 23/24 March. They can be found next to the open air tennis courts on Eastbourne seafront and are a fantastic way to see the delights of Eastbourne.

Also celebrating the week is The Grand Hotel. The hotel, named ‘Downton-by-Sea’, is a white palatial landmark on Eastbourne seafront and are offering a complimentary upgrade for anyone who books a bedroom and a complimentary glass of bucks fizz for anyone who books full afternoon tea from 16-24 March.

Visiteastbourne.com will also be getting involved in English tourism week, showing offers on their website and holding a week long quiz on social media sites, giving daily prizes! Prizes could include anything from fish and chips to Bandstand tickets.

For more information visit www.visiteastbourne.com, Facebook.com/visiteastbourne or Twitter.com/visiteastbourne.

What to do this Mothering Sunday?

It seems like Christmas was just the other day and yet Mother’s day is here already!

Every year thousands flood into their local supermarket to grab flowers and chocolates for their mum. But here in Eastbourne we have some amazing places to visit to make it an extra special day! There are plenty of things to do this Mothers day and if this week is anything to go by, then the weather should make a great day too!

From café’s to restaurants, attractions to walks; and salon’s to spa’s; Eastbourne has an array of different ways to treat your mum!

Anyone for Afternoon Tea?

There are many lovely tea rooms to take your mum for afternoon tea.

Let’s start with the famous Grand Hotel. The Grand hotel is the only seaside 5 star hotel in the UK and they serve an incredible afternoon tea. If you fancy spoiling mum to a relaxing, luxury afternoon then this is the place to go! Surrounded by gorgeous settings and a view of the sea, guests can enjoy a high tea, Champagne high tea or a children’s high tea.

Other Eastbourne hotels also offer great Afternoon tea!

For a more casual affair, why not try Dickens Tea Cottage, on South Street. It is a lovely quaint tea room offering a selection of cream teas, sandwiches and more. The old fashioned tea room is a great destination for Mothers day. There is also Pistachios in Princes Park and The Beach Deck on the promenade offering tea and cake as well as evening meals.

So that’s afternoon tea covered, what about a spot of dinner.

Go somewhere different like The Belgium Café- famed for their freshly prepared seafood specialities, including 50 different ways to enjoy mussels. The Belgium Café is situated on Eastbourne serene seafront where diners can dine al fresco during the day or experience the relaxed atmosphere inside. As well as a great seafood menu there is also a great selection of meat and poultry dishes, salads and vegetarian options.

What about some Italian at either Mo Mambo or Mo Mambo Mania? Both located in the town centre, customers can expect to receive an authentic Italian extensive menu. In addition there is a special lunch menu so you can choose when to take your mum! Mo Mambo also offers specialty dishes such as Veal, Ostrich, Kangaroo and Springbok for a more unusual but exciting Mothering Sunday!

Instead (or as well) of eating out, you could buy mum a voucher for a luxury pampering session. Salons are in abundance in Eastbourne, all offering slightly different services- a great gift for mother’s day! Try Jasmines or The Retreat for a pamper voucher!

Or bring some food to Mum! Grab some cakes from The Truly Scrumptious Cake Company located on Cornfield road next to Pizza Express.

We hope these ideas will help you treat your mum on Mothers day! Let’s hope for good weather and remember to book as soon as you can because places get very busy!

Find out more at www.visiteastbourne.com