Walk This Way for The Coast and Country Walking Festival!

When you think of Sussex, you immediately cast your thoughts to the boundless blue skies, the chalky cliffs overlooking the shore and the everlasting countryside. Wherever you are in Sussex, you can guarantee that with every twist and turn there will be something that makes you want to stop, breathe in the fresh air and cherish your surroundings. Forget the road trip, there's no better way to explore than by foot!

 

For the last three years, Eastbourne and Wealden's Coast and Country Walking Festival has been an opportunity for everybody to step outdoors and discover the South Downs, Sussex Weald and exquisite Eastbourne Coastline, whatever your ability. The walks cater for all audiences so whether you’re after a strenuous trek or a light jaunt, you can choose from a variety of walks from 24th September to 2nd October. The nine day event covers historical, literary, healthy and Nordic walks. 

Little feet won't be left out because 1st October marks the 90th anniversary for one special little bear, Winnie the Pooh, in their home in Ashdown Forest. The free event includes a mile long guided walk along Broadstone Amble, filled with Winnie related activities, followed by a talk by Kathryn Aalto and readings from her book 'The Natural World of Winnie the Pooh'. 

 

If your New Year’s resolution was to get fit, then get stuck in with the festival’s daily health walks. Or if you fancy yourself as a historian, you may be interested by the Historic Old Town walk or the Kipling Country walk, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Rudyard Kipling's passing. 

Fall in love with Sussex all over again by booking onto one of these wonderful walks! For more information visit http://sussexwalkingfestival.org.uk/. 

An Adrenalin-Filled, Family-Fun Season of Events in Eastbourne!

Eastbourne always promises to provide a season of fantastic events, from the fast-paced and high-intensity events to the more tranquil and relaxing ones, there will most certainly be something to suit the varying tastes of all, from the oldest visitors to the youngest visitors to Eastbourne this year! 

Take a look at all the major events happening in Eastbourne in 2016!

21 April - The Queen’s Birthday Beacon Lighting and Party

Come and join Eastbourne in celebrating the Queen’s 90^th Birthday with a Beacon Lighting and Party, completely free to attend. Opening with a party complete with DJ set from “DJ Oli”, the evening commences with a torch-lit procession, followed by the lighting of the Queen’s Birthday Beacon and firework display. Find more information at www.VisitEastbourne.com.

30 April - 1 May – Magnificent Motors

Celebrating the world of classic motoring, Magnificent Motors is a fabulously vintage free bank holiday festival, with over 600 classic cars, campers, bicycles, motorbikes, military vehicles and more exhibiting on Eastbourne’s seafront facing Western Lawns. With a cavalcade each day, the festival provides live music entertainment, food, drink and a funfair atmosphere, plus this year’s festival will be made complete with a four day Vintage market on Eastbourne’s promenade. Find out more at www.VisitEastbourne.com/magnificent-motors.

13-15 May - Museums at Night

Eastbourne’s 200 year old Napoleonic Redoubt Fortress will be joining in with national ‘Museums at Night’ events across the country, by putting on three film screenings across the three days; Alien (1979), The Mummy (1959) and a family friendly screening of One of my Dinosaur’s is Missing (1975) with fossil making and face-painting. Discover more at www.EastbourneMuseums.co.uk.

27-29 May - Beer and Cider by the Sea Festival

Eastbourne’s annual Spring bank holiday festival, Beer and Cider by the Sea takes place from 27-29 May on Eastbourne’s Western Lawns. Come and sample over 60 real ales; many brewed locally in Sussex, more than of 48 Ciders and Perries from the National Cider and Perry collection, plus wine, cocktails, Pimms and more! Wash it all down with a weekend line-up of live music on the festival stage. For ticket sales information and more go to www.VisitEastbourne.com/events.

11 June – Eastbourne Sunshine Carnival – (Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II 90^th Birthday)

The biggest seafront carnival in the South East returns to Eastbourne’s seafront, this year the carnival also celebrates the Queen’s 90^th Birthday. Expect extravagantly decorated floats, exquisite costumes and plenty of cheer fit for a royal celebration. For more information go to www.eastbournecarnival.co.uk.

12 June – Eastbourne Triathlon – New for 2016

Brand new for 2016, the Eastbourne Triathlon builds on Eastbourne’s reputation for hosting great coastal challenges in stunning surroundings. Participants will join elite triathletes, Ben Allen and Jackie Slack in swimming 600 metres in Eastbourne’s warm sea waters, cycling 25km in the stunning South Downs National Park and then running 5km run along Eastbourne’s glorious promenade. Go to www.eastbournetriathlon.com to enter.

18 -25 June - Aegon Eastbourne International (WTA Women's International Tennis)

The Aegon Eastbourne International is back for another adrenalin-filled week of tennis. It always attracts many of top ten international players from the world of women’s tennis, as they come to Eastbourne – the hometown of current British number 1, Johanna Konta - to battle it out for the ultimate, pre-Wimbledon trophy, and with the announcements that Petra Kvitova and defending champion Belinda Bencic will be returning to Devonshire Park this June, this year's tournament is already set to be a scorcher! Visit www.VisitEastbourne.com/tennis for information on booking and further tournament details.

18 -19 June - Eastbourne Feastival

In its second year, Eastbourne Feastival brings a fusion of international cuisine, culture, music and dance in a weekend long festival set in Eastbourne’s stunning Princes Park, a stone’s throw away from the beach, completely free to enter. Visit www.eastbournefeastival.com to discover more.

16 July - MCS Big Sea Swim

The Marine Conservation Society has chosen to hold its Big Sea Swim in Eastbourne for the fourth year running, due to Eastbourne’s high standards of clean sea water. Take the plunge and swim 1km or 3km on a hot summer’s day whilst raising money to support the conservation of the UK’s seas and oceans for everyone. Enter at www.mcsuk.org/swim.

16-17 July – Beach Life Festival including Eastbourne Extreme

Eastbourne’s Beach Life Festival kick starts the summer holidays with an adventure filled weekend on Eastbourne seafront, at the South Coast’s coolest free extreme sports festival. Featuring a line-up of land and water based outdoor pursuits, from 11am daily, the festival vibes continue with live entertainment on the music stage. Go to www.visiteastbourne.com/extreme for festival updates.

30-31 July - Lammas Festival – Folk Music and Dance

Lammas Festival brings folk music, dance and entertainment to Eastbourne’s seafront facing Western Lawns, in a free two day festival dedicated to marking the cutting of the first corn crop, a traditional folk celebration at the beginning of harvesting season. Discover more at www.lammasfest.org.

11-14 August - Airbourne - Eastbourne International Airshow

Eastbourne’s award-winning international airshow, Airbourne now in its 24^th year, flies into Eastbourne in August for another free four day event featuring many of the best display teams on the international circuit, with the RAF Red Arrows, King Air, Eurofighter Typhoon and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight all confirmed to fly! Keep up to speed with flying line-up announcements at www.eastbourneairshow.com.

10-11 September – Steampunk Festival

Escape into a quirky unknown universe of the science-fiction sub-genre, Steampunk which sees Victoriana meeting the cyber-world. With unique Steampunk activities commencing throughout the two days and a Masquerade Ball on the evening of 10 September. Go to www.steampunkfestival.co.uk for further information.

24 September – 2 October – Coast and Country Walking Festival

Organised by Eastbourne Borough Council and Wealden District Council, the nine day festival offers a diverse range of tour-guided walks through some of East Sussex’s most beautiful terrain. From Nordic walking to brewery walks, the festival offers something for people from all walks of life. Visit www.sussexwalkingfestival.org.uk for more information.

1 October - Eastbourne Bonfire Society Procession, Fireworks & Bonfire

A torch-lit Bonfire Procession on Eastbourne’s seafront sees drummers, pipers, dancers and bonfire societies from all over the county joining the Eastbourne Bonfire Society to celebrate bonfire season in Sussex, a tradition dating back centuries, complete with a beach bonfire and grand firework display. More information at www.visiteastbourne.com.

6-8 October – Eastbourne Beer Festival

Get to Eastbourne’s much-loved Autumn Beer Festival to sample from range of over 160 real cask ales on tap, many quirky named brews and plenty of award winning ales, and many more delicious beverages from the Wine Bar, Cider Bar and the International Bottled Beers Bar. The festival dedicated to the nation’s favourite past-time would not be complete without pub games, live entertainment and some tasty treats to complement the fine drink on offer. For updates and ticket release information go to www.visiteastbourne.com/beer-festival.

29 October – Beachy Head Marathon and 10K Race

Eastbourne’s Beachy Head Marathon is renowned for being one of the biggest off-road marathons in the UK, popular for its scenic and challenging route through the South Downs National Park countryside. The race now incorporates a 10k run, for a slightly smaller challenge, but with the same reward of breathtaking views. Enter now at www.BeachyHeadMarathon.org.uk.

3-18 December – Eastbourne Christmas Market

After the first successful Christmas Market, Eastbourne’s Chamber of Commerce brings the traditional wooden stall Christmas market back to the Bandstand for a longer sting in 2016. Explore the market, feast on festive favourite foods, buy some unique Christmas gifts and marvel at the Bandstand’s beautiful transformation into a Winter Wonderland. Find out more at www.VisitEastbourne.com

Keep up to date with a complete guide to all Eastbourne events at www.VisitEastbourne.com/events.

Discover Victorian Seaside Holiday Fun and Eastbourne's Bronze Age Mystery this Year all with Heritage Eastbourne!

Heritage Eastbourne has got a super season of captivating interactive exhibitions plus a great line-up of fun and engaging events in store for 2016! From Bronze Age discoveries to WWI and a free vintage Summer Holiday programme, you'll want to head to Eastbourne from 21 March when the Redoubt Fortress opens its gates for this fabulous season! What's more, the majority of exhibitions are completely free, so great family days out with Heritage Eastbourne are accessible to all this year!

Did you know that 21 years ago, the UK's biggest Bronze Age causeway was discovered in Shinewater Park in Eastbourne? Well it was, and now for the first time the stories and fascinating mysteries of the people who lived in Eastbourne and built this astonishing track-way over 3000 years ago, are being brought to the foreground in an exciting new and free exhibition at the Pavilion, on Eastbourne's seafront!

Opening on 21 March, Making Tracks: Eastbourne’s Bronze Age Mystery recreates part of the Bronze Age causeway, contains a display of never before seen artefacts from the British Museum, Bronze Age items such as axes and jewellery uncovered in Eastbourne and allows you, the visitor to piece together the prehistoric puzzle to discover the tales of international visitors and human inventiveness from an astonishing time period! 

There's even a free dedicated Bronze Age Day on 23 July which celebrates the exhibition giving you the opportunity to have a go at making Bronze Age food, shoes and even flint making, in a family fun day which you and your children will love!

Summer might seem a little far away right now, but the Redoubt already has a great summer exhibition and activities lined-up! In another free exhibition, discover Eastbourne’s journey from a Victorian seaside ‘tennis town’ to 1970’s mass market seaside resort in the Seaside Holiday exhibition from 23 July to 5 September! The nostalgic exhibition will showcase some great holiday memorabilia from 1940’s bathing costumes, to an exquisite Railway Porter’s uniform heralding the days of luxury steam travel and Lewis Carroll’s renowned bed desk, designed especially for his holidays in Eastbourne.

With postcards, photographs and memories on display, you can leave your own memories at the exhibition, whilst your kids will love taking part in themed activities on the parade ground. With traditional seaside fun with free sandpits and a summer play park, your children will be occupied for hours, letting you relax with a Colonel Coffee and Sergeants Scone or a Trench Toastie in the vintage Outpost Cafe!

Also opening on the 21 March, when the Napoleonic fortress re-opens for the season, you'll discover a brand new WW1 exhibition in the fortress's fascinating military museum! For Hearth, Home and Honour? Eastbourne Learns the Reality of War uncovers the story of 11 Sussex men, all either wounded or killed at the Battle of Boar’s Head and shows the human side of war and its effect upon both the soldiers and the local community. With real footage of soldiers marching through the town’s train station, diary extracts, poetic sounds of the battlefield and a display of Eastbourne’s very own Victoria Cross winner, Nelson Victor Carter. Visiting with children? Younger visitors can also interact with a soldier’s kit bag of interactive equipment to help them discover life as a soldier!

The 200 year old fortress is home to many more renowned exhibits, from rare WW1 trench art to a captured German staff car; step back in time in the interactive 1940’s garden, featuring real aerial and audio footage of a Sussex family watching the Battle of Britain overhead.

Plan ahead for the year and make some awesomely authentic Halloween plans, as the Redoubt hosts two weekends of spooky Twilight Ghost Tours in October in which you can explore the creepy corridors by night! 

Talking of night time, the Redoubt joins in with the national Museums at Night celebration from the 13-15 May with its very own film festival. Adults will love the spine tingling screening of The Mummy (1959), complete with an introduction to Egyptian curses from a renowned Egyptologist, plus the terrifying screening of Alien (1979), whilst a family friendly event will screen One of My Dinosaurs is Missing (1975) and will have some fossil making fun thrown in for good dino-measure!

If you like cake and learning, then you'll be happy to know that last year's successful Culture and Cake series is back and even bigger this year! During the fascinating and engaging talks, passionate historians cover subjects such as Learning to Live With Ghosts and Health, Wealth and Happiness by the Sea, at the monthly talks from April to October! 

The Redoubt opens every day from 21 March until 13 November. Entry to the Making Tracks and Seaside Holiday exhibitions, cafés, parade ground and gun platform is free. Museum entry includes the WW1 exhibition and costs £4.50 per adult, £2.50 per child or £12 per family. Every ticket includes a free return visit in 2016, or visit the free Bronze Age exhibition and complete the exhibition trail for free kids entry to the museum!  For further information visit www.EastbourneMuseums.co.uk or telephone 01323 410300.

Fight The Post Christmas Blues in Eastbourne

Happy New Year from all at visiteastbourne! Don’t worry, there’s plenty to do over the next couple of months to fight those post Christmas blues.

If you’re still feeling festive, there is still time to catch the Panto; Aladdin at the Devonshire Park Theatre until 12 January! Tickets start from £12 with two performances a day!

If you are looking for something a little more tranquil, why not join the Eastbourne Astronomical Society at the Redoubt Fortress for some stargazing! The free event takes place Saturday 11 January, 8 March and 5 April. It provides an opportunity for beginners to become familiar with the night sky, learn the constellation patterns, locate hard to find star clusters, nebulae and galaxies and to explore the surface of the Moon and planets under the guidance of experiences observers – as well as for informal discussion and the exchange of ideas.

For those who want to indulge in some culture, award winning art museum Towner opens its new exhibition on 25 January, running until 6 April. The exhibition; John Skoog: Redoubt is free and incorporates works with film and video. Until then, visit Towner to see the Wonderland exhibition.

For history buffs, the Eastbourne Ancestors exhibition comes to the Pavilion on 1 February. This groundbreaking project has scientifically studied the human bones from the collection, made some amazing discoveries about your ancestors and is now ready to tell you their stories.

To bring history to life, experts have even recreated some of these people so that you can gaze into the faces of the past.

The free exhibition will put the flesh on the bones of people from Eastbourne’s distant past and will give back a little life story to those long passed.

What about a night of laughter with the Screaming Blue Murder comedy club on 7 February at the Winter Garden. Enjoy some fantastic entertainment from Rob Heeney who has been dubbed as a ‘deluded genius’ by Johnny Vegas, Jessica Fostekew who performed on Stephen K Amos’ Radio 4 show, BBC Breakfast and supported Micky Flanagan, and Elis James a bilingual stand up performer! Food and drinks are available to make an enjoyable night out.

The days will soon be getting longer and Eastbourne has another exciting year ahead. Plan your visit with these dates for your diary:

• Eastbourne Half Marathon - 2 March
• Magnificent Motors – 3 & 4 May
• Beer and Cider by the Sea – 23 – 25 May
• Eastbourne Carnival – 31 May
• Eastbourne Cycling Festival 1 June
• AEGON International Tennis – 14-21 June
• 999 Emergency Services Display – 5 & 6 July
• Eastbourne Extreme – 12 & 13 July
• Eastbourne Lammas Festival – 26 & 27 July
• Airbourne International Airshow 14 – 17 August
• Eastbourne Beer Festival – 9 – 11 October
• Beachy Head Marathon – 25 October

Find out more about all up coming events and things to do in Eastbourne on www.visiteastbourne.com

New Summer What's On Guide for Eastbourne!

Visit Eastbourne has just launched the all new What's On Guide for Summer 2013, giving visitors and residents the lowdown on what's coming up in Eastbourne!

The What’s On Guide can be found in the Tourist Information Centre, located on Cornfield Road Eastbourne, in a number of hotels and is now downloadable here! 

There are many offers that readers can take advantage of including 2 for 1 at various attractions and money off at restaurants and theatre tickets!

The Guide takes you through the exciting events programme that Eastbourne has to offer this summer; including the AEGON International Tennis Tournament, Eastbourne Extreme and Airbourne! Not to mention, the Sunshine Carnival on 25 May, Beer and Cider by the Sea on 24 -26 May and all the events at the Redoubt Fortress.

If it is entertainment you are after then the What’s On guide shows a fantastic theatre line up including Gotta Sing Gotta Dance and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, along with a list of shows at the Bandstand.

Readers can also find a full events listing until September!

To pick up a guide head to the Tourist Information Centre or download the PDF here!

Eastbourne’s Frightful Family Half Term Fun

From The Big Draw to one of the biggest spook-fests on the south coast at Drusillas Park, there is plenty to keep the little horrors happy this half term at VisitEastbourne.com.

Launching with a weekend of creative fun at Towner, The Big Draw embraces the world’s biggest celebration of drawing with a free event on 27 - 28 October, centring around the campfire with youngsters invited to create their own Towner Tale in a variety of story making zones.

The return of Shriek Week from 27 October to 4 November at nearby Drusillas Park conjures up some spook-tacular fun.  Visit Winifred the Witch, as she plays hide and seek in her creepy cobwebbed Haunted Cottage and meet some mini monsters at Creepy Crawlies day on 28 October from hissing cockroaches and giant millipedes to large fanged tarantulas.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “It is fantastic to see so much going on this half term for kids, and a great chance for Mums and Dads to enjoy a bit of seasonal fun too.  With some great special offers on accommodation and attractions at VisitEastbourne.com, this is the perfect place to take a break, explore the national park and enjoy some late Autumn sunshine.”

The half term week kicks off with the Beachy Head Marathon on 27 October, one of the UK’s biggest off-road sporting spectaculars and a great opportunity to explore the stunning national park route. 

Also on 27 October, Princes Park’s brand new Pistachios in the Park café offers some theatrical fun with Wendy the Sneezing Witch, for an hour of stories and spooky silliness, followed by a free Diddi Dance class on 30 October and a guest appearance by Monkey Music on 2 November.

Knockhatch Adventure Park brings more Halloween fun with face painting, a ghost hunt and guess the weight of the pumpkin, to name but a few, and at Sharnfold Farm, get prepared for a fright-fest with a Wicked Witch Hunt and pumpkin carving, with both attractions running events from 27 – 31 October.

For historic fun, complete the Halloween trail at the Redoubt Napoleonic Fortress & Military Museum with a prize for every child at the end, or nearby Herstmonceux features a beautiful 15^th century moated castle in Elizabethan gardens and parkland, the perfect setting for the Treasures by the Moat antiques fair on 28 October.

Head to the South Downs, explore the Seven Sisters Country Park and follow the Gruffalo’s Child on 29 October through the woods to meet a scary mouse and some of the other animals living in Friston Forest.  Organised by Sussex Wildlife Trust, children can take part in hands on activities around a camp fire, or join the Autumn Camp on 30 October to find out how to light a fire, cook your own food and build a shelter.

For a rainy day escape, hop on the magic carpet for a Disney double bill of The Jungle Book Kids and Aladdin Jr at Devonshire Park Theatre from 31 October – 3 November, featuring high energy productions of two of Disney’s best loved classics.

For genuine haunts, head to Michelham Priory, from TV’s Most Haunted, for Hallowe’en fun on 31 October with Punch & Judy, stories, drama, arts and crafts, face painting and spooky trails through the house and gardens.  Pevensey Castle is also a must for ghost hunters with dark dungeons and a resident ghost – ‘the Pale Lady of Pevensey’.

VisitEastbourne.com offers a range of half term special offers on accommodation and downloadable vouchers for discounted entry to attractions all year round, including 2 for 1’s and kids go free.

For a full round up of Halloween and half term events or to download special offer vouchers, visit www.visiteastbourne.com.

School's Out!

Kids will be waving their flags come 3pm this afternoon as schools pack up for February half-term. Whether you're visiting Eastbourne for the day or heading to the coast for the holidays, check out our top 6 picks for half-term in Eastbourne...

Get your skates on!
Make the most of your final chance to enjoy the real ice skating rink at Fort Fun this winter with the seafront ice rink staying open for half-term. Book your session online or pay as you go! Check out our competition for your chance to win a family ticket...

Creepy Crawlies Fun at Drusillas Park Creep down to Drusillas Park and meet some amazing mini monsters at the no.1 small zoo! The Discovery Centre will be open from 11am – 4pm on Sunday 12 Feb swarming with weird insects, slimy molluscs and scary spiders with experts from the British Tarantula Society on hand to answer any questions. Plus don't miss an appearance from the Fat Controller on 15 Feb!

A head for science!
The Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux near Eastbourne is hosting a jam-packed programme of activities for half-term. Don't miss the Zany Zone drop-in workshop on 13 Feb, Valentine Work Out on 14 Feb, Arty Stars and Planets on 15 Feb and Chemistry workshop on 16 Feb.

VISITOR-inspired art
Let the kids' imagination run wild at Towner Contemporary Art Museum this half-term with activities inspired by their new VISITOR exhibition. Book now for half-term workshops on 17 Feb with the chance to construct your own 3D world. Then enjoy a VISITOR Family Day on 19 Feb with artists on hand to help families make fluorescent cabins and canoes!

On your bike!
Take to the acres of beautiful countryside on Eastbourne's doorstep with a family bike ride! Head to the Seven Sisters Cycle Company at Friston Forest and hire bikes for an energetic day out!

Make waves!
If you're not sure what the weather's doing (although it is always sunny in Eastbourne!) then swimming is always a good choice for indoor fun! Choose from the Sovereign Centre leisure complex with a fun pool, wave machine, 25m pool and training pool, or enjoy the smaller, family friendly pool at Motcombe.

Whatever you choose to do, we hope you have an awesome time! Don't forget to tell us about your visits and days out on facebook, twitter, or share your snaps on flickr!

Eastbourne: 12 for 2012

So here we are in 2012 - a big year for Britain and a big year for Eastbourne! With lots of us back at work, school and college today, I think we all need something to look forward to so we've compiled a top 12 for 2012 to give you just a taster of what's on offer in the UK's sunniest place this year (the sun will be back soon, we're sure of it!)...

Airbourne: 9 - 12 August 2012

Get set for a very special four days in August as Airbourne:

Eastbourne International Airshow celebrates its special 20th anniversary year. Look forward to four days of dynamic flying, arena action, replica aircraft, ground exhibitions, Bandstand concerts, fireworks and much more!

Eastbourne Sunshine Carnival: 2 June 2012
The popular Eastbourne Carnival is back - bigger and better than ever before after a huge campaign to resurrect it.

Eastbourne Fiesta / Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations: 2 - 5 June 2012
Enjoy Eastbourne's free festival of fun, fusion and culture with live food theatre, band stage, dancing and much more - all set on the seafront! Expect a few surprises in 2012 to mark the Queen's 60th year on the throne!

The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay: 17 July 2012
Enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Olympic Flame up close as it passes through Eastbourne in the lead up to the 2012 Games.

Titanic Memorial Concert: 15 April 2012
Mark 100 years since the sinking of the Titanic at Eastbourne Bandstand with a special memorial concert and the unveiling of a new plaque in memory of John Wesley Woodward, an Eastbourne bandsman who was playing on board the ill-fated ship.

Sister Act: 24 January - 4 February 2012
The smash hit West End musical is on its way to Eastbourne's Congress Theatre starring Corrie's Denise Black and Brookside's Michael Starke.

Eastbourne Beer Festival: 4 - 6 October 2012
Enjoy a pint of Beachy Head Original Ale or Golden Arrow as the popular Eastbourne Beer Festival returns to the Winter Garden. Top tip: get your tickets early as they sell out quick! Tickets on sale from July.

Try glamping in Eastbourne!
New for 2012, VisitEastbourne.com will be offering the chance to book a break in a Big Sky Tipi! Unwind around the camp fire and experience the tranquility of tipi living - within easy access of the South Downs National Park and a short walk from Herstmonceux.

Gibson / Martelli (igloo) - VISITOR: 28 January - 1 April 2012
Inspired by the artists' travels to the snowy mountains of the Canadian Rockies, Towner's latest exhibition will include a full-size replica of a trappers' cabin.

Murder Mystery Treasure Trail
Follow the Murder Mystery Treasure Trail, a walking tour taking in the seafront and town centre solving clues and eliminating a gallery of suspects as you go! Treasure Trail packs cost £5 and are available from the Tourist Information Centre, The Mowbray and Treasure Trail kiosk (open seasonally only).

AEGON International Tennis Championships: 16 - 23 June 2012
Enjoy a star-studded week of tennis at the glorious Devonshire Park featuring top players from around the world battling it out in the prestigious grass court tournament.

Get active!
As the gateway to the South Downs National Park and with the coastline offering plenty of options for some water action, get active in 2012! Why not sign up for the Eastbourne Half Marathon in March, take on the Beachy Head Marathon in October, or try something new at Eastbourne Extreme? Ready, set, go!

*All dates and event info correct at time of writing but subject to change at any time. Check VisitEastbourne.com for up to date information.

What are you waiting for? Get your diary and start planning your 2012 by the sea!

Emma