Alfresco Shakespeare in an English Seaside Garden!

In 2016 the UK is celebrating not one, but two of Great Britain's most wonderful heritage assets; William Shakespeare, arguably the world's most famous play write, and the 'English Garden', indisputably a quintessential feature of British culture.

So, in the 'Year of the English Garden', a tourism campaign launched by VisitBritain and also with the 400 year anniversary of Shakespeare’s death being commemorated in 2016, here in Eastbourne we're offering our visitors a delightful double-serving of alfresco Shakespeare set in the stunning and secluded Italian Gardens, which are located at the foot of the South Downs National Park. Plus, a whole lot more gardens for the green-fingered, nature loving visitors to explore and more Shakespeare and the arts for our culture-vulture visitors!

‘All the world’s a stage’ or all the garden is a stage in Eastbourne, when William Shakespeare’s As You Like It is recreated in the Italian Gardens. Located at Holywell Retreat; a quaint and peaceful beach, the Italian Gardens are home to a unique wooded amphitheatre carved out of Beachy Head’s famous white chalk cliffs and surrounded by beautiful trees and this creates the perfect setting for a summer's night watching some of Shakespeare's best works unfold in a stunning alfresco location.

Bringing Shakespeare and nature together, Eastbourne Dramatic and Operatic Society, recreate one of Shakespeare’s most memorable plays from 27 July to 6 August. The ItalianGardens are transformed into ‘The Forest of Arden’, the setting in which Shakespeare’s most modern of women, Rosalind, tries to teach her lover and the audience how to win and keep a lover, whilst dressed as a man!

There really isn't a more romantic way to spend Mid-summer evenings, than in these beautiful secluded gardens which are often referred to as 'Eastbourne’s best kept secret'. Visitors, residents and holiday-makers can come and absorb culture, the striking natural beauty of the beach-facing gardens and a truly enchanting atmosphere. 

The gardens boast undercover seating or a grassed area ideal for setting up a picnic and taking in all the action from the ‘front-row’ and with a refreshment marquee selling hot drinks, soft drinks and wines and beers, plus an array of delicious cakes, theatre-goers will have have both their culture appetites met, as well as their foodie needs met.

More Shakespeare comes in the form of a ‘Macbeth’ parody, when The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company stages Macbyrd in the Italian Gardens for one night only on 10 July. The setting of the Shakespearean satire is Sussex’s very own Jevington village (just a few miles outside of Eastbourne) and this absurd comedy which features 16 birds as lead characters, portrays power struggles in a WW2 English community.

Love Italy, but can't afford that trip to Rome or Milan this year? Nevermind, a trip to Eastbourne will allow you to discover some more Italian culture when the smells and flavours of Italy come to Eastbourne at the Seafront Italian Market, from 28-30 July! There are dozens of edible Italian delights to be scooped-up, from pastas, antipastos and pizzas, to meats, fishes and of course an array of Italy's yummiest sweet treats, ice-cream, tiramisu and more!

Another one for the arts and Italian culture loving visitors this summer, OperaCoast brings a two-day course for aspiring performers to the Birley Centre, culminating in a performance of opera, La Rondine by Italian composer, Giacomo Puccini on Sunday 24 July. You can even sign-up to the two-course and have your five minutes of fame in this community opera!

Even more comedy-esque Shakespeare arrives in Eastbourne in August, when the DevonshirePark Theatre presents The ShakespeareRevue, a comic concoction of hilarious sketches and show-stopping numbers where Shakespeare meets showbiz in a dazzling cabaret-style musical originally produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

'In an English Country Garden....' Come and Explore the Gardens Trail in and around Eastbourne!

Gorgeous gardens and literary links are bountiful in and around Eastbourne. National Trust run Bateman’s in nearby Burwash is the former home of world famous author and poet, Rudyard Kipling. ‘Just So Story Day’ on 3 August where visitors to Bateman’s can listen to stories inspired by Kipling’s daughter’s inquisitive nature, and ‘The Jungle Book Trail’ on 22 July, are just two literature-inspired ways to explore Bateman’s striking gardens.

Enchanting Charleston, country home of the Bloomsbury Group, has a very colourful history and the walled garden designed in 1916 was inspired by ‘Italian fresco’, with mosaics, box hedges, gravel pathways and ponds. The house and gardens are open to the public Wednesday-Sunday until 30 October.

Michelham Priory boasts a fascinating 800 year-old history, 7 acres of grounds and gardens, a medieval herb garden, a working watermill and forge and an interactive medieval gallery. Garden explorers can visit the Tudor manor house from 10.30am-5pm until 31 October.

If you are planning an overnight stay and you want a gorgeous garden to feast your eyes on, you should book in to Ocklynge Manor, a 300 year-old manor house which is surrounded by a stunning three-quarter acre garden, complete with with an abundance of flowers and plants, it really is dreamy. So dreamy in fact that Mabel Lucie Attwell, the illustrator of J.M.Barrie’s ‘Peter Pan’ once lived in the house and imagined up many of the splendid imagery featured in 'Peter Pan', in this very house.  You'll find a historic blue plaque commemorating her on the road-side wall of the manor.

For more information on ‘As You Like It’, the Italian Gardens and all events and attractions listed here go to www.visiteastbourne.com.  

The Eastbourne Easter Round-Up!

Eastbourne has a basket-full of great ideas for fun family days out this Easter, from exploring the Redoubt Fortress’s Easter trail, to the opening of Drusillas Park’s new water attraction, wondrous South Downs walks and trails and much more, if you're looking for an egg-citing Easter break, then make your way to Eastbourne for a whole lot of fabulous family fun!

Eastbourne’s Redoubt Fortress is hosting a free Opening Weekend on 26 and 27 March, with the museum being completely free entry for all! Explore the museum and the brand new exhibition, For Hearth, Home and Honour?, which children can discover through an interactive detectives kit! Plus, go in search of the Redoubt Rabbit who is hiding in the fortress and discover some fun spring facts en-route on the Redoubt's Easter Trail from 25 March – 10 April. All those who find the rabbit will receive a chocolate treat at the end of the trail!  

Pop next door to the Pavilion and solve the mysteries of Eastbourne's Bronze Age story, in a brand new exhibition for 2016, Making Tracks: Eastbourne's Bronze Age Mystery, complete with a rebuild of part of the UK's largest Bronze Age track-way. 

The Seven Sisters Sheep Centre, which is now open for lambing season, will make for the loveliest of spring time experiences! The traditional farming centre is open for visitors to enjoy the miracle of birth, join in feeding time and pet new born lambs from 5 March – 2 May!

For more Easter trails, head to Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters from 25-18 March, going in search of hidden clues on Belle Tout and Lookout Hill and answering trivia questions and completing challenges, where afterwards you'll be rewarded with a delicious Cadbury Easter bunny back at the Visitor Centre! 

From 24 March - 10 April Bateman’s country house also have a Cadbury Easter Trail allowing visitors to explore the former home of writer Rudyard Kipling, in a hunt for a chocolate reward at the end! 

Drusillas Park, is getting set to 'Get Wet' as it opens its newest attraction this Easter! Get Wet, is a new splash pad collection of thrilling water jets, spiraling sprays, twirling streams and palm trees, so as the weather warms up, there are now even more reasons to head to the UK's best small zoo! The park also welcomes The Gruffalo for his debut appearance at Drusillas on 30 March, plus many more favourite characters this Easter from Hello Kitty to The Fat Controller.

On Easter Sunday (27 March), jump on board the Easter Eggspress at the Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway and ride around the pretty country park on a steam locomotive, one eighth of the original size, receiving a delicious Easter egg when alighting the train.

Knockhatch Adventure Park celebrates Easter with an Easter Extravaganza of fun trails and egg hunts, alongside its usual family offering of outdoor adventure play, large petting farm, a boating lake and much more!

Why not take a lovely long family walk along the South Downs Way on any day this bank holiday weekend? Hike from Eastbourne to Alfriston, breathing in the fresh Eastbourne air and drinking in the beautiful scenery. Stop off along route in Jevington for a warm and cosy rest at the Eight Bells pub, to refuel on locally brewed real ales and delicious traditional pub grub.

And of course, Eastbourne’s 1930’s Bandstand will be hosting its annual free Easter Sunday concert with traditional concert music from the town’s own Eastbourne Silver Band. Come along and join in with the celebrations at the Bandstand from 2.30pm on 27 March.

So if you're heading to Eastbourne this weekend, you'll be completely spoiled for choice for ways to spend your days! Happy Easter! 

For more information on all Easter events go to www.VisitEastbourne.com.

10 Reasons to Sign Up to the Beachy Head Marathon!

The Beachy Head Marathon is less than six weeks away now and whilst it's important to have undergone some marathon training before signing up, there is still time and a small remainder of places to enter the race! Here are 10 reasons why you should enter the Beachy Head Marathon today and and take part in a fantastic sporting event on the stunning South Coast!

1. Where else can you run a marathon whilst being surrounded by the UK's highest chalk sea cliffs?

2. The Beachy Head Marathon has previously been featured in Runner's World Top 10 UK races, therefore it's one for the marathon runner's bucket list!

3. It may be one of the toughest marathon's in the UK to run, however past runners have described the marathon course as exhilarating and it makes the achievement of running it all the more incredible!

4. There aren't many sporting challenges in the UK (or the world) where you are able to see such incredibly beautiful sights whilst running 26 miles! The marathon route takes in the breathtaking beauty of the Seven Sisters, Friston Forest, some quaint Sussex villages, the Cuckmere Valley and lots more gorgeous coastal scenery!

5. Not only is it one of the most notable marathon's in the UK, it's also a world famous marathon which attracts runners from over 14 different countries, including America, Austrailia, Germany and New Zealand.

6. The event is renowned for it's great atmosphere and support from the crowds which really makes a difference when you're struggling with those hills! There's also incredible support from the marathon marshals who volunteer their time to help keep the runners motivated.

7. Live music along the route also adds extra encouragement when the going gets tough!

8. Cooler October temperatures, together with the coastal breeze means that you won't be beaten or worn out by hot temperatures whilst running!

9. There are multiple checkpoints along the 26 mile course where you can refuel on some delicious and nutritious snacks and drinks, from hot cross buns, sausage rolls, cakes, biscuits, soup, jelly babies, tea, fruit squash and of course water, you won't know what to eat and drink!

10. Lastly, why not make a trip of it this half term and stay in Eastbourne for a family break to relax and recuperate after the marathon? There's plenty of family fun to be had for both adults and children in Eastbourne this half term!

So, if you already have some training under your belt then sign up to the Beachy Head Marathon today, get your running gear on and head to the beautiful South Downs to continue your training ahead of 24 October!

Get your Boots on and Head for the Hills for the Coast and Country Walking Festival!

After a very successful first year of the Coast and Country Walking Festival in 2014, Eastbourne Borough Council and Wealden District Council are bringing it back for a whole nine days this September and October!

Coast and Country Walking Festival in Eastbourne and Wealden runs from 26 September through to 4 October and is aimed at walkers of varying ages, abilities and even interests, so you're sure to find a walk which is right for you.

Although one of the main aims of the walks is to get people active, energized, fit and healthy, the festival is also the perfect way to take in the outstanding natural beauty of the South Downs surrounding Eastbourne and other areas of Sussex. Some walks are free and some have a cost, but most walks have a maximum number of walkers, so be sure to book a place to avoid disappointment! 

With over 50 walks to experience the festival offers a range of walks including historical, literary, healthy and Nordic walks. There's short walks, long walks, easy, moderate or brisk walks, so take a look at some of our favourite picks and get yourself booked onto a walk!

Two Breweries Tour - Saturday 26th September

This is a 15 mile all day walk, starting from Bedes School on Dukes Drive, Eastbourne and ending at the Plough and Harrow in Litlington. Enjoy this scenic downland walk led by an experienced guide to East Dean where you'll stop and visit the first of two breweries, Beachy Head Brewery. Discover the brewing methods adopted by Head Brewer, Roger Green and enjoy the tutored tasting whilst learning the history of the brewery. Continue the walk over to Litlington where you'll stop for lunch at the Plough and Harrow before commencing on the second tour and tasting at the Long Man Brewery! A great value walk at just £15 per person; there are 30 spaces so book your place if you have a passion for real ale and brisk country walks!

Arlington Abbots Wood Nordic Walking Taster - Tuesday 29th September

A short but brisk walk, this session will teach keen learners a fitness walking discipline which can burn over 35% more calories than easy walking and also aids muscle tone. Oakleafe Sussex Nordic Walking offers a 5-mile circular Nordic Taster from the Forestry Commission car park for Abbots Wood by Wilbees Road/Caneheath through Arlington. The taster session, led by International Nordic Walking Association accredited Nordic Walk instructor, Nigel Bentley, is a circular route which explores the forest rides, lake and higher ground to the north, ascending 225 feet along the way. Nordic Walk poles are available for loan and completion of a fitness assessment form is required prior to participation. This is a 5 mile walk, with a maximum of 15 participants, free of charge but donations are welcome.

A Photographic Walk along the Cuckoo Trail - Friday 2nd October

If capturing some natural beauty on your camera is what makes you happy, book a place on this gentle walk along the Cuckoo Trail, starting in Hailsham. You don't need to be an expert, just someone with a desire to walk and photograph. A professional photographer will be on hand to accompany the group and you'll even have the chance to download your snaps at the end of the walk, onto PC's provided, and have a short lesson on editing your images using photo editing software. This walk is free of charge, but hurry to book your place as there's a maximum of 16 walkers.

For all the details of the Coast and Country Walking Festival go to sussexwalkingfestival.org.uk or visit the Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre to pick up your complete 36 page guide to the walking festival with a full list of all walks across the nine days. You can also book a place on a walk by calling 01892 602757. Dogs on leads are allowed on most walks, children are welcome too provided under 16's are accompanied by an adult!

Music and Festivities on Eastbourne's Western Seafront this June

Western View Cafe, if you didn't already know, is the sun trap cafe at Eastbourne's Wish Tower and is the perfect place for catching some rays by the sea.

Making it even more ideal for a relaxing late afternoon drink this Summer, are the Live Music on the Decking nights, which will feature local artists providing great summer sounds in an alfresco setting.

On Sunday 7 June, head to Western View to sit out on the decking, taking in the gorgeous views of Beachy Head and the South Downs whilst sipping on a glass of wine (or bottled beer, whatever your preferred tipple), and listen to the chilled sounds of Owen Donnovan as he performs cover music made for relaxing Summer evenings.

The bar on the decking will be serving a variety of wines, bottled beers, Pimm's and some spirits with mixers. Make the most of Summer in Eastbourne and soak up every last second of your weekend. Look out on VisitEastbourne for further Live Music dates (in the incidence of wet/bad weather the Live Music nights will be cancelled).

At the end of the month, when Summer will be in full swing, the Wish Tower Slopes will be bringing the festival vibes of Glastonbury, to Eastbourne on big Screen on the Green, from 26-28 June.

If you missed out on Glastonbury tickets, Eastbourne will help to cheer you up. Located on the beautiful seafront, the Screen on the Green will bring the atmosphere of the UK's most talked about festival, to Eastbourne.

Bring a blanket or deckchair and relax in front of the big screen, watching the epic Glastonbury line-up of The Foo Fighters, Lionel Ritchie, Kanye West, Florence and the Machine, George Ezra, Rudimental, Mark Ronson and Pharrell Williams, across the weekend. 

On Saturday afternoon, live BBC coverage of the climatic AEGON International ladies' singles final, being played just minutes down the road, will be broadcast on the big screen, making it a fantastic weekend of music and sport on the Wish Tower Slopes.

To complete the festival feel, there will be a fully licensed bar, serving alcoholic beverages and barbecue food so you can stay and watch uninterrupted all afternoon and evening. There will also be a limited number of chairs available, but to make sure you're comfy enough to enjoy the screening, bringing something of you own to sit on is advised. 

The big screen will be in operation from 5.30pm-10.30pm on Friday 26 June, 1pm-10.30pm on Saturday 27 June and 2pm-10pm on Sunday 28 June. The ladies' singles final begins at 1.30pm on Saturday, with Glastonbury footage commencing at the end of the final. 

Put the Spring Back in Your Step in Eastbourne!

Today is an absolutely beautiful day in Eastbourne, and with the temperature warming up and the sun shining daily, the team at Visit Eastbourne has become extremely excited for Spring, inspiring this week's blog post!

Daffodils are starting to pop up in places all around the town, and a walk in the fresh Eastbourne air is the perfect way to get in touch with nature this Spring. Whether it's taking in the sea air with a walk along the promenade, or a longer country walk over the South Downs, your senses will be spoiled with the wonders of Spring time in Eastbourne. Why not make a day of it and enjoy a coastal walk over the Downs, walking the 17.5 kilometers from Eastbourne to Alfriston? Pack a picnic and find a sunny spot for lunch, or refuel at the Eight Bells pub in Jevington, who serve delicious seasonal food and locally brewed ales.

Another essential South Downs Spring time experience, is the beginning of the lambing season at the Seven Sisters Sheep Centre. Not just for children, everyone can enjoy the heart-warming experience of seeing new life come into the world, in the form of four-legged white fluffy animals. Lambing season begins on 7 March, continuing through until 4 May. In this time, meet 50 different breeds of sheep, help to bottle feed the lambs at feeding times of 11.30am and 3.30pm, and hopefully see some lambs being born in the lambing yard! For an extra special outing, experience the life of a farmer and attend night time lambing, at exclusive bookable time-slots.

For a magical Spring evening, attend one of the two remaining 'Stargazing for Everyone' nights at the Redoubt Fortress. The Eastbourne Astronomical Society are sharing their extensive knowledge of the dazzling night sky, providing telescopes and binoculars for all to use. Jupiter, stars and craters on the moon; all of these can be seen from the gun platform of the Redoubt on 28 February from 7pm and 28 March from 8pm. These events are free to attend, making for a great family outing or a romantic evening for two - just make sure to wrap up warm!

Visit the emotive World War One exhibition of Summerdown Camp - the UK's first and largest convalescent camp which opened in Eastbourne 100 years ago. The exhibition, which uncovers the stories of the thousands of injured soldiers who recovered at the camp and working women who nursed them back to health, is open at Eastbourne Pavilion from 16 March until 15 November. A special commemorative event will be held on 8 April, 100 years to the day that the camp opened. Step back in time and experience the daily life of Summerdown Camp residents. Take part in basket making and embroidery, two vital therapies undertaken at Summerdown; try on a 'Blue Boys' uniform, have a guided tour of the exhibition and talk to relatives of camp soldiers about their ancestor's experiences.

Towner has a very moving exhibition from Israeli artist, Ori Gersht, on throughout the Spring; visit the free exhibition from now until 26 April. Take in the beauty of the two major moving image works, Evaders (2009 from the Towner collection) and The Forest (2005), along with a series of mesmerizing large scale photographs; all tracing the journey of writer and poet, Walter Benjamin through the Pyrnees in his escape from 1940's Nazi regime.

With Easter not too far away, now is an egg-cellent time to start making plans for the Easter weekend and school holidays. Eastbourne Miniature Railway Park will have free Easter Eggs (while stocks last) for all children riding the railway over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. The Bandstand will hold its much-loved traditional annual Easter Sunday Concert (5 April). Enjoy the sounds of the Eastbourne Silver Band with family and friends from 2.30pm. The Seven Sisters Country Park are holding a special Easter family event on March 30. Children aged 5-11 can get creative, decorating eggs with paint, glue and more, sow seeds to celebrate new life this Spring and follow a wildlife Easter trail through the woods.

Look out for more inspiring ways to spend Spring days in and around Eastbourne!

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

Events to get fit for in Eastbourne!

So January came and after being on the healthy side of Christmas, it was easy to go to the gym and ditch takeaways for salads. Then came February and the chance of falling off the wagon just got higher. We’ve put a few ideas together to work towards your fitness goal whilst enjoying Eastbourne. There are so many sporting events to get involved with and what great motivation to keep training!

• Eastbourne has another great year ahead planned for sports starting with the Eastbourne Half Marathon 2014, taking place on Sunday 2 March. The half marathon starts at Princes Park, taking runners down the length of the seafront, through Meads and the Sovereign Harbour. The aim is to raise as much money as possible for local charities. Over the last 9 years, the half marathon has raised over £110,000 for charities. What great motivation to take part! Time is of the essence though as it is just weeks away!

• Join in with the Eastbourne sports festival 17-18 May. The event allows a variety of sports taster sessions delivered across two days by local sports clubs and organisations using the four council’s sports centres; Sports Park, Hampden Park SC, Cavendish SC and Shinewater SC. The festival is for the whole family to enjoy, each participant pays just £1 per activity and it all goes to NSPCC. You can expect anything from scuba diving to golf and from kickboxing to football.

• If Cycling is your thing then there is plenty of time to train for the Eastbourne Cycling Festival on 1 June. Last year, there were 7 main events throughout the day, including the Eastbourne 5K, Eastbourne Dualthlon, Eastbourne Sportive and Eastbourne Road Racing along with Kid’s events and retail exhibitions. This year is set to be even better. So it’s time to get back on those wheels, raise some money for charity and enjoy a day surrounded by Eastbourne fantastic scenery.

• The Tour Of Sussex Cycle race is back after a successful year in 2013. The race on 4 – 6 July starts is set in three stages incorporating various climbs and sprints form Lewes to Eastbourne. This is a great event and worth training for!

• Having over 3 miles of un-spoilt beaches means that when it comes to swimming events in Eastbourne, the sea is the destination! Try the Eastbourne sprint triathlon and aquathlon on 12 July.

• If it urban sports you are in to then Eastbourne Extreme is for you. The weekend event takes place on 12 and 13 July at the Eastern end of the seafront. Visitors can expect to see and take part in water sports, skating, bmxing, roller derby and so much more!

• If you’re thinking long term and want a real challenge, then the Beachy Head Marathon or 10k is for you. Taking place on 25 October, the Beachy Head Marathon is a scenic gem and has been described by subscribers to Runners World as one of the most iconic events in the country. It 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. 

Other events to work towards include Race for Life in the summer and The Santa Fun Run at Christmas.

Eastbourne is also the perfect place to get fit outdoors with over 3 miles of un spoilt seafront, and the South Downs National Park on the doorstep.

For more information on any of these events, go to www.visiteastbourne.com

Family Summer breaks in Eastbourne 2013

Family Summer breaks in Eastbourne 2013

Eastbourne is the sunniest place in the UK and with an extensive events programme which is well under way, a mix of family attractions, the South Downs and a stunning seaside, Eastbourne has something for everyone to enjoy.

Eastbourne has over 3 miles of unspoilt beaches and promenade. There are safe bathing zones, showers, toilets, refreshments and beach merchandise available along with deck chairs, parasols and sun loungers available to hire. Kidsafe safety wristbands are also available along with the chance for children to take part in lifeguard courses on the seafront.

As well as pebbled beaches, the seafront has outdoor tennis courts, a skate park and windsurfing lessons at Spray Watersports available.

Eastbourne is the gateway to the National South Downs Park where there are miles of down land ready for family picnics! The Downs are also home to the Seven Sisters Sheep centre, just a mile away from Beachy Head and offering families a unique opportunity to meet over 50 different breeds of sheep, goats, pigs, ducks, chickens, rabbits! Sheering of the sheep also happens this time of year, so a perfect time to go!

To combine the stunning seaside and the South Downs National Park, visitors can take an adventure boat trip from the Sovereign Harbour to Beachy Head with Sussex Voyages. Trips vary from 30 minutes to an hour and kids go free until the end of July with the visiteastbourne voucher – downloadable online.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “Eastbourne really is the perfect getaway for families. With a list of outdoor and indoor activities, a range of accommodation and stunning unspoilt beaches, there is something for everyone to enjoy!”

Eastbourne is the home of the first outdoor water park in the South East; Fort Fun Splash Park. Fort Fun is a family amusement park with a variety of attractions. Visitors can enjoy the super splash park and various rides plus an 18 hole golf course. In addition there is an indoor soft play area.

Just along from Fort Fun, families can also visit Treasure Island; a pirate themed adventure park where children can climb the shipwreck with slides, bridges, netted walkways and zip slides plus a paddling pool and sandy beach in spacious parkland.

In the same area of the Seafront, Princes Park is the home to another outdoor splash pad. Children can safely play amongst the fountains and small pools after visiting the play parks, large lake and café.

Eastbourne has a vibrant urban sports scene with skating showing to be a popular activity. Skate lessons and discos are available from the Sk8 School and Eastbourne Skating Club at the Sovereign Centre and skate parks. All ages are welcome to join in the fun whilst visiting Eastbourne!

The Napoleonic Redoubt Fortress is located on Eastbourne seafront and was built to defend the south coast from Napoleon’s forces. Visitors can come and discover over 200 years of history with hands on children’s activities, daily cannon firing and paintballing! In addition refreshments are available from the vintage themed café; The Outpost.

To get to these attractions and to take an enjoyable ride down the seafront, visitors can take the Dotto Train, stopping at destinations from Harbour Reach to Holywell.

To add to the exciting list of attractions, Eastbourne offers Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway, a railway adventure where visitors can travel for nearly a mile on the 1/8^th scale miniature trains. There is also a nature walk around the lake, adventure playground, model railways, café and gift shop.

For entertainment throughout the summer holidays, the Bandstand hosts Kids Party Nights every Tuesday evening from 23 July – 27 August. The shows are a real treat for the summer with fun songs from Mamma Mia, Glee and many more. Plus there is FREE face painting.

There are some great things to do in Eastbourne that won’t cost a penny, including rock pooling in the marine conservation area at Falling Sands followed by a picnic in the hidden Cliffside Italian Gardens; or cycling on the Downs, Cuckoo trail or Eastern seafront. Visitors could also try picking their own fruit from Sharnfold farm where there is FREE entry to see animals, a walking trail and playground.

Eastbourne is set to host Eastbourne Extreme and Airbourne.

Eastbourne’s popular extreme sports festival returns to the eastern seafront on 13 and 14 July with a great line up combining an exciting mix of air, land and water based outdoor pursuits.

Airbourne, Eastbourne’s International Airshow takes over the seafront from 15 – 18 August. The four day FREE seafront airshow will see daily displays from the Red Arrows along with the Belgian Air Component F-16, The Typhoon, Chinook, Tucano and many more!

Just outside of Eastbourne, families can visit the multi award winning Drusillas Park Zoo, which claimed the Tourism South East Visitor Attraction of the Year award in 2010/11. Home to hundreds of fascinating creatures, this family run park promises plenty of animal magic for young and old. The Thomas & Friends™ train offers rides all year round and there’s fun whatever the weather in the indoor Amazon Adventure soft play area.

Also on Eastbourne’s doorstep is Pevensey Castle. Visitors can explore the castle and museum after just a 5 minute car or train ride from Eastbourne. Alternatively visitors can explore science on a grand scale at the Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux.

Eastbourne has over 7500 bed spaces available in hotels and guesthouses, with a large portion of them located on the seafront. There are many family friendly hotels including the Guest House East, a modern, stylish, highly rated guesthouse located just a pebble’s throw from the beach. Family rooms are available sleeping up to 5, which come with a kitchen so families can prepare food if required. Breakfast is also available in the hotel.

For more information go to www.visiteastbourne.com

Let’s celebrate National Picnic Week 17-23 June!

There is one thing us Brits have always done well and that is the Great British Picnic!

This week is National Picnic week and what a perfect opportunity to embrace the beautiful outdoor sites of Eastbourne. Eastbourne has an ever growing list of perfect picnic spots offering different atmospheres; from fun at the beach to the tranquil setting of a park, from the wide open South Downs National Park to the secret spot at Italian Gardens, Eastbourne has something to suit everyone.

The main factor to a Great British picnic is the location so let’s go through ideas of where to go for your picnic in Eastbourne:

South Downs National Park                                                           

The South Downs National Park covers an area of 1600 km² and offers breathtaking landscapes and views. Known as one of Britain’s Breathing Spaces, the park has green rolling pastures, open spaces, ancient woodlands and river valleys. There is so much to do on the Downs like walking, cycling, horse riding, visiting heritage sites and of course having a picnic!                                                                

Visitors can picnic at Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters Country Park, Cuckmere valley, the Long Man of Wilmington and Downland villages.

Down the Beach                                                                    

Eastbourne boasts three miles of clean unspoilt beaches with safe bathing zones, showers, toilets, refreshments and deckchairs available. The sunny Eastbourne seaside is the perfect summertime picnic spot where visitors can go for a paddle and get an ice-cream after when the picnic foods run out!                                                        

The seafront stretches from East to West, the West offering a more happening and safe environment. You could also hire a beach hut! Go to the seafront office by the Bandstand to find out more.

Princes Park                                                                                               

The green flag quality awarded family park on the eastern seafront has a large lake, rose and aromatic herb gardens, plenty of open parkland plus two play areas, new modern splash pad, putting, bowling greens and Pistachio in the Park café. With all this for the family to do, it is a great place to take the basket and blanket for a picnic! With all these facilities, visitors could spend all day there!

Gildredge Park and Manor Gardens                                             

Gildredge Park is a family park with grass areas, a new skate park and children’s playground, plus quiet areas of pleasant herbaceous borders, rockeries and sensory plants. The park is located not far from the town centre so those travelling on the train/bus can get to it easily. The park has a secluded feel to it whilst offering large open spaces for Frisbee, football etc.

Hampden Park                                                                          

Hampden is a popular park with a play area, large lake with an abundance of wildlife, shady lawns, an extensive area of woodland and a tea chalet. Both the shady and open spaces are great locations to celebrate National Picnic Week!

Italian Gardens and The Helen Garden                                           

The Helen Garden is a secluded garden on the western end of the seafront with a play area, bowls, putting, petanque and a café to enjoy the glorious sea views. The area is quiet and peaceful offering a tranquil environment. Italian Gardens is hidden just behind The Helen Garden at Holywell. It is a secret hideaway nestling in the corner of the Cliffside. If it is peace you are after, this destination is the one!

AEGON International Tennis                                                            

As National Picnic Week has fallen on the same week as the tennis, why not take your picnic there? Or grab some of the fantastic food sold on site while watching some of the exciting games throughout the week! Take a look here for ticket availability and book today! http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/LTA-summer-grass-court-events/AEGON-International/

Now you know where to go for your picnic make sure you kit up your basket with enough food and drink for all, suncream and a brolly. Also remember to kindly take your rubbish with you.

Classic picnic food consists of sandwiches, sausage rolls and strawberries but if you fancy something different, how about getting some fish and chips from one of Eastbourne’s finest chippies on the way!

For more information on any of these sites go to www.visiteastbourne.com

Happy Picnic Week! J