Your February Half Term Fun in Eastbourne!

We're here to help with the all important planning for half term, providing you with ideas for indoor and outdoor activities to keep children of all ages entertained and happy this February!

The Llama Park at Forest Row is great for outdoors fun whilst enjoying some of the wonderful four-legged creatures of the world. Home to herds of llamas and alpacas, reindeer, Spanish horses and Jacob Sheep, the Llama Park is currently offering 2 for 1 on admission, with a voucher redeemable on VisitEastbourne. The park also offers Llama walks, for those children who want to take the lead. 

The half term will see the first visits by lovable characters, Hello Kitty and the Fat Controller to Drusillas Park, the UK's best small zoo! The Fat Controller will be back running the Thomas and Friend's Railway on 17 February, whilst Hello Kitty fans can meet the Japanese kitty in her Drusillas house, having a souvenir photo taken, on 18 February. 

On Wednesday 18 February, take the children to Towner for the morning to watch Japanese animation Ponyo. This is a free screening of the animated underwater adventure which tells the magical story of a curious young goldfish on her quest to become a human. Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid, this is sure to entertain aspiring young mermaids and mermen.

If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise... Not quite the woods, but Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters Hotel are hosting a Teddy Bear's Picnic for children and their bears on February 18 at 12-2pm. A picnic will be provided for all children for the price of £7.50 - a seaside picnic not to be missed!

For the more active children Tennis in the Park, at Gildridge Park are holding a Tennis Holiday Camp. Suitable for both beginners and more advanced tennis players, children will learn new skills and improve on existing ones in a fun and relaxed environment. And for parents, relax in the Love All Cafe with delicious breakfast, lunch, snacks, hot and cold drinks served all day long.

It might be half term, but it doesn't mean that children's learning has to stop. The Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux has a fun interactive afternoon workshop; 'A Hearty Work Out' for children aged 6-9 on Tuesday 17 February, in which they will learn all about how the heart works to keep them alive. The creative workshop will have them making their own stethoscopes, learning how to check their pulse and making yummy heart melting chocolates.

Enjoy some Disney magic on stage in 'Aladdin JNR' at the Royal Hippodrome, telling the story of 'street rat' Aladdin, as he falls in love with Princess Jasmine and fights with the evil Jaffar for her hand in marriage. Catch an afternoon or evening performance between 18 and 21 February!

For more half-term attractions and events go to the Visit Eastbourne half term page!

10 Things We Love About Eastbourne

In the run up to Valentine's Day, the team at Visit Eastbourne have gone all sentimental over the lovely little seaside town we live and work in. So, we've declared what it is we love about Eastbourne and put it altogether here in this list - 10 Things We Love About Eastbourne!

1. I love the stunning view of Eastbourne as you run over the Downs from Beachy Head - it takes your breath away! And on a dry, crisp day, we love taking our kids on their bikes along the cycle path from the Sovereign Centre, and stopping at The Pavilion for cake and hot chocolates! - Laura F

2. There are so many quirky and lovely independent shops in Eastbourne. I love that I can always find a special gift for a friend, or a treat for myself in these unique little shops. - Sarah

3. I love going for walks along the seafront and around the Sovereign Harbour. Particularly during the summer it’s lovely to sit outside one of the restaurants and watch the boats sail by whilst enjoying a meal. - Cat 

4. Going for a walk in the beautiful Italian Gardens and then having lunch in the Western View cafe is one of the most relaxing ways to spend an afternoon in Eastbourne. - Annie

5. I sometimes find myself standing outside the gates of St Mary's Church in Old Town and imagining the countless people who have gazed at the same view over the 900 or so years it has stood here. It makes me feel part of a community that spans the generations and about whom it is my work to discover. - Jo

6. There is so much that I love - The anticipation of tennis week in June as all the branding is erected around town, and then the late evening shadows on the tennis courts at Devonshire Park with the sun going down and the gentle thud of tennis balls against rackets. Eating fish and chips from the paper, sitting on Eastbourne seafront us the sun goes down with music playing from the Bandstand will always be one of my favourite past-times. - Mike

7.  I love a good night out in Eastbourne. Starting off with a few drinks in one of the swanky cocktail or wine bars, followed by dancing with friends in TJ's nightclub until the early hours! - Laura G

8. I love walking along Eastbourne’s prom with the family.  Whatever the weather it’s great to get out in the fresh air with those glorious sea views.  We often stop for coffee and cake in one of the seafront cafes or if we’re feeling energetic walk from the seafront onto the Downs to explore the South Downs Way – bliss! - Lisa 

9. I love the many beautiful parks in Eastbourne, and I especially love to spend a hot summers afternoon in the gardens next to the former Towner Gallery in Gildridge Park. Then when it turns a little cooler, to stroll over the road to the Counting House for evening drinks in the beer garden. - Beth

10. One of my favourite things about Eastbourne is Airbourne  - I love to go up to Beachy Head to watch the flying displays, it's such an amazing spot to view the planes from - and the view of Eastbourne from there is also incredible! - Amanda







Eastbourne really is a special town, we love it. What do you love about Eastbourne and why?

Give Your Body a Relaxing Treat at The Orchid Rooms

We know that whilst it is important to reassess your diet, cut back on the calories and increase your level of exercise when working on a 'New and Improved You', sometimes all your body really needs is a little TLC. 'Time 2 Change with Visit Eastbourne' insists you indulge in a little pampering this year, and we're even bringing you a competition to help with this!

Eastbourne has a wealth of beauty salons and spas, perfect for a mid-week treatment or weekend long pampering session, so for a relaxing break or day-trip, Eastbourne couldn't be more perfect!

The Orchid Rooms in Eastbourne's quaint Little Chelsea area, is a tranquil women's only beauty spa designed to give ladies the relaxation they deserve in a private and comfortable setting. Specializing in the Elemis skincare range, The Orchid Rooms offer a whole host of different facials and relaxing massages and body treatments.

One of the relaxing treatment rooms at The Orchid Rooms

With non-invasive wrinkle correction, Jessica Polish manicures and pedicures, mother-to-be massages on a uniquely designed beanbag, full body exfoliating tan application and an all-mineral make-up range, The Orchid Rooms really does have the right treatment to meet the unique needs of a woman in any stage of her life.

The salon has a suite of treatment rooms, designed to help you unwind into a state of calm, helping you to drift off into a peaceful dream-like state, whilst the Elemis trained therapists work their magic!

To rejuvenate the mind, body and soul this dull January, why not try the Spirit Reviver Massage? A treat for all the senses, this blend of lemon, lime, peppermint and grapefruit oils are massaged over the body and are designed to detoxify tired skin and uplift the spirit. This month only the 60 minute treatment can be yours for only £35.

We also like the sound of the Exotic Moisture Dew Elemis Facial Treatment - have your face pampered and skin revived for a whole hour. A deep cleansing treatment which will leave you with more nourished skin and a nice dewy look - perfect for pretending it's Spring already. It won't leave you bankrupt either; 60 minutes of relaxation and a glowing facial complexion for only £39.

For the full-range of treatments available, browse online and find the perfect one for you!

The Orchid Rooms is attached to a ladies-only gym, Energie Fitness for Women, who are both on a mission to provide the best services for women to take care of both physical and mental well-being. The Energie gym offers fitness and nutrition guidance to energise the body, and The Orchid Rooms are there for when women need to relax, unwind and pamper; beautifying the body and the soul.

This January we think that fitness, diet and detoxification should go hand-in-hand with relaxation - and we encourage you to spend a little time and money treating yourself to a beauty treatment which yields multiple benefits. If it's 'Time 2 Change' the way you relax - The Orchid Rooms can most definitely help you with this!

To win a £25 gift voucher to use at The Orchid Rooms on one of their many incredible treatments, take a look on the Time 2 Change with Visit Eastbourne page!

Try a Healthy Vegetarian Diet in 2015

Changing your diet can have a very positive effect on your health, appearance and your mood. A vegetarian diet could help you to lose weight because the typical vegetarian diet tends to be lower in fat, with the majority of saturated-fats (which help pile on the pounds), coming from animal products.

You don't need to go full-on vegetarian to gain the health benefits however, just cutting down the amount of meat you consume and having a few vegetarian days a week is a great start. And we know the perfect place for you to try out a delicious and filling vegetarian meal - The Green Almond! 

The Green Almond is a vegetarian bistro in Eastbourne which opened in August 2014 and has since been a popular choice for both vegetarians and meat-eaters looking for a delicious lunch! Five days a week - Tuesday-Saturday - the bistro serves up a feast of a buffet, and all dishes are completely vegetarian and some are vegan and gluten-free too! 

The buffet offers delights aplenty, with a range of salads, soups, breads and hot veggie dishes, with most ingredients being sourced and produced locally, making this place extra green and friendly. At lunchtime you'll find dishes such as; Wheat Berry and Mushroom Salad, Griddled Mediterranean Vegetarian Salad, Homemade Humous and Pea and Mint soup. Whilst on a Friday and Saturday evening you'll find a unique set menu of three courses of delicious vegetarian food - for the purse-friendly price of £20 per person. 

Both the evening set-menu and the lunchtime buffet are constantly changing, as the chef and part-owner, chooses unique dishes to make each day, according to which of the best fresh ingredients are available locally.

This is a truly delightful restaurant, which is like no other in Eastbourne! A great atmosphere, warm ambiance and most importantly vegetarian food which will help keep your body lean and healthy and your appetite happy! 

The Green Almond is located on Compton Street, behind the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne and is open Tuesday-Saturday. 

Visit Eastbourne and The Green Almond are offering you the chance to win a Lunch Help-Yourself Buffet for Two, giving you a boost with your healthy eating plans for 2015. Head to the 'Time 2 Change with Visit Eastbourne' page on our website to find more details of the competition.

In the mean time call 01323 734470 to book a table or pop in to get a lunch time table.

Time 2 Change with Visit Eastbourne

The age old tradition of making New Year's resolutions originated in Ancient Rome. Janus, the two-faced god who looks backwards into the old year and forwards into the new, made promises at the beginning of each year as how to live in the twelve months ahead. 

At Visit Eastbourne we're taking on the philosophy of Janus and celebrating everything that Eastbourne has to offer, old and new, to inspire visits to Eastbourne and help you to change your lifestyle this year.  

Over the next four weeks we'll be bringing visitors and residents of Eastbourne ideas, offers, competitions and motivational blog posts to help you all make the most of the facilities, services and most importantly, the beautiful natural surroundings which Eastbourne boasts, in order to help with making those all important positive changes in 2015.

The Orchid Rooms; for relaxation

We believe in making well-rounded changes to your lifestyle, as there are many areas of life which could often benefit from a spruce-up. 

The Green Almond, Vegetarian Buffet

Health, fitness and well-being are vital to enjoying a happy life, so we'll be focusing the first two weeks of our 'Time 2 Change' project on highlighting the best places in Eastbourne to help with the January detox, to relax and rejuvenate and to get back on the right fitness track. As well as the best eateries in town to get delicious healthy food and drink from, and ideas for sporting challenges to help set that achievable goal.

For those of you who are looking for changes in other areas of your life, we'll be spending the second fortnight of the project bringing forth ideas of places to discover, visit and explore in and around Eastbourne. There are some extremely pretty and peaceful areas in Eastbourne and we want to guide you there to discover the beauty for yourself. 

Hampden Park, Eastbourne

It's not only exploration and adventure which can enhance your life, starting something new can be a very fulfilling way to make a change this year. If you're looking for a new hobby, to learn a new skill, ways to be more creative or maybe just to meet new people, we'll be giving ideas on how and where to do this in Eastbourne in January, February and in the rest of the coming year.

So, if you're looking for ways to change or improve your lifestyle this year, look no further than Eastbourne. 'The Sunshine Coast' provides the weather and beautiful setting, and we'll provide the motivational ideas to help make 2015 your most well-rounded and positive year yet. 

Happy New Year from the Visit Eastbourne Team!

The Twelve Pubs of Christmas!

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a glass of the finest G 'n' T!

With the festive season now in full swing and Christmas day only one week away, it's time to finish the last little bits of present buying and food shopping, put on your party hat and head to the pub to celebrate with friends and family.

Eastbourne and the surrounding areas have an overwhelming number of pubs for you to visit this Christmas, we really are spoiled for choice. From family favorites to the best pubs for after work drinks, here's our round up of twelve Eastbourne pubs that are a must-do this Christmas!

1. The Farm @ Friday Street in Langney has recently been awarded Silver in the Best Tourism Pub of the South East, in the Beautiful South Awards and not without good reason! The large pub is extremely cosy, with a grand open fire to warm yourself by whilst you indulge in the fine wines, locally brewed beers and locally sourced freshly made food all on offer. A festive menu is available by pre-ordering, although they are now fully booked for Christmas day!

Farm @ Friday Street

2. If you're out walking along the Seven Sisters and the Cuckmere Valley over Christmas, then you're going to need to warm-up and refuel, so head to The Golden Galleon for a lovely riverside pub with a log fire. They serve up great traditional pub food and real ales, and are a family friendly pub making it the perfect place to gather after a Boxing Day family walk.

3. In the last few working days before Christmas, why not gather your colleagues and friends in Bibendum on South Street? This town pub is looking very festive, with a large brightly decorated tree and twinkling fairy lights and it's comfortably full with young people gathering for a post-work Christmas tipple. With good wines, champagnes and mulled wine on offer, it won't disappoint.

4.  The Lamb Inn in Old Town is boasting a delectable Christmas menu this year, so if you're planning a last minute festive feast with friends, contact them quickly to take advantage of a delicious menu at a very purse-friendly price. The beer and ale served at The Lamb, is brewed and supplied by the local iconic Harveys Brewery of Lewes, making it a popular pub with Eastbourne locals. Christmas Eve would be the perfect time for a visit, as seconds away is St Mary's Church who welcome everyone to their Carol Service at 4.30pm and to Midnight Mass at 11.30pm.

5. Nestled into the quaint little Willingdon Village you will find the Wheatsheaf Inn, and there is plenty of room at this Inn this festive season. See the Church Street Nativity on Friday 19th, and catch some live music from an 8-piece string band on Saturday 20th. This pub is always buzzing on Christmas Eve and they are also open for three hours on Christmas Day!

6. Beachy Head Pub is located right next to the South Downs National Park, making for stunning views when sat by the window in the pub. Family friendly and pet friendly, the festive menu on offer at Beachy Head is mouth watering, so why not book a table for a hearty New Year's Day family dinner after a glorious walk?

Beachy Head Pub

7. The Harvester is a great family pub located at the Harbour end of Eastbourne, and they are still taking bookings for Christmas Day. If it's a full-on three course dinner for the family you're after, instead of cooking at home, then you won't find better value for money in many other places this Christmas. Alternatively, the pub makes another post-walking place to warm up this winter, with warm fires and wonderful decorations.

8. After the Bandstand Boxing Day Concert, head to The Ship close by in Meads Village for some mid-day drinks with friends and family. Their tasteful Christmas decorations are simply beautiful this year, creating a very warm and festive atmosphere for all to enjoy. Warm yourself up by the fire whilst drinking their Winter Pimms or Mulled Wine, whilst you enjoy a relaxing day with loved ones. 

The Ship at Meads

9. South Street spoils Eastbourne for great pubs, with The Dolphin being another cosy Christmas venue for festive drinks. The Dolphin are also spoiling their guests with an array of yummy winter drinks being served. Winter Pimms, Baileys Hot Chocolate, Honey Toddy and Dainty Damsel are only half of the festive drinks of offer, why not try and taste them all this Christmas period?

10. The Tiger Inn in East Dean dates back to the fifteenth century and serves beers and ales brewed only minutes down the road at Beachy Head Brewery. This warm, traditional and historical pub makes a necessary pit-stop if you're taking a walk on Beachy Head this Christmas, and the pub even has five guestrooms, if you're lucky there may even be some room at the Inn to make a night of it this Christmas.

11. The Old Oak Inn in Arlington, close to Abbot's Wood and not far from Polegate and Hailsham is the perfect place to spend New Years Eve! Dance the last night of the year away with classic disco music or indulge in a lavish five course dinner, before welcoming the New Year in with a glass of champagne and a festive firework display.

12. Christmas in Eastbourne wouldn't be complete without a visit to The Marine pub on Seaside! This place truly comes alive at Christmas, and is famous for being the most decorated pub in all the town! With tinsel, baubles, lights and more hanging from the ceiling and walls throughout the entire pub, it is a sea of Christmas sparkle and a real gem of Eastbourne! On Christmas Day, it makes the perfect pub to visit after the Bandstand Christmas Day Concert to have a Yuletide drink with friends, before heading home for Christmas Dinner!

The Marine

We hope you enjoyed this guide to the Best of Eastbourne Pubs this Christmas! Have fun getting Merry but remember to drink responsibly!

A Grand Ol' Christmas Recipe: Delicious Chocolate Chestnut Cake

The Grand Hotel Eastbourne's, Head Pastry Chef Carlos Dantas, has shared a delectable Christmas recipe with us. So we're spreading the love and sharing the recipe for all to read... and try.


Why not put your baking skills to the test this weekend and try making your own Christmas Chocolate Chestnut Cake? What's more, it's a Gluten Free recipe, so it's perfect for the special dietary requirements of your guests (or you, if you plan on scoffing the whole thing yourself).

Carlos' Christmas Chocolate Chestnut Cake

Ingredients

200g Dark chocolate (70%)
250g Unsalted butter
250g Chopped cooked chestnuts
200ml Milk
225g Sugar
4 Large eggs (separated)

Method

1. Melt the chocolate and butter together over a low heat until mixed.
2. In a food processor, mix the chestnuts and the milk into a puree.
3. Whisk the egg yolks and 125g of sugar to a light fluffy consistency.
4. Whisk the egg whites with 100g of sugar.
5. Mix the chocolate sauce with the chestnut puree, then fold in the egg yolks.
6. Gently, next fold in the egg whites to retain volume.
7. Lightly grease an 8-10 inch baking tray.
8. Pour in the mixture and smooth the top.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 170 degrees Celsius for 30-40 minutes (it should be firm but not hard to the touch).

To make a Ganache topping, mix 100g of chocolate with 125g of double cream and 50g of butter. A tablespoon of Rum is optional, although highly recommended by Carlos!

We've still to try baking this tasty-looking cake ourselves, but we're going to have a Visit Eastbourne team bake-off to see who can make the most delicious Christmas Chocolate Chestnut Cake; we may even get Carlos over here to be the tasting judge.

Share your photos of your attempts at baking this Chocolate Chestnut treat with us on Twitter @VisitEastbourne or Facebook, or share some of your own special Christmas recipes.

If you don't fancy baking, but would love to indulge in some yummy delicacies made by Carlos, then you can book a table in one of the two Grand Hotel restaurants and have a yourself a merry little Christmas treat!

Happy Baking!