Celebrating the Heroic Women from WW1 Summerdown Camp this International Women's Day!

International Women's Day is celebrated on 8 March every year to mark the sociological, political and economical achievements of women all over the world and simply to celebrate their awesomeness! The day is recognised by organisations, charities, governments and individuals around the world.

International Women's Day was first recognised and celebrated in 1911 - only a few years before Summerdown convalescent camp opened in Eastbourne during the First World War - the first and largest of its kind in the UK. The camp welcomed its first wounded soldier in April 1915, and throughout the five years that it was open it was the heroic women who took care of the thousands of injured men.

On 16 March a new exhibition uncovering the fascinating history of life at Summerdown Camp will open at Eastbourne's Pavilion. With International Women's Day this Sunday, it's only right that we recognise the women who lived and worked at Summerdown Camp a century ago!

The women at Summerdown Camp played a huge part in insuring that soldiers recovered from the horrific injuries incurred on the front line, including developing some of the vital occupational therapies used at the camp, such as embroidery and basket making. Pioneering medical treatments for both mental and physical ailments were also developed with the help of the nursing women at the camp.

Not only did these amazing women nurse the injured men back to health, they also fed and cared for them. A Women's Army Auxilary Corps cook would have to cook for over 3000 soldiers every meal time, you can only imagine the many dilemmas and chaos involved in such a task - a huge accomplishment by these women which is recognised at the exhibition.

Of course, the women became close to the men they were caring for and then had to go through the heartbreak of saying goodbye when the soldiers returned to war.

Here at Visit Eastbourne, we think that the amazing women of Summerdown Camp deserve to be remembered this International Women's Day. So here is a big thank you to them for all they did at the convalescent camp in the First World War!

The Summerdown Camp exhibition opens at the Pavilion on March 16 - entry is free, so go down and learn about the women, soldiers and the camp itself. On April 8 there is a special commemorative event at the Pavilion, to mark 100 years to the day that the first soldier arrived at Summerdown!

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!

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!