Snuggle up and get cosy in Eastbourne this Autumn

As the trees turn from green to brown and the temperatures fall, Eastbourne has it covered for things to do this Autumn to keep you warm and cheery.

Runners enjoying the Beachy Head Marathon

Eastbourne's incredible action packed events season has wound to an end for another year culminating in one of the best ever Beachy Head Marathon with the most perfect of weather; though this is not a reason to hibernate for the winter until it all starts off again in 2015. Instead get out and about and explore some of Eastbourne's gems.

Alfriston Village

Now is the perfect time of year to sling on a scarf, get your finest tea cosy out to keep your head warm and take a lovely stroll across the South Downs. Take full advantage of Eastbourne's great location nestled in the downlands and head over to one of the many quaint Sussex village including Jevington, East Dean, Litlington or Alfriston. Each village naturally has the 'essential' local pub where guests can relax with a warming scotch and put your feet up next to open roaring fires. The Plough & Harrow at Litlington even has a dedicated room, 'The Snug' in which the tables are cosy with an original fireplace to warm up before the walk back.

Beauty & the Beast
c Peter Gurr

For the rainy days, Eastbourne's Theatre-land comes alive in November with a crammed calendar of shows including the Russian State Ballet and Saturday Night Fever, but not forgetting of course the essential part to any festive period, 'He's behind you'....it's the Beauty and the Beast.
Eastbourne Panto returning with what is set to be another Jordan productions epic with the audience in hysterics.

If you're looking for something a bit different then be sure to head to the Ancestors Exhibition at the Pavilion where the home of the mysterious Beachy Head Lady and many other fascinating archaeological finds are housed, will be staying open for an extra month due to popular demand. 

The free exhibition which discovers Eastbourne’s Roman and Saxon roots, using ground-breaking scientific bone analysis and cranio-facial reconstructions, will now remain open until 19 December.

The Winter Wonderland Illuminations at Drusillas Park

As I write, I'm compiling a list of everything Christmasy happening in Eastbourne. The list currently stands at a total of 57 events! There really is so much happening in this festive period in Eastbourne ranging from street Markets in Meads, Seaside, Little Chelsea and Alfriston to dazzling Winter Wonderland Illuminations at Drusillas Park and Santa Fun Run's along the seafront!

Not forgetting of course Eastbourne’s iconic seafront Bandstand will provide a Christmas Day highlight for residents and visitors, as the traditional free concert returns for a triple bill over the festive period.

With packed seafront hotels and more than 4,000 festive fans expected, the seafront venue will provide yuletide entertainment on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day – all completely free of charge.

For all the latest info and events updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter

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

Frightening Family Fun this Half Term

We're ramping up the fear factor this half term with a huge range of activities on offer from spooky trails to our first ever science fiction convention!

Here's our guide to some fiendish fun if you dare to visit....

Spooky Trails and Gruesome Battles at the Redoubt Fortress

25 Oct - 2 Nov

Redoubt Fortress Twilight Tour

Our 200 year old seafront fortress opens its first Halloween trail with treats and prizes for all.  The spooky trail during half term includes a creepy quiz through the cobwebbed corridors of the museum and a macabre science lab of grisly finds.

For those seeking a frightful night, the Twilight Tour on 25 October includes the opportunity to discover gruesome battles and ghostly sightings, as told by the attraction’s resident 19th century tour guide.

To celebrate the big day on 31 October, pop-up cinema returns with an evening film screening of The Evil Dead (1981) within one of the fortresses’ creepy casemates.  With popcorn and a licensed bar, those brave enough, can settle down and enjoy one of the most celebrated horror films of all time.

Plus: don't miss the 2 for 1 offer on tickets throughout the week!

Drusillas Shriek Week 

25 Oct – 2 Nov

Haunted Heights at Drusillas

Drusillas Park unleashes Shriek Week with a spook-tacular week of Halloween fun at the award-winning zoo.  At Haunted Heights, sin sisters Hocus and Pocus play hide and shriek with the unsuspecting public, inviting thrill seekers to knock on the trap door and discover the ghostly secret within.  With an escaped Mummy wandering around the temple ruins in Eden’s Eye maze, creepy crawly encounters at the Discovery Centre and a visit from Scooby Doo on 29 October, there will be more than just the usual animal magic on offer.

Most Haunted

13th century former monastery, and venue of one of the scariest episodes of

Pevensey Castle: Photo by Graham Huntley

TV’s Most Haunted, Michelham Priory, brings a medieval vibe to their Hallowe’en fun day on 31 October with traditional entertainment including Punch & Judy, crafts, drama and more.

Pevensey Castle, home of the ghostly Pale Lady of Pevensey, offers dark dungeons to explore by day along with lantern lit ghost walks by night on 25 and 31 October, uncovering stories of the Pale Lady, smugglers and even a gruesome murder.

Make a Spectre of Yourself
Image by Elizabeth Doak

Fright Nights at Blackstock Farm return from 22 October to 1 November for the brave with creepy craft making, pumpkin carving and ghost hunt in the haunted wood during the day throughout half term. 

Make a Spectre of Yourself at Towner creating creepy images with photographer Elizabeth Doak on 31 October and visit the free exhibitions, including Twixt Two Worlds, which explore early cinema and moving images.

Fiendish Pumpkins

Pumpkin Carving at Sharnfold Farm

The ideal stop off for pumpkin carving, Sharnfold Farm offers a great farm

shop and café, along with a Wicked Witch Hunt around the farm trail from 27-31 October.  Their Halloween displays are legendary and staff are on hand to help young visitors with their own fiendish pumpkin creations.

Meet witches, wizards, owls and bats at Borde Hill Garden throughout half term, or head to the Observatory Science Centre on 30 October for fascinating experiments with volcanoes and earthquakes.  Make flying bats and screaming balloons at their Open Evening on 1 November before gazing through the historic telescopes.

WynterCon

For Science Fiction Fans

30 Oct – 2 Nov

Perfect for science fiction, horror and fantasy fans, Eastbourne’s first ever WynterCon convention at the Winter Garden, brings a Halloween Masquerade Ball, Steampunked Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties, comic book zone, celebrity guests, the UK’s largest collection of Blade Runner props and memorabilia and cult classic movie screenings.

Fang-tastic Free Fun

Discovering Bones at
Eastbourne Ancestors

Budding archaeologists and young historians can discover the mystery surrounding the Beachy Head Lady at the free Eastbourne Ancestors exhibition.  Thousands have already marvelled at the Saxon treasures and met the skeleton of Eastbourne’s most famous ancestor, a rare archaeological discovery for British shores. 

Beachy Head Marathon
photo by Graham Huntley

Hundreds will be cheering on the Beachy Head Marathon runners at this annual sporting fixture on 25 October.  One of the most challenging and scenic marathon’s in the UK, the huge turnout of spectators along the route is thanks to the beauty of the South Downs National Park route, perfect for Autumn walks, discovering pretty villages and pub lunches by the fireside.

Terrific Theatre

St Vincent

In the evening, Eastbourne Theatres offer a packed programme of shows, including Grease, Oliver!, Alfie's Starquest hosted by BGT Finalist Steve Hewlett and American singer-songwriter St Vincent, following her recent support of The Black Keys. Plus Henrietta the Hippo's Funhouse returns on Saturday morning 1 November.

Great Offers

Boutique hotel, The Langtons, and the family-friendly Guesthouse East, are offering 20%off all stays of 3 nights or more throughout October, with the latter offering self-contained family suites and the flexibility of both B&B and self catering.

                                                                                 

For more information visit www.VisitEastbourne.com/halloween. 

Real Ale, Nordic Walking and the Delights of the South Downs National Park

Eastbourne and Wealden’s brand new Coast & Country Walking Festival starts this week from 27 September to 5 October, and we can't wait to see some of the highlights which range from foodie tours to Bloomsbury art.

Featuring more than 70 guided walks - most of which are free, the nine day festival will showcase the sights, sounds and tastes of the South Downs National Park, Sussex Weald and stunning Eastbourne coastline.

                          

Ranging from Nordic Walking to photography and even a brewery walking tour, foodie fans can browse the Farmers Market on the Proms and Pickles tour, or discover behind the scenes with tutored tastings on the Two Brewery Tour.  The fascinating full day tour stops at the Beachy Head Brewery, home of the ‘Legless Rambler’ and Long Man Brewery in Litlington – the team behind the charity Craft Pier beer, raising money for Eastbourne’s fire damaged pier.

Walks range from short family walks to strenuous day-long hikes with more than half of the walks on offer being completely free of charge.

For those seeking more of a challenge, Great Outdoors writer, Daniel Neilson, will take walkers on one of the more steep and strenuous free walks from the foot of the South Downs cliffs in Eastbourne to Beachy Head, Birling Gap, Friston Forest and past the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington, discussing a range of subjects including outdoor writing and walking gear.

Fans of Victorian architecture can enjoy a free Victorian Eastbourne walk and discover many historical gems along the way, or a free walk along Pevensey Levels sees the eerie ghost port remains of the continuing thousand year battle between man and sea.

In Hailsham, the opportunity to try out Nordic walking includes a special torchlit tour along the Cuckoo Trail.  A fitness sport with walking poles that uses 90% of skeletal muscles, Nordic walking is increasing in popularity, and a more progressive walk through the Seven Sisters Country Park should also offer a great challenge and some fantastic views.

A photographic tour along the Cuckoo Trail may provide great inspiration to begin a new hobby, or for art lovers, the Abbots and Artists tour is the perfect walk from the market town of Alfriston to the monastic grange at Alciston and its magnificent tithe barn, finishing with a visit to see paintings by the Bloomsbury group of artists at Berwick Church. 

Several seafront walks include the opportunity to raise funds for charity including Promenade of Pride on 28 September, raising money for the Royal British Legion, and Sussex Association for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus SASBAH Stroll on 4 October.

The Coast & Country Walking Festival is organised by both Eastbourne Borough Council and Wealden District Council.

Free walks include:

• On the Edge of Sussex (with Great Outdoors Magazine) 27 Sept
• Fore Twos are Eight (Butts Brow to East Dean with Gill Mattock) 27 Sept
• Bede’s Coastal Path (with Age Concern Walking for Health) 27 Sept
• Victorian Eastbourne (with architect Richard Crook) 27 & 28 Sept
• Downs, Cliff & Forest (Long Distance Walking Association) 28 Sept
• Promenade of Pride (Royal British Legion sponsored walk) 28 Sept
• Nordic Progression Walk at the Seven Sisters Country Park (with Peter Williamson) 28 Sept
• Photographic Walk along the Cuckoo Trail (with Hailsham Trust) 29 Sept
• Two for the Price of One (Eastbourne to Birling Gap with Gill Mattock) 29 Sept
• Hampden Park Healthy Walk 30 Sept
• Hailsham Nordic Walk Taster Session (with Nigel Bentley) 30 Sept & 3 Oct
• Inns, Inning & the Ghost Port (Norman’s Bay & Pevensey Levels with Graham Kean) 2 Oct
• Shinewater Healthy Walk 3 Oct
• SASBAH Stroll sponsored walk 4 Oct
• Abbots and Artists (Alfriston to Bloomsbury church paintings at Berwick, with Graham Kean) 5 Oct

Charged walks include:

• Two Breweries Tour 27 & 28 Sept
• Various seafront, Beachy Head, pub and history walks (with Harry Pope) 27/28 Sept & 4/5 Oct
• To the Manor Bourne (Eastbourne Historic Old Town Group) 29 Sept
• Where the Bourne Springs (Eastbourne Historic Old Town Group) 30 Sept
• From Proms to Pickles (Eastbourne to East Dean Farmers Market) 1 Oct
• Nordic Walk on Cuckoo Trail by Torchlight (with Nigel Bentley) 3 Oct
• Berwick to Arlington Ramble (with Nigel Bentley) 5 Oct

Many walks are free of charge, however booking is required on all walks.  For more information or to book a place, visit www.SussexWalkingFestival.org.uk.

Discovering Hello Kitty World at Drusillas

Visiting Drusillas 12 July 2014

I've taken my nephews to Drusillas a few times before so they were extremely excited when I said we were going again. There are so many areas in the park which they love and with one aged 3 and one aged 5, there are so many things for both to enjoy!

We are big fans of Drusillas and were intrigued and excited to see the new Hello Kitty Secret Garden!

Being boys, I knew there would be the odd comment on Hello Kitty being ‘for girls’ but they were still very excited to see the new rides and even more so when they saw ‘Dear Daniel’ was part of it, meaning they could sit in a blue teacup!

In fact, their particular favourites were the teacups and the cars which were perfect for both ages (along with us adults who certainly enjoyed it too!).

I was also surprised at how quickly we were able to get on the rides, especially on such a sunny, busy day. A real bonus! 

We didn’t manage to fit in facepaints and temporary tattoos this time but I know the kids will like it. We thought it was a great idea and saw quite a few children there who were very pleased with their designs!

Hello Kitty Secret Garden certainly gave an added touch to the park after visiting the wonderful zoo, outdoor and indoor play area, riding on Thomas The Tank Engine and so much more!

The zoo is one of our favourite parts of Drusillas and we were lucky enough to see one of the beautiful Red Panda’s this time! We hear that the duo, Mulan and Tibao have since welcomed their offspring!

Thanks for having us Drusillas, we’ll look forward to coming again soon.

Guest Blogger

Find out more at www.drusillas.co.uk

We’ll Leave Slalom To The Experts - Eastbourne Extreme 2014

Yesterday, 8 July 2014, a few of us at Visit Eastbourne had the pleasure of attending My Skate World for a lesson and practice in Slalom skating in preparation for Eastbourne Extreme this weekend.

To say there is some talent there is an understatement! We were so impressed with the children and marshals there, with some children just 3 years old and skating far better than us!

We were taught the basics before trying to glide in and out of cones, going backwards, limbo-ing and racing and had an absolutely great time!

We had the pleasure of meeting one of Eastbourne’s young skaters who will be competing this weekend at the Extreme World Slalom Series, with hopes of representing GB in Paris later in the year! We stood in awe of how talented she was as she sped in and out of cones on one foot kneeling down and practically dancing around the arena, performing fantastic tricks.

Others that attended the session were also skating sideways, backwards and anyway their feet would go at great speed, performing freestyle Slalom and all with great ease. As we spoke to the marshals after our session, it was clear that many of the skaters go on a weekly basis and improve their skills with others. The marshals are there to help and were great teachers to us! We hope to see many of them on Fisherman's Green this weekend for the World Series Slalom competition!

My Skate World is located at 16A unit 5 Maple Road, Eastbourne, and runs after school sessions and roller discos! We would like to thank the team for having us and hope the weekend goes well! Maybe with a bit more practice we might be able to come again and show off some tricks!

Check out the film we took while we were there, using our Go Pro’s! 

Watch Film!

Eastbourne Extreme takes place this weekend 12-13 July on the Eastern end of the seafront with the World Series Slalom competition, Roller Derby, BMX skates and scooter competitions, demo’s, windsurfing, paddle boarding, VW display, taster sessions at Spray Water Sports, Zorb arena, funfair and so much more!

Music fans will enjoy a whole weekend of entertainment near Princes Park entrance with music starting at 11.15 both days. Saturday kicks off with Grasshopper, Emperor The Stag, DUB N TUFF, Saint Apache and Master Kush’s circus. Then Sunday will see Fallow Deer, Strange Cages, The Piercings and Knocksville.

The Beatroots, formerly known as Beve & The Beatroots, will play on the music stage from 5.30pm to 7pm on Sunday, taking fans straight into the World Cup final which will be shown live on the Big Screen in Princes Park with the match starting at 8pm. Screen on the Green will also show the third place playoff match from 9pm on Saturday evening.


We can’t wait and we’ll see you all there from 11am both days! For more information go to www.eastbourneextreme.co.uk 

The Big Sea Swim – Interview with Jenny Horridge

The Big Sea Swim takes place this Saturday 12 July in Eastbourne from the lifeguard beach for the third time. The swim is categorised into two distances; 1k and 3k and fundraising supports the MCS to continue their work protecting the fabulous seas, shores and wildlife around the UK and beyond. Registration closes at 5pm on Wednesday 9 July so there is still time to participate! It costs £25 for the 1km and £30 for the 3km swim and the organisers hope that swimmers will fundraise as much as possible to help our beach and coast. Top fundraisers will receive prizes too!

We spoke to a member of our team who is taking part in the race; Jenny Horridge about the event and here’s what she said…

What attracted you to take part in the Big Sea Swim?

I have been swimming seriously for the last two years and realised I had never entered a race before. This event came up and I thought the 1k would be a great distance for my first sea swim. So I thought I’d give it a go and raise some money at the same time.

How have you trained for this?

I train once a week at David Lloyd leisure centre with the Masters swimming club as well as swimming an extra two sessions a week on my own. As this is a sea event I have also been swimming in the sea once a week for the last month. Coincidently I swim the same route as the Big Sea Swim so hopefully I will be prepared.

How cold has the water been?

The water has been bearable and it is definitely warmer than a month ago. It’s still quite cold when you get in but it’s lovely after a few minutes and we are very lucky to have such a lovely coast.

With the proceeds going towards keeping the beach and water clean, is there anything you would like to see improved on our seafront?

We’ve got a lovely seafront so this is a great way to keep it that way. I often hear visitors talking about how clean our beaches are so this is a fantastic way to keep doing so. I am very confident swimming off Eastbourne beaches and it is always great to see so many others taking the plunge every year.

Providing it goes well, do you think you will take part in next year’s event?

Yes I definitely hope I will take part again. It’s a great event and as it’s local for me I will make sure it is an annual thing. Who knows, I might do the 3k next year if all goes well!

With the sea on our doorstep, do you enjoy swimming in the sea regularly?

I have always gone in the sea but I only started proper sea swimming about a year ago when I was persuaded by friends at the Masters club. Although it is harder than swimming in a pool, I really enjoyed it and it is gone from there really. I absolutely love it now and hope to keep it up!

What are your feelings about the event this Saturday?

I’m very excited to take part but also slightly nervous as it is my first one. I think the hardest bit will be entering the water and going round the buoys. Once I’ve got going I think I’ll be fine and thrilled to finish.

Thanks Jenny for telling us about the event and how you are preparing for it, we wish you the best of luck and of course good luck to all the other swimmers keeping our coast clean and safe!!!

For more information on the Big Sea Swim please go to www.visiteastbourne.com