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!

Yuletide is Upon Us: A month of Eastbourne Festivities

The festive season is well and truly under way, and Eastbourne has plenty on offer for all, this Christmas period. From quaint markets serving up edible delights and hand crafted gifts; to opera, ballet and Rat Pack Christmas classics being performed on theatre stages across Eastbourne. The Sunshine Coast sure knows how to do Christmas, but can we bring snow?

Yes! Well almost. Druisilla’s Park switches on its Winter Wonderland Illuminations at 16.30 on Saturday November 29, transporting visitors to a magical ice-capped Kingdom where penguins and polar bears made of dazzling lights, will be animated for a 20 minute illumination display every day until January 4, perfectly synchronized to festive and pop music. 

Children (and adults) can also meet and hug a Husky dog, Hello Kitty, Santa’s Reindeer, Christmas elves and Santa himself – there really is so much on offer at Drusilla’s this Christmas; it will make the perfect Winters day out for family festivities.

Shopping locally for your Christmas gifts couldn’t be easier, with numerous Christmas markets and crafts fairs dotted around the town. ‘Meads Magic’ in Meads Village is happening from 14.30 this Friday 28 November. As well as the delightful food stalls and unique seasonal gifts, Christmas magic will be brought to Meads in the form of live street music from the Swing Ninjas. Santa will be making another trip to Eastbourne especially for the magical Meads event. 

Another charming corner of Eastbourne, Little Chelsea, will be holding their ‘Little Christmas’ outdoor market on Friday 5 December between 17.30 and 22.00. South Street will be taken over by market stalls, offering more traditional gifts, festive culinary delights, rides and attractions. Various street performers will keep Christmas spirits high with entertainment throughout the entire evening. Real life reindeer will be travelling down from the North Pole with Santa (again) to meet and greet one and all.

For another alternative evening of shopping, the Towner Art Gallery is holding an ‘After Hours Christmas Shopping’ event on Tuesday December 2, 18.00-21.00. You’ll find more unique Christmas treasures for your friends and families gifts, and receive mulled wine and mince pies, complimentary of the gallery.

Visitors to Eastbourne can make a night, a weekend or a whole week of it. There are a number of very welcoming hotels who love to welcome in guests at Christmas, with some brilliant offers on for the festive period. The Langton’s, a Victorian seafront guest house, have 20% off of a three night stay or more until March 30. The Royal is a beautiful and charming hotel with offers on 6 and 7 night stays. All available hotels and B&B’s can be booked online at http://www.visiteastbourne.com/accommodation/

For those that like to keep active, even throughout the gluttonous month of December, the Santa Fun Run and Walk is happening on Sunday December 7. All runners will be decked out in Santa’s suits (he’s a fashion role model), and be rewarded with a mince pie at the end of their promenade run. More details about can be found at www.events.myastheniagravis.co.uk/SantaEastbourne.

The Christmas theatre season is packed out, catering for all musical tastes, and age groups. Classical dance fans will be mesmerised by Russian State Ballet and Opera House productions of Gisele at the Congress on Friday 5 December, and The Nutcracker, a favourite Christmas story, on Saturday 6 December. Beauty and The Beast is the pantomime not to be missed this season, and with a whole month of performances, there is no excuse. See it at the Devonshire Park Theatre between December 12 and January 11. The Rat Pack Big Band will be bringing Sinatra seasonal classics and more hits from 1950’s America, to the Congress on December 23. For a full theatres list and to book tickets visit www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk.

And the grand finale of festivities is the trio of annual free Bandstand concerts. Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day will be celebrated in traditional Eastbourne style at our unique Bandstand. A Christmas vacation in Eastbourne would be incomplete without experiencing at least one of these concerts, if not all. The Eastbourne Silver Band will grace the Bandstand stage on Christmas Day, caroling the morning away. Boxing Day and New Year’s at the Bandstand promises two fun and lively concerts from the Ray Campbell Dance Band, joyfully rounding off Eastbourne’s festive season.

There is no better place to be this December, than the Sunshine Coast – Merry Christmas One and All!

EASTBOURNE’S FAMOUS PANTOMIME IS BEASTLY GOOD FUN!

Eastbourne’s stunning pantomime is the family favourite Beauty and the Beast, at the Devonshire Park Theatre from 12 December until 11 January. With a cast of pure talent and plenty of magical surprises in store it is sure to be the highlight of the season!

Eastbourne favourites Martyn Knight and Tucker return to cause more chaos and calamity with Hollyoaks star Carley Stenson, fresh from her West End roles in Spamalot, Legally Blonde and Shrek making her Eastbourne debut as Malevolent.

Our heroine Belle (Emily Bull) is set to go on a journey of love and adventure which will prove that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Imprisoned in an enchanted Chateau by a hideous looking beast, her only friends are Dame Derriere (Martyn Knight) and the hapless Potty Pierre (Tucker), but what has happened to the handsome Prince? Will the wicked enchantress’ spell be broken before the last rose petal falls?

Eastbourne’s pantomimes are famed for giving audiences a true live theatre experience, with a full band, beautiful costumes designed and created especially for the show and of course lots of magical onstage effects. And with tickets prices that are far from beastly, priced from just £12, this is a pantomime for everyone to enjoy.

Beauty and the Beast at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, from 12 December until 11 January. Tickets priced from £12 to £20 with concessions available, to book or for more information call the box office on 01323 412000 or online www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk.

John Lewis Christmas Advert – What Happened Next….

Following the release of the much anticipated John Lewis Christmas advert this week, VisitEastbourne has launched a follow-on story in a new video jointly produced with local zoo and visitor attraction, Drusillas Park.

The annual festive fight for TV audiences began this week with last year’s favourite, John Lewis, bringing out their 2014 masterpiece featuring Monty the Penguin.

Staff at VisitEastbourne and Drusillas Park were so mesmerised by the magical film that they decided to take the story even further, showing what happens next in a brand new video.

The short video features the little boy and his penguins on a day out to Drusillas Park, where they make new friends and have a whale of a time in the cool penguin pool, along with a tasty lunch of fresh fish.  Realising they are happier in their new home, the little boy waves a sad goodbye, but has a heart-warming surprise in store from the kind Park Keepers. 

Leaving with his new furry friend, the film ends with one very happy boy and the caption ‘give someone the holiday they’ve been dreaming of’.

Drusillas Park is home to a wide range of animals from meerkats and monkeys to lemurs, lorikeets and even red pandas.  Featuring Europe’s only Hello Kitty attraction with three themed rides, a Thomas the Tank Engine train, Eden’s Eye interactive maze and Go Wild and Go Bananas adventure play, the award-winning attraction is a must for visitors to the south coast.

The fun video is just the start of a two month campaign of festive fun in Eastbourne, with Drusillas providing a major highlight in the calendar, with their Winter Wonderland Illuminations from 29 November to 4 January. 

Synchronised to festive music and animations, the display of over 50,000 lights, is turned on daily at 3.30pm to reveal a dazzling display of magical creatures in an ice capped kingdom, which even features penguins.  With further events including Hug a Husky, meet Santa’s Reindeer and a visit to Santa’s Christmas Cottage, the fun-packed programme has fast become a highlight for many families living in and visiting Eastbourne.

To view the video or for more information, visit www.visiteastbourne.com/christmas.  To visit Drusillas Park, book online with their prize squeezer at www.drusillas.co.uk. 

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