Eastbourne & The Bluebell Railway

Itinerary

Description

Attracting holidaymakers since the Victorian times, Eastbourne is a bustling seaside resort that epitomises classic British holidays with its traditional seafront attractions, friendly atmosphere and picturesque vistas. During our relaxing break here, we take a trip on the Bluebell Railway, one of the country’s best-loved nostalgic heritage lines, spend time in picturesque Lewes and charming Alfriston and also marvel at the spectacular Beachy Head.

Itinerary

Included Excursions

Bluebell Railway & Lewes (full day)

We start the day with a trip into yesteryear by boarding the Bluebell Railway, one of the UK’s best-preserved heritage railways. From Sheffield Park station we journey through the idyllic Sussex countryside towards Grinstead, enjoying the lovely vistas along the way.

Afterwards, we explore the bustling market town of Lewes, surrounded by chalk cliffs in the South Downs. There are many historic buildings to admire including the Norman castle which dominates the townscape.

Alfriston via Beachy Head (half day)

On our next day out we enjoy a scenic drive along the glorious Sussex Heritage Coast, stopping to admire the spectacular chalk cliffs at Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters. We continue to the picturesque village of Alfriston, nestled in the valley of the River Cuckmere and full of charming old buildings, gift shops, tearooms and traditional inns.

Optional Excursion

Rye & Hastings – £13pp (full day)

We explore 1066 Country, calling first at the fortified hilltop town of Rye, a charming place of cobbled lanes, secret passages and historic buildings. We then head to the coastal town of Hastings, which boasts the remains of the first castle in England to be built by William the Conqueror and a lovely preserved Old Town with half-timbered houses and narrow streets.

Coach Bullets

• Return coach travel
• 4 nights at a selected hotel in Eastbourne with dinner & breakfast
• Entertainment some evenings
• Excursions to Lewes & Alfriston (via Beachy Head)
• Heritage train journey on the Bluebell Railway
  
  Optional excursion to Rye & Hastings (£13pp)

Search Bullets

• 4 nights at a selected hotel in Eastbourne with dinner & breakfast
• Entertainment some evenings
• Excursions to Lewes & Alfriston (via Beachy Head)
• Heritage train journey on the Bluebell Railway

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Search Results Coach

JG2+

JG2+ rated hotels offer a higher standard of hospitality, often by the friendly owner or manager and often with good home cooking plus enhanced décor, facilities and services. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. These hotels have proven to deliver a higher level of satisfaction according to our customer feedback surveys.

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JG3

Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, with a greater range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are a little more spacious and have additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, a bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or with waiter service.

selfdrive hightlights

• 4 nights at a selected hotel in Eastbourne with dinner & breakfast
• Entertainment some evenings
• Excursions to Lewes & Alfriston (via Beachy Head)
• Heritage train journey on the Bluebell Railway
  
  Optional excursion to Rye & Hastings (£13pp)

Accommodation

Choice of Hotels

We’ll stay at one of two hotels in Eastbourne:

Cumberland Hotel, Eastbourne (JG2+ rating)

The Cumberland Hotelis located on Eastbourne’s seafront, overlooking the promenade. All en-suite rooms offer a TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel is within walking distance of the town centre and also features a lounge and restaurant with sea views.

Cavendish Hotel, Eastbourne (JG3 rating)

The Cavendish Hotel faces the coast on Eastbourne’s Grand Parade. The en-suite rooms offer TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. Other hotel facilities include a bar and restaurant which overlook the beach, a library and guest lounges.