TOWNSPOTLIGHT
EASTBOURNE cont.
Things to Do
Beachy Head This chalk headland close to Eastbourne is a magnificent place to visit and has views stretching out across the English Channel. At 162 metres, Beachy Head is the tallest chalk cliff in Britain, and, surprisingly, its name has nothing to do with a beach – it is a corruption of the French phrase beau chef, meaning‘ beautiful headland’.
Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park At this wonderful adventure park and museum you can ride on a real miniature steam train( in carriages pulled by a one-eighth scale locomotive) for almost a mile around the beautiful surroundings of a country park. Not only that, but there is a five-acre lake to enjoy, as well as a prize-winning tea garden, picnic areas, model railways, an adventure playground and a lovely gift shop.
East Sussex Falconry Owned and run by raptor enthusiasts, Gerard and Gemma Sulter, East Sussex Falconry is an interesting and exhilarating day out. Here you can enjoy a full day experience in wonderful surroundings getting to know more about these beautiful birds of prey.
Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum Full of inspiring exhibitions, experiences, events and activities, at the Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum you can find out about more than 200 years of local and worldwide history relating to Eastbourne. You can even dress up as a Napoleonic soldier and find out what life was like then while exploring the fortress itself.
How We Lived Then How We Lived Then, also known locally as‘ The Museum of Shops’ is a charming and nostalgic look back at Britain’ s past. There are over 100,000 exhibits over four floors with collections ranging from jewellery, Sunday school items, and a fully stocked greengrocer.
The Towner The Towner, an award-winning art gallery and museum, prides itself on the diversity of its international and locally produced collections. The art gallery is all about learning and participation, so don’ t be afraid to ask questions – answering them is at the heart of what The Towner is all about.
Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum This fascinating and thought-provoking museum was completely refurbished in 2011, and now houses many different collections and displays which reflect the history of the Eastbourne lifeboats dating back to 1822.
Dining Out
The Green Almond The Green Almond is a wonderful, vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Eastbourne. This family-run restaurant makes choosing food easy, with two options for starter, main and dessert that tend to change monthly. Find out how good vegetarian food can be with dishes such as cold asparagus Caesar salad, Lebanese stuffed onions, and hazelnut torte with cream.
Two Bulls Steakhouse Located within the Tally Ho pub, the Two Bulls Steakhouse is good, honest food served in big portions with plenty of flavour. Who could ask for more? As an additional treat, there are special weekday meal deals on Thursday to Sunday, a three-course meal for two with wine for £ 50 every Thursday and Sunday evening, and the same on a Friday for £ 60. Food here includes Hastings smoked mackerel pate with toast, stack of slow-cooked pork belly ribs with hot, sweet barbecue sauce, and roasted peanut banoffee pie.
Anema E Core This traditional Italian restaurant is proud of its heritage and its home-cooked meals that include pizzas and traditional Italian street food. The menu includes bruschetta vesuviana, pennette al pesto, and tiramisu.
Henry’ s Bistro Winners of the‘ Good Food Award’ in both 2015 and 2016, Henry’ s Bistro is a relaxed place to eat locally sourced home comforts. Why not try the crispy sweet potato ravioli, the fillet of beef wellington, or the toffee apple and popcorn tart?
Annual Events
Sunshine Carnival // Jun This is the biggest seaside carnival in the entire UK, and it’ s free!
Eastbourne Feastival // Jun Food, culture and music mix together in this weekend festival celebrating the best produce from all over the world.
Eastbourne International Air Show // Aug This is four whole days of flying, displays, memorabilia and entertainment – and it is all rounded off with some spectacular fireworks!
Top Spot
Birling Gap, part of the National Trust, is one of the longest undeveloped stretches of coastline on the beautiful south coast. It’ s perfect for walking, rockpooling, enjoying the incredible views( including those of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs) and seaside picnics. There is a café too.
Did You Know? One of the most interesting artefacts ever found in Eastbourne was a coin minted during the reign of Ethelbert II of East Anglia. He died in 794 when he was beheaded by Offa of Mercia because he was – it was thought – planning a rebellion. This coin and others like it were the proof that Offa needed to show that Ethelbert II was going to break free and strive for independence. The coin sold at auction for a whopping £ 78,000.
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