Elegant Eastbourne

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then on to Eastbourne and our hotel for four nights.

This morning, we’ll enjoy a fun-filled journey on the Bluebell Steam Railway, soaking up the beautiful Sussex scenery along the way. One of the first preserved heritage lines in the country, the railway allows visitors to experience travel from a bygone era aboard beautifully restored coaches and locomotives dating from the Victorian times. It has regularly been featured in TV programmes and films including Downton Abbey and Churchill's Secret.

We depart at Sheffield Park Station to visit National Trust’s internationally renowned gardens. View acres of Grade I listed landscaped gardens and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodland with influences of ‘Capability’ Brown, before returning to Eastbourne.

This morning, we enjoy a tour of Herstmonceux Castle – one of Sussex’s many gems. The 15th-century stately home is one of the oldest significant brick buildings still standing in England. Highlights include a walled moat and themed landscaped gardens including the Elizabethan Garden.

From here, we visit popular Brighton. This popular seaside resort is bursting with attractions, such as the extravagant pavilion and gorgeous pebbled beach. The historic Lanes date back to the late 16th century, and this quirky labyrinth of streets is filled with interesting shops, beautiful jewellers, and plenty of places to eat.

Today, we travel along the coast to Hastings – the largest seaside town in East Sussex and one of the old medieval Cinque Ports. Famous for the battle of Hastings that took place 8 miles north of the current town, admire the medieval walls and explore the old town with its independent shops.

We continue to Carr Taylor Wines, where we sample the delightful produce and enjoy refreshments with local cakes to round off the day.

Return home.