Sussex Steam & Seaside Splendour

Sussex Steam & Seaside Splendour

5 Days 8^th September 2025

 

Based in the elegant resort of Eastbourne with its award-winning seafronts, countryside heritage, wonderful gardens and nostalgic railways. Join us to ride the famous ‘Bluebell railway steam train’ for a return journey, Standon House and gardens, the historical town of Hastings and a visit to the British Tea Museum workshop for tastings and a delicious cream tea! Just some of the treats included on this charming tour.

 

Tour Itinerary

 

Monday – A relaxed morning, after your taxi pick-up, the coach will head south to one of the biggest seaside towns on the south coast, ‘Worthing’ for a lunchtime stop before continuing to Eastbourne and our hotel for the next 4 nights. Tea & coffee at the hotel on arrival while your cases are taken to your rooms.

 

Tuesday – This morning we enjoy a journey on the Bluebell Railway Heritage steam train from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead, through picturesque Sussex countryside. Next, we will visit Standen House & Gardens, considered one of the country’s finest examples of arts & craft workmanship. The interiors of this late 19^th century house are rich in luxurious textiles by Morris & co from wall hangings, beautiful curtains and soft furnishing especially in the Drawing room and bedrooms. The house sits in extensive gardens for you to explore including colourful terraces, formal lawned areas, a rosery, orchard, kitchen garden and mapped footpaths for exploring natural wooded areas. Free time to experience all this beautiful location has to offer before our return journey back on the Bluebell Line and finally back to our hotel to relax before tonight’s evening meal and entertainment.

 

Wednesday – A free day to explore Eastbourne at leisure with its glorious promenade, famous pier and 1930’s bandstand, all within easy walking distance of our hotel as is the town also. You may just wish to enjoy the comfortable lounges in our hotel and enjoy its premier position on the seafront overlooking the western lawns with extensive views of the sea and Beachy Head.

 

Thursday – This morning we begin our day with a short journey up the coast to the old fishing village of Pevensey. It was Pevensey Bay where William the Conqueror invaded Sussex in Sept 1066 as there were no defenders at Pevensey and so the bay provided a safe haven for the invading fleet. The bay was also famous for smuggling in the 18^th & 19^th centuries, and it also boasts the highest sunshine records in the UK making it popular for a traditional seaside holiday. We continue to the historical seaside resort of Hastings best known for the Norman ruins of Hastings Castle, once home to William the Conqueror who defeated England’s Saxon army, killing King Harold then seized the throne. Free time in the old town for a light lunch if you wish before we visit the British Tea Museum which celebrates the time-honoured rituals of the British teatime. Enjoy a workshop in this quirky little tearoom where the walls are filled with the history of tea in Britain and we’ll learn the customs and manners of tea etiquette, tasting and a delicious cream tea to finish off the experience, with a lovely cuppa of course!

 

Friday – After a relaxed full English breakfast we leave our hotel and head home via the medieval town of Arundel with impressive castle and Roman Catholic Cathedral. Time here for lunch before we continue our journey back to Wiltshire after our memorable tour on the Sussex coast.

Your hotel

4* Lansdowne Hotel – Eastbourne

 

This elegant family run hotel directly opposite the beach offers large comfortable sea-facing lounges for relaxation with original Victorian features, a light and airy restaurant offering spectacular sea views, a bar and lift. All bedrooms are en-suite with free toiletries, TV, hairdryer, free Wi-Fi and hospitality trays.

 

Price Includes

Luxury Coach Travel with Extra Leg Room

Home Pickup, Full Hostess Service

4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Welcome Tea/Coffee on Arrival at Hotel

Tea/Coffee after Dinner

Return Journey on Bluebell Line Heritage Steam Train

Entrance to Standon House & Gardens

The British Tea Museum Experience Including Cream Tea

Visits to Worthing, Pevensey Bay, Hastings & Arundel

 

5 Days £689.00

No Single Supplement (Limited)