Eastbourne (pop. 88,000) is one of England's most elegant seaside resorts. Originally a simple fishing village, it was developed in the mid-19th century by the seventh Duke of Devonshire into a large beach resort in the Victorian style. A 3mi/5km-long elegant seafront promenade extends along Beachy Head cliff and the wide beaches. A marvelous
holiday atmosphere is achieved by Grande Parade (mid-19th century), lined with magnificent white and pastel-shaded houses and luxury hotels, and the brightly-colored deckchairs on the beach. At the end of the wide mole the iron pier projects far out to sea behind the theater arena with its music pavilion and winter garden. Eastbourne also boasts several fine parks and numerous leisure facilities. Sports enthusiasts are catered to with more than 60 tennis courts and three golf courses, while the traffic-calmed streets around the High Street offer a colorful array of shops and art and antique galleries. The town's many language schools are famous beyond England, as is the international ladies' tennis tournament held here annually in June. The South Downs Way, a magnificent long distance pathway leading through the South Downs of Sussex, begins in Eastbourne.
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