Eastbourne, England Tourist Attractions
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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.
Beachy Head
Beachy Head (575ft/175m, 3mi/5km southwest of Eastbourne), a favorite viewpoint, is picturesquely positioned and can be reached along an attractive footpath. This striking snow-white cliff at the end of the South Downs amply justifies its fame, its name not derived from the word "beach", but from the language of the French Normans who called it "beau chef" ("beautiful head"). The 144ft/44m-tall red and white striped lighthouse at the foot of the chalk cliff is a pleasing contrast. A magnificent cliff path (3.5mi/6km) passes through Cuckmere, Haven and Seaford.
Seaford, England
Seaford has a number of language schools. The Martello tower at the eastern end of the promenade is the most westerly on the south coast.The local St Leonard's Parish Church in Seaford dates from the 11th century. The beaches in Seaford were replenished in 1987 and they continue to drw many visitors.
Seaford - Seven Sisters
Among England's most impressive cliff views are those to be gained from the incredible "Seven Sisters": Haven Brow, Short Brow, Rough Brow, Brass Point, Flagstaff Point, Bailey's Brow and Went Hill Brow. The best view of these seven chalk hills, which form part of the foothills of the South Downs, can be enjoyed from Seaford Head.The Seven Sisters Sheep Centre is a family run farm in Sussex Downland one mile from Beach Head. Children can help with the lamb feedings. The facility also offers cheese making, crafts, breed talks and shearing demonstrations.
Shoreham-by-Sea, England
To the west of Newhaven, linked up with the outskirts of Brighton, lies Shoreham-by-Sea (pop. 22,000). Seafaring enthusiasts will find models of historic ships and navigation maps in Marlipins Museum, whose facade dates from the 14th century.Shoreham-by-Sea is crossed by the River Adur and with the sea nearby it brings diverse plant and wildlife to the area. The second largest market in Sussex is held every second Saturday in Shoreham-by-Sea.
Churches
The town of Shorham-by-Sea has two mainly Norman churches, St Nicholas' in Old-Shoreham dates from the mid-12th century, while St Mary de Haura's in New-Shoreham was begun in 1130.
Marlipins Museum (closed for renovations during 2003)
Marlipins Museum has a distinctive chequer board facade that blends Sussex flint with Norman Caen stone. Major renovations to this historical and maritime museum will allow for new permanent galleries and an active temporary exhibition programme.
Museum of D-Day Aviation
Of particular interest at this museum is its impressive display of aircraft artifacts, uniforms and photos. A replica Spitfire is also to be found here.
Worthing, England
The popular seaside resort of Worthing (pop. 92,000) was discovered at the end of the 18th century by Princess Amelia, the daughter of George II. Green house cultivation is prevalent here because of the mild climate. The resort has a reasonably good beach, an extensive promenade, an iron mole, a theater and a concert hall. Exhibits in the museum and art gallery include prehistoric and Roman finds, a late Saxon dug out canoe, 18th century costumes, 19th century toys and dolls' houses and works by English artists such as W. Holman Hunt and W. Callow.
Littlehampton, England
Littlehampton (pop. 21,000), a resort at the mouth of the River Arun, has a wide coarse-grained beach extending to Bognor Regis and beyond.Littlehampton has several notable attractions such as the East Beach Cafe with the Look and Sea centre, which includes a cafe and a observation tower; Harbour Park, a popular theme park; and Norfolk Gardens, with tennis and golf facilities.
Littlehampton Museum
The Littlehampton Museum contains ship models, marine paintings, findings from shipwrecks, photographs, prehistoric and Roman artifacts and Victorian art.
Bognor Regis, England
Bognor Regis (pop. 35,000) owes the suffix "Regis" to the fact that George V came here to recuperate in 1929, which gave the resort added attraction - the iron pier had already been opened in 1910. The town of Bognor offers entertainment facilities for all ages, while the gently sloping beach is very suitable for children.Each summer, Bognor Regis is the site of a competition for human-powered 'flying' machines. The event draws a good number of competitors and a large number of spectators.
Selsey Bill
The low-lying peninsula of Selsey Bill lies south of Chichestermi. It is very exposed to wind and weather, with parts of it perpetually being washed away by the sea. The resort of Selsey is characterized by colorful holiday houses, as are neighboring Bracklesham Bay and East Wittering. The much ramified Chichester Harbor and the harbors of West Wittering and Itchenor are popular sailing centers.
Hailsham - Michelham Priory
The Michelham Priory is set on a moated island in Hailsham. It is recognized as one of the most impressive historic houses in Sussex. It was founded in 1229, however most of the original buildings were destroyed during the Dissolution.The remains were converted into a Tudor farm and country house. Attractions include picturesque gardens, a working watermill, sculpture garden, smithy, rope museum, and the Elizabethan Great Barn which provides a superb setting for art exhibits and theater productions.
Beachy Head Countryside Centre
Located close to the cliff tops, Beachy Head Countryside Centre is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Within the Centre is the Downland Experience features the archaeology, flora and fauna, as well as details about the building of the lighthouse. Sussex Gallery hosts exhibitions featuring various stylesof watercolours, oils and photographs.
Hailsham, England
Hailsham is located 5mi/7km north of Eastbourne and serves mainly as a commuter town. Hailsham offers the "Freedom Leisure" entertainment complex with a pool and waterslide, the Wealden Brass band and the Hailsham Pavilion, used as a cinema and concert hall.
Cuckoo Trail
The Cuckoo Trail is a nationally acclaimed traffic-free route through the Wealden countryside. It follows the route of the former railroad line linking Polegate, Hailsham, Horam and Heathfield. Ideal for walking, cycling, horse riding and people with disabilities.
Herstmonceux Science Centre
The Herstmonceux Science Centre is one of England's leading science centers. It features a historic astronomy site and astronomy exhibitions as well as over 60 exhibits. The emphasis is on discovery by doing, an approach to sharing the miracles of science that will entertain kids of all ages.
Arlington Stadium
Arlington Stadium (Spedeworth International) in Hailsham features a quarter mile raceway. Events include hot rod and stock car racing.
Halland, England
Halland is a tiny place at the junction of the A22 and the B2192 northwest of Eastbourne. The Bentley Wildfowl & Motor Museum is located in Halland, with over 125 species of wildfowl.
Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum
An interesting combination of displays are offered at the Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum including hundreds of swans, geese, ducks, flamingoes, cranes, peacocks, plus veteran, Edwardian and vintage motor vehicles.
Butterfly Centre (closed)
ATTRACTION CLOSED IN 2001.Eastbourne Butterfly Centre is a tropical paradise on Eastbourne's promenade. It features 500 free-flying butterflies in a lush greenhouse setting.
Towner Art Gallery & Museum
The Towner Art Gallery is one of Southeast England's leading galleries. It is set in beautiful gardens and offers a collection of 19th and 20th century British art, including works by Christopher Wood, Frances Hodgkins and Eric Ravilious.
Museum of Shops
The Museum of Shops contains 75,000 exhibits about Victorian-style shops and room settings. There is a special Wartime display.
