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Discovering East Sussex
5 day holiday - Monday 17th March 2025
Highlights...
Bateman’s (Home of Rudyard Kipling)
Charleston House & Gallery
‘Brighton i360’ Observation Tower
Experience the historical gems of Eastbourne, a charming seaside resort steeped in English heritage located near the chalky-white cliffs of the Sussex coastline. Established in the 12th century and originally growing around a small fishing village, Eastbourne later evolved into a fashionable seaside destination by the 19th century. The town quickly became a favourite for those seeking the refreshing sea air and picturesque landscapes. The arrival of the railway in 1849 greatly increased its popularity, leading to the development of elegant Victorian architecture and grand hotels. Gardens and green spaces began to pop up, each offering unique features, most notably the Italian Gardens or Princes Park. The iconic Eastbourne Pier, which opened in 1870, remains a beloved attraction and surrounded by traditional seaside delights. The vibrant seafront features a magnificent promenade, where visitors can stroll alongside the pebble beach and features areas lined with colourful beach huts.

Our holiday includes a coastal tour with a look at Beachy Head, home to the distinctive red and white striped lighthouse and the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain. We venture up the ‘Brighton i360’ observation tower to learn more from a bird’s eye view, and across town to uncover local stories and artefacts inside the fascinating Seaford Museum. Literary and historical details are revealed under the roof of Bateman’s, home of Rudyard Kipling (author of ‘The Jungle Book’). Art-enthusiasts will enjoy observing the contrast of classic collections within Charleston House & Gallery, or modern works inside the Towner Gallery.
We are also delighted to include wine tasting and lunch as our first stop on this holiday at the splendid Bolney Wine Estate Vineyard. With a rich cultural heritage and a variety of attractions, Eastbourne continues to enchant visitors, offering a delightful blend of attractions waiting for you to discover. Join us here this March if you ‘do like to be beside the seaside’!
The Hydro Hotel 4*
Nestled within award-winning gardens, the Hydro Hotel features stunning elevated sea views and is located steps away from Eastbourne Seafront. This luxurious 4-star hotel offers sophisticated accommodation with Wi-Fi, cosy lounge areas and lifts to all floors. All rooms contain tea and coffee making facilities, TV, comfy double beds, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, trouser press, room safe and en-suite bathrooms. Limited rooms with walk-in showers are available upon request. We will start every morning with breakfast in the elegant Crystal Restaurant, then finish each day with a 3-course dinner and your choice of two glasses of house wine or soft drinks.

Itinerary
Day 1 – Monday 17th March
Your chauffeur-driven car will drop you off at the Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross, where you will be greeted by your Tour Manager who will be with you throughout the trip. Refreshments will be served before boarding the coach. Our lunch stop is located half-way at the highly- rated Bolney Wine Estate. Favoured for its quality English wines and scenic vineyards, we take a guided tour with wine tasting. Once we arrive at The Hydro Hotel you will be assisted at the hotel check-in, including porterage for your luggage, with time to settle in and unpack before our evening meal.
Day 2 – Tuesday 18th March
Step into Bateman's, a 17th-century Jacobean house preserved by the National Trust that was once the home of celebrated Nobel Prize-winning author Rudyard Kipling. The sandstone architecture, oak-panelled rooms and Kipling's personal belongings combined with the surrounding gardens and millpond reflect his life and inspiration. After lunch, we venture through the contemporary world of The Towner Gallery, a vibrant artistic hub bursting with a variety of paintings, sculptures, and new media, within the walls of a colourful modernist building. We visit the thought-provoking exhibition ‘Drawing the Unspeakable’. There is also time to explore the town centre if you wish.
Day 3 – Wednesday 19th March
Immerse yourself in a seaside-themed day with our Blue Badge Tour Guide who will highlight the white cliffs of Beachy Head and beyond. We dive into the maritime past of the Seaford Museum to explore artefacts and displays housed within a historic Martello Tower. Following lunch, we take an unforgettable trip up the 'Brighton i360’, a futuristic observation tower that gently ascends 162 meters, designed by the creators of the London Eye. We will be treated to panoramic views of Brighton’s bustling streets, the vast English Channel and the surrounding countryside which stretches up to 26 miles on a clear day.
Day 4 – Thursday 20th March
Renowned for its Georgian architecture and glorious gardens, we begin our day with a self-led tour of Charleston House, once the farmhouse and creative hub of Bloomsbury Group artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. History enthusiasts will appreciate thistreasure-trove of antique furnishings, classic sash windows and period fireplaces that reflect the style and craftsmanship of the 18th century, with a bohemian twist. We travel into town for a light lunch and a look at Charleston Gallery to observe a collection of hand-painted murals, bold textiles, ceramics and more.
Day 5 - Friday 21st March
After breakfast, your Tour Manager will handle all check-out details, ensuring your luggage is loaded onto the coach for a timely departure. Our return journey includes a stop with a two-course lunch, providing the perfect opportunity to socialise with old and new Cultural Breaks Members from your experience. Later, we’ll return to the Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross for refreshments including tea or coffee, before your door-to-door car collection. We hope you’ve enjoyed your trip with us and look forward to welcoming you on another holiday with us soon!

Total Price of the Holiday: £1,995 per person
Deposit: £200
National Trust Discount: £17
Balance due:
19th January 2025
Whats Included:
- Door-to-door cars from your home to the meeting point and return journey
- Coach travel throughout the holiday
- Four nights at the 4-Star Hydro Hotel in Eastbourne
- 3-course dinner with 2 glasses of wine every night
- Breakfast every morning at the hotel
- Lunch with coffee or tea each day
- Refreshments on the first and final day at the Crowne Plaza
- All Admission/talks/tours at properties visited:
- Bateman’s National Trust House
- Blue Badge Tour Guide (Day 3)
- Bolney Wine Estate Vineyard (lunch & wine tasting)
- Brighton i360 Observatory Tower (with a soft drink onboard)
- Charleston Gallery
- Charleston House & Garden
- Seaford Museum
- Towner Gallery & Exhibition
- The services of your Tour Manager throughout
- Gratuities
- V.A.T.
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
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Business Hours
- Mon - Fri
- -
- Sat - Sun
- Closed
Cultural Breaks is a trading name of Advantage Travel Centres Limited, registered in England and Wales with registered number 04698963 Vat No. 680 7873 93 Head Office: C/O Regus, Eagle House, 167 City Road, London, EC1V 1AW