Reborn in Eastbourne

Eastbourne is not just for old people

It's for younger ones as well.All ages can enjoy Eastbourne.One of the reasons why it does appeal is for the weather.It's the sunniest spot in Britain,and has been a seaside resort since the 19Th century.With many lovely beach chalets,not huts,down on the promenade.

Starting on the west part of the seafront,Holywell.Closest to Beachy Head(Which is a national park right on the doorstep).This is the hilly,lush area.With lots of walking trails,gardens,a little secret park(the Italian gardens),cafes both on top of the cliff and down by the beach.This has the look of the Caribbean,especially when the tide is in and there's a surf over the reef.

The residential area here is called the Meads and the Lower Meads.This is one of the most picturesque parts of town,with its tree lined roads.It has the feel of a village just outside of the town,with its own shops.Along with 2 excellent pubs,'the pilot' and my favourite 'the Ship Inn'.You will find the Hydro hotel here right on top of a hill,on the seafront.

Following the seafront East towards town.It slopes down and gets less hilly.With all the hotels adoring the seafront,and top of the bill.The Grand Hotel,a white wedding cake of a building.

Just before it flattens out,there's the Wish tower.Which is a relic from the Napoleonic times.Also with a cafe with direct sea views.Looking back to Beachy Head from here.Is one of my favourite views.Again reminding me of sunnier climates,for instance the south of France.

This is the busiest part of the beach leading to the Pier.With cafe bars just off the beach and up on the promenade.This is where the beach is less rocky.Whereas on the west part you have to be careful with the sharp reef.This you will see,when the tides out.But also explains why its a well kept surfing secret.

Away from the seafront here,is the town centre.With all the usual suspects in shops,restaurants and bars.Mixing it up with its own local independents.Including the Enterprise centre and the Labyrinth.Also Little Chelsea,which is the business(solicitors,accountants and estate agents abound) part of town.

Back to the seafront.You will find the Carpet gardens and even palm trees.Continue along the promenade which runs along the entire length of the seafront.You will find yourself at the North and South Harbours.A large residential marina.Once again reminding you of the Med.Complete with water features,bridges and pathways.A modern Venice.At the Waterfront is the bar and restaurant area.Where you can relax,wine and dine while enjoying the views of the marina.Naturally with all the boats and yachts you could wish for,along with millionaire homes.There are also Boat trips and Diving from here.

Between the pier and the Harbour you will find the Sailing club and Spray water sports centre which is the Windsurfing center.Just off from here there's the Princess park.

Amazingly you can also go skiing and snowboarding,just a short trip out of town.At Knockhatch.Also a couple of spots nearby where you can go parasailing.

There's wine tasting at the English Wine centre.Next to Drusillas zoo and the old village of Alfriston.Cider tasting amongst all the local shops at Middle farm.

You don't have to go far to enjoy Unspoiled nature.Beachy Head with its iconic white cliffs and lighthouse peering out over the sea.This leads very nicely to Birling gap,one of the best places to watch the sunset.Another beauty spot,the Seven sisters country park.Is one of my favourite natural attractions in England.With it's serpentine river,frequented by kayakers.It's also very popular for families,hikers and cyclists.A great place to eat here is the Golden Gallion.Down on the beach is the famous beach cottage dream scene from the film 'Attonement'.

Amongst the events on offer.Is Airborne,the biggest free airshow in the country.And Tennis.Which is the warm up prior to Wimbledon.This was just the women's,but from 2009,they are being joined by the men.

For history enthusiasts,along with a collection of Napoleonic fortresses dotted along the coast.Just a short trip away from the Harbour is Pevensey castle.It dates from the Roman times.In fact its big walls are from then.It is also the spot of perhaps the most traumatic event in our History.The landing of a certain William the Conqueror in 1066.Plus the 1st Norman church.

So as you can see.Life is to be enjoyed in Eastbourne.No matter your age.