It’s October. I’m wearing shorts.  Not below the knee, could-be-three-quarter-length pants, these are officially short shorts.

Unlike my husband Carl, who pretty much wears shorts exclusively from February to November (and who once wore shorts and flip flops on a boat trip to visit a glaciar in Patagonia), I only get my bottle-white pins out if it’s really, really warm – if there’s even a hint of a breeze, I feel cold.

This Indian summer is fabulous for parents of pre-schoolers – like me – who want to take little ones for days out.  Now that the big kids are back at school, there are no queues or trampling of babes.  And there are also some fabulous special offers out there if you’re looking for things to do in Eastbourne or fancy heading to the coast for a few days.

It was my son Rafael’s 4^th birthday last week, and we headed off to Blackberry Farm for animal feeding, tractor rides, bouncing and sliding with sister Lexi and a few friends.  Not only was there glorious sunshine all day, but it turned out that in term time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for every paying adult, you get a child in free – bargain! So in effect I got that scrummy chocolate brownie and flat white coffee for free!

We have all sorts of ideas if you’d like to hear of more family-friendly activities around Sussex – just ask. We’ve have two years to practice with ours while running our bed and breakfast in Eastbourne so have built up a fabulous list of options.

Who knows, if this weather continues I might even have to pass on my flanelette pyjamas. Now that would be just plain silly.

Sarah

Tags: Family friendly, family friendly hotels, indian summer, Things to do in Eastbourne, things to do near eastbourne

You work hard throughout the year, way beyond 9-to-5, with inevitably consequences on family life – time together and family holidays in particular are so very precious.

With two very young children ourselves and having lived life as professionals in London I hope we understand as well as anyone the pressures the modern family faces.

Many of our guests here at The Guesthouse East in Eastbourne head for the coast looking for a holiday escape – the simple family pleasures of fresh air, a stroll along the pier and a frolic on the beach. Some specifically head to us based on word-of-mouth from friends and family who have stayed here and recognise the advantage of the large, flexible suites with self catering kitchens and the free availability of travel cots, sterilisers, high chairs and even the books and toys we can lend. Not to mention the independent baby-sitting service provided by local nursery staff.

We actively recommend some great family friendly cafes and restaurants who completely recognise the changing dynamics of Eastbourne and demand for good-quality, reasonably price fayre, who aren’t simply child-tolerent but actually child-friendly. From my experience the two terms are poles apart….

Try Central Eating Cafe on Terminus Road for cracking cakes, coffee and a mushroom burger to die for. Pomodoro is a lovely family-run Italian, again just a couple of minutes walk from here – we have discount vouchers for both.

We have a largely pebble beach in Eastbourne, but come low-tide enough sand is exposed to create a sandcastle or two and if you time it right, the rockpools, from the Grand Hotel down to Holywell, will keep the children entertained for hours.

Thanks to the micro-climate created by the South Downs Eastbourne enjoys more sunshine than any other place in the UK, but even here we do occasionally get the odd drop of rain – thankfully there is a cinema at the bottom of the road and the Sovereign Centre provides a wonderful swimming pool, complete with a gentle slope into the water, slide and wave machine.  All at a council-run price.

I haven’t even got close here to talking about Drusillas, Blackberry Farm or the Miniature Steam Railway but each are worth a visit and I’d be delighted to offer more information on them.

Feel free to drop me an email, make comments on blog or call on 01323 722774 if you would like more details on things to do – we can even help shape itineraries for your stay.

As for me, it’s more blackberry-picking with the kids this afternoon for a tasty crumble this evening!

Carl

Tags: baby friendly hotel, baby friendly hotels, child friendly hotel, family friendly hotel, family friendly hotels

We’ve been extremely busy all summer here at The Guesthouse East – I’ve been putting it down to my porridge – but it seems we’re part of a much bigger trend according to a new study highlighted on BBC 1 (The One Show) and the Eastbourne Herald amongst others.

EASTBOURNE is the second fastest growing seaside resort – and the sixth most popular in the UK.

The number of staycations – Brits holidaying at home – is going through the roof, and the Sunshine Coast is one of the main beneficiaries.

Eastbourne is second in terms of growth in tourism-related businesses, the number of people employed in the holiday economy and the number of visitors to local attractions compared to the year before, rising by 11% year-on-year, much higher than other Sussex resorts like Brighton, Hastings and Worthing.

Almost five million people flock to Eastbourne every year, swelling the town’s coffers by an estimated £250 million every 12 months.

Many of those visitors are foreign families and students, but, according to new figures, an increasing number are English natives shunning the Spanish sun in favour of a short spell in the sunniest part of UK.

This upturn is indicative of a national trend toward seaside chic breaks – with many bed and breakfasts transformed into trendy boutique hotels and attracting more affluent tourists to the coast. Figures show those holidaying in the UK spending 23 per cent more during their stay than last year and that in total resorts has seen 21 per cent more UK visitors staying overnight rather than just enjoying a day trip.

However, there are some traditions that show no signs of abating. Six in ten holidaymakers quizzed as part of the survey said they planned to eat fish and chips during their break and four in 10 said they were looking forward to a stroll on the pier.

In fact, one in three holidaymakers say the traditional attractions at seaside towns was one of the a reason for deciding against travelling overseas.

Just in case you need another reason to visit (or just perhaps to run off those chips) we’ve teamed up with The Running Inn to offer another Running Weekend Course.

As well as boutique accommodation here at The Guesthouse East (check out our suites!) you’ll receive a fitness test, nutrition discussion, pilates for runners as well as personal trainer-supported runs on the South Downs.

There always a lovely, supportive atmosphere and it’s amazing what you can achieve after a bowlful of my legendary porridge!   Call 01323 722774 for more details.

Carl

Tags: boutique bed and breakfast, boutique hotel, boutique hotels, Eastbourne, staycation, sunshine coast, There

So we’re not exactly at Tom and Barbara levels of self-sufficiency just yet but the parallels of a mid-life crisis and a quest to avoid the rat-race are pretty clear.
We’ve just polished off my kayak-caught sea bass (pan-fried fillets with a delicious oriental sauce) rounded off with a homemade pie of local apples and blackberries picked on Beachy Head a few hours ago. Hmm, maybe I now need a vineyard to provide a decent glass of red?

Having a bed and breakfast in Eastbourne is pretty relentless (despite what my friends reckon – ‘No, really, what do you do to fill your day?’) but there are certainly perks to be had. Many of them end up in my tum.

The council vetoed my plan for solar-generated electricity – Grade II-listing can be very appealing but not when it comes to negotiating the minefield of council planning committees – and (thankfully) my wife provides the pragmatic balance that Barbara Good would have been proud of when it comes to weeding out the various ‘business ideas’ I hatch.

Still, we’re a long way from our previous life in Teddington and the corporate world so occasionally the odd plan comes to fruition.

We have a regular stream of guests who recognise the quality of life that Eastbourne can provide and are searching for a holiday home or indeed are eyeing up a similar leap towards a simpler life away from London.

We’re always very open to a chat about the realities of life on the Sunshine Coast and can also give some honest feedback on local areas to consider so feel free to call us up or book yourself in for a break to sample the delights on offer. Those blackberries really are very juicy…

Carl

Tags: Bed and breakfast Eastbourne, bed and breakfast in eastbourne, Eastbourne bed and breakfast

OK it sounds like we have had a really strange set of visitors…. but it was all in the name of love!  The delightful Bishop family took over The Guesthouse East last weekend as they were attending the wedding of daughter Elena in East Dean.

Our Grade II listed building was filled with the pitter patter of children’s feet as Elena’s lovely nieces and nephew got ready for the big day.  And while the adults primped and preened, groomed and glossed getting ready for the ceremony, the little ones had a great time working off a bit of steam on the trampoline in our back garden before they had to get into their finery.

We even got a few days off cooking breakfasts as dad David is a dab hand at a full English and took over our kitchen for the weekend, whipping up delights for his family.  Are you sure you don’t want a job here?!

Sarah

“You really did manage to make it easy for the group to prepare for the day as everything one could possibly want was made readily available. Each room is equipped with ironing station for decreasing squashed garments and there is plenty of room to hang them out.  Extra personal items were loaned to the baby and each bedroom was made comfortable for each family. I’m  grateful that, all those months ago,  Carl suggested I make a temporary booking of the whole hotel as he immediately understood my desires for the weekend. Thank you Carl and Sarah very much indeed.” Susan Bishop

Tags: self catering in eastbourne, Wedding accommodation

I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen them with my own eyes, but arguably the two biggest stars of all time ARE alive and well – and rocking it in Eastbourne!

A week last Friday, as I was meandering up the seafront promenade trying to get my tired, irate one-year-old to sleep in her pram, I literally almost collided with The King.  Tall, pouty, glossy black hair and oozing coolness, I felt myself go weak at the knees…  Although maybe that’s because my three-year-old had chosen that moment to jump on my back and shout ‘giddeeeup mummy!’.

Sadly duty called with late-night check ins and I couldn’t make it to the concert that night, but as the Eastbourne Bandstand is literally on our doorstep, we only had to open doors and windows for the rock ‘n’ roll fever to spread through The Guesthouse East.

This weekend there was no chance I was going to miss out when I heard my childhood crush – Michael Jackson – was performing in town.  With my equally-fanatical friend by my side, I bopped and sang in delight to ‘Beat It’, ‘Billie Jean’ and a host of other classics – including some Jackson 5 favourites.

OK, so we did really know that these were tribute acts, but does it hurt to dream a little?  And they look soooo much like the real thing.  In fact, a little too much like them for their own good it seems.  One of Michael Jackson’s backing dancers was staying with us at The Guesthouse East and explained that their whole tour is cloaked in secrecy, with even the dancers only finding out where they are going on departure.  Apparently fake ‘Michaels’ have been targeted by stalkers in the past…   I’m saying nothing.

Sarah

Tags: Eastbourne accommodation, Eastbourne bandstand, Things to do in Eastbourne, tribute acts eastbourne

It’s all part of our quest to fully understand what’s happening around Eastbourne; to immerse ourselves in the activities and opportunities on offer to provide the ultimate feedback and guidance for our guests. It has absolutely nothing to do with our enjoyment. Honest.

Hale and Pace, the former comedy duo, are now playing it straight, starring in the West End hit Murder by Misadventure at the Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne until mid-August. Hardly the most arduous couple of hours for us to endure as reviewers – nicely played, great set and enjoyable thriller – well worth a night out if you’re in town.

Should you be here with family we can now heartily recommend a couple of options.

Apparently 64% of urban children when asked where milk comes from replied Tesco (you can imagine the Daily Mail headlines). So, if you fancy the opportunity to get some mud on the wheels of your 4X4 (at least from their car park) and a chance to expose the children to some four-legged furry animals then Blackberry Farm, just off the A22, should be on your hit-list.

Collect some eggs, feed the goats, sheep and pigs, ride a pony, charge around the adventure playground and reward yourself with coffee and cake in their dinky cafe.

And who wouldn’t want to play train drivers for a morning at the Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway?  Straddle a miniature locomotive as it meanders its way around a country park, stroll around their lake and indulge in a cream tea (you might detect a theme here…).

So, a thoroughly exhausting exercise in the name of market research, but you can now confidently plan your next visit in Eastbourne.

Actually, I need to add that the mackerel have finally arrived in numbers so I suggest you also add a visit to the fishing shop at the end of the pier. Hire a rod and appropriate kit, target high tide and prepare to snare your supper. You won’t even need to dress them (as recent guests here from Germany/Japan discovered) – yours truly can take care of the gooey bits whie you can just sit back and enjoy. Really, the things I do for my guests!

Carl

Tags: blackberry farm, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, eastbourne miniture steam railway, emsr, murder by misadventure, what to do in eastbourne

The sun is shining on another delightful morning here on Hartington Place, Eastbourne.

Our guests from the Netherlands have just headed out for a trek towards Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters (true pragmatic Dutch stylee, with sandals, packed lunch and ever-so-slightly wary children) whilst others prepare for the opera at Glyndebourne.

Our London journalists have just left with one last rueful look at the sea before heading back to the station. At least it’s an easy journey for their family – just an hour an half back to Clapham Junction and Victoria.

Whilst the children are at nursery and the wife is out at Zumba (is EVERY woman at it these days?!) it’s a rare opportunity to indulge in a pain au chocolat, mug of builders tea and a little rumination in front of the pc and appreciation of all that is good in life.

Maybe, just maybe, there will be an opportunity for a kayak fishing session this afternoon and the possibility of a bass or a few mackeral for supper, post five-a-side football.

Before I lose myself completely in a fog of smugness I’d best crack on with tidying up the dining room and carry up innumerable bags of laundry just delivered. This bed and breakfast malarkey is non-stop.

Tags: accommodation in eastbourne, beachy head, Bed and breakfast Eastbourne, bed and breakfast in eastbourne, Eastbourne accommodation, eastbourne B&B, Eastbourne bed & breakfast, Eastbourne bed and breakfast

There has been a frenzy of sporting activity here at the guesthouse recently. For once, not all lycra has been worn by yours truly and baby buggies have been outnumbered by bikes in the dining room.

With the London to Brighton cycle ride almost amongst us, guests have been hitting the tarmac and hills of the South Downs in preparation for Ditchling Beacon and the other meanderings between the capital and the South coast.

At a slightly different pace, our lovely Norwegian couple have also been testing themselves at nearby golf courses which share the same scenery and also the same (currently wind-blown) challenges, whilst others have enjoyed pre-breakfast jogs along the prom.

Watching everyone else indulge in the activities has left me feeling slightly frumpy, largely sat behind the laptop, with only Wednesday night running club (and a recent but thankfully short spell on a wedding dance floor) to keep my legs moving.

It’s a far cry from the marathon training and morning spent running around Richmond Park. If you fancy reading more about the sights and suffering I suggest you pick up the latest edition of Running Free magazine or perhaps take a look online here – see pages 38-39.

If you have the time for a visit to this rather unique Eastbourne bed and breakfast and fancy a run out why don’t you give me a call on 01323 722774 – and don’t forget your welcome to join us at The Running Inn’s Wednesday night session or indeed circuits on a Friday night at 6pm (for just a fiver). There is always the prospect on my (apparently legendary) porridge to sort you out in the morning.

Tags: Bed and breakfast Eastbourne, bed and breakfast in eastbourne, Eastbourne bed and breakfast, golfing eastbourne, london to brighton cycle ride, running free magazine, South Downs

I’m thankful my Dunlop Green Flash trainers and Lacoste shorts are still in decent shape but frankly the Tacchini tracksuit top is a bit frayed around the edges.

Devonshire Park, home to the Aegon pre-Wimbledon Championship, is just around the corner from here at The Guesthouse East in Eastbourne and provides arguably the finest grass courts in the world.

We’ve teamed up with former international player Samy Messi to offer you the chance of coaching and fun on the very green carpet that Martina Navratilova believes is a better surface than Wimbledon.

It’ll only cost you £25 per hour for one or £30 for two per hour. Samy can handle up to 6 at a time (for only £6 each!) and the cost includes court hire (and racket and balls if required) so it really is a snip.

No matter if it’s for your children, wife and friends or semi-pro husband, the coaching will be tailored perfectly.

For a reason I really can’t fathom my wife has decided that she fancies a run around the courts and has scheduled intensive one-to-one sessions with the coach. I don’t believe she’ll be wearing my early-80s clobber either.

AEGON Championship: Venus Williams is set to appear this year at this year’s tournament as well as Lleyton  Hewitt.

We have a delightful apartment available for the week in the Meads (just a short walk away) if you fancy taking in the tournament. Just call Carl on 01323 722774 to find out more.

Tags: aegon, aegon tennis, Devonshire Park tennis, Eastbourne tennis, pre-wimbledon tennis, Tennis, tennis coaching