Apparently UK tourism is set to be one of the few sectors to benefit from the recession, with 70% of people ready to book a holiday in the UK this year.

We’ve all been there – fractious children and frustrated parents stranded in airport lounges, disillusioned with the ‘glamour’ of air travel and, when coupled with a weak pound, it perhaps shouldn’t be surprising to hear that 39% are now considering to spend their main 2010 holiday here in the UK, up 10% on last year.  

The Guesthouse East, the boutique but family friendly hotel in Eastbourne, should be well placed since it is families who are likely to be at the heart of the ‘staycation’ boom. It is those with children who are more likely to target self catering accommodation and coastal resorts. Just as well, then, that The Guesthouse East is just 50m from the sea front in Eastbourne and that each suite has a separate kitchen with self-catering facilities and large bedroom, often with an extra futon or sofa bed for children. And when mum doesn’t fancy spending any more time in the kitchen bed and breakfast is always available.

Check availability and book or give us a ring 01323 722774 to find out more.

Family antics in the garden this weekend in Eastbourne – as guests decided that the Halloween spirit must be embraced. Mulled wine and sparklers added to the spirit.

This followed friday night fireworks at East Dean, as their torch-lit procession, bonfire and firework show grows ever larger (numbers must have reached four thousand this year). I even stretched to a kebab-van veggie burger. Yikes.

A friend said to me the other day she has roles, a mother, a runner, a teacher etc… I know what she means, and this half term, I’ve had them all full on every day – and enjoyed every bit of it! I can add to my list host. And once again we’ve been host to some really nice people, who’ve made the absolute most of the Eastbourne sunshine this weekend (cycling to Alfriston, taking kids to Drusillas Park, eating a fab meal at Ashoka). As for us, we had more family visiting, and once again made of use of the fantastic Cuckmere Cycle Centre’s Bike hire. This time with slightly older kids we managed the Forest and a cycle through Exceat to Cuckmere Haven. A really stunning place. Waves crash against the white cliffs – the rough blue of the sea and porcelain white of the cliffs make me feel excited, and like the kids I want to know what’s round the next corner… it was here my sister and I had a conversation reinforcing our view that theme parks are a complete black hole – not just for cash, but for a feeling of insatiability… Whereas bombing through Friston Forest and dipping into the sea at Cuckmere is the opposite. A day of memories – and just £24 for the bikes (for two adults and four kids). After that we came back to Eastbourne for some more swimming and boogie boarding. Today, was busy, busy, busy at the Guesthouse in the morning, but then the afternoon was spent at my favourite beach, Birling Gap in recession-busting sunshine!

The weather has been fantastic in Eastbourne this weekend. We’ve just returned from tea at the Cavendish Hotel, where we spent the last hour or so relaxing and people watching – and there were so many people to watch. The tide was out when we first went out and a few brave people were taking the plunge. The beach was full of families and young couples; rollerbladers and runners sailed along the prom, and children ran into the sea… Last night Mike and I ate at Michael Angelo’s Italian restaurant, in South Street. A lovely traditional restaurant, with great food and brilliant service. I had a lovely starter, peppers stuffed with capers, followed by Halibut. Mike had whitebait, and a steak! This morning we were up early and I ran on the Downs with five other runners from our group. We ran from here to Birling Gap, through the fields to Friston, and then to Butts Brow, 15.5miles and a glorious day on the spectaculour South Downs…