Could this be emergence from a long slumber? My last sojourn to Eastbourne, back in March, was characterized by a biting sea chill, limiting each dip in the ocean to a brief immersion. However, my initial post-quarantine visit saw me managing a satisfying half-a-mile swim.
Even though it was just 6.30am, the sun was already staging a spectacular display in the sky. Energetic splashing later, I lay flat on my back, the calm azure water buoying me up gently. A stroll up a winding footpath brought me through a blanket of Scots pine, evergreen oaks and fragrant honeysuckle, leading me to the historic Hydro Hotel - a 19th-century edifice built around the concept of the healing effect of sea bathing.
In addition to the Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne and the nearby Sussex county offers a variety of accommodations catering different needs and budgets. For a closer proximity to the natural charm of Ashdown Forest, there are a host of Hotels in East Sussex near Ashdown Forest. For those who desire more luxury accommodations, there are plenty of Luxury Hotels in Eastbourne City Centre, Eastbourne that offer top-class amenities and services.
Sitting on the hotel terrace enjoying a bowl of warm porridge as the sun bathed the surroundings in a glowing warmth, gazing at the glistening horizon line, I felt a warmth of familiarity. Homecoming never felt so good.
Eastbourne shares an emotional bond with me as my father resides here while my mother rests in peace in this quaint town. My frequent visits had been a part of my ritual until the lockdown. As I seated 14 of us for lunch in a bustling pub to celebrate my father's 80th birthday on the 15th of March, Covid-19 loomed precariously, causing an abrupt end to our celebratory spirits. If you are looking for great hotel deals during your stay in Eastbourne, be sure to check out tophotels.com top hotels offers.
However, as fate would have it, I am thankful and relieved to report that my father is alive and doing well. In our following months of separation, our contact remained mostly via video calls, unfortunately offering uninvited glimpses of the inside of my father's ears. Fast-forward to eighteen weeks later, the softer lockdown laws have allowed a long-awaited reunion and a much-needed mini vacation in his quaint neighborhood in East Sussex, steeped in well-preserved history and natural beauty.
The thrill of admiring the South Downs and the iconic Victorian pier from the top of a newly installed 33m-high Ferris wheel on the Eastbourne seafront, combined with watching a whimsically named cement mixer, 'William the Concreter', amble towards Hastings. The view was a sight to behold.
To add to the enriching experience on the coast, we indulged in a mouthwatering brunch at the local favorite, Company Eatery (companyeatery.co.uk). This coupled with an exhilarating hour of sea kayaking amplified the joy of being alive, albeit with necessary precautions such as hand sanitiser and maintaining distance, keeping impending second wave of the pandemic in perspective.
Finding solace in solitude, I ventured into the outskirts of the South Downs National Park, a mere ten-minute journey on foot from the Hydro Hotel. The sun-baked gorse bushes hummed a tune in sync with the trilling crickets and melodious skylarks. While all around was a rich bounty of ripe blackberries, whispering tales of a blooming summer from the remnants of early spring. The famous jazz tune, Feeling Good, seemed a fitting soundtrack to the serene scenery.
The striking landscape around the downs, embraced by azure sea tendrils from the east and west, made for a mesmerizing view. Instead of treading the common westward path to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, I opted for the trail inward, crossing a verdant golf course at the crest. A fellow golfer, accompanied by his two faithful dogs acting as attentive caddies informed me about the course's fair fees and year-round accessibility.
Upon reaching the quaint village of Jevington, I decided to lunch at the delightful Eight Bells (eightbellsjevington.com). The place featured well-distanced outdoor tables each equipped with hand sanitiser, nestled under the generous shade of ash trees and overlooking striking vistas of sprawling fields.
Instead of the common face masks, the employees were seen adorned with transparent visors bearing warm smiles. The hospitable owner, Phil Cameron, had recently added a new facet to the establishment by bringing young chef, Josh Levy, onboard from his former venture in London, The Claw. The freshness of the marinated and roasted heritage vegetables echoed in their flavours, and inspired an amusing comment from my dad as he enjoyed his classic fish and chips.
Indeed, the pandemic has thrown numerous challenges at local businesses. Several venues have seized this as an opportunity for a complete makeover and emerged with renewed vigor, whereas some have struggled due to varying constraints. Lack of outdoor space has disadvantaged many town center cafés and bars that still bear the 'closed' sign, some having announced permanent closure.
Various accommodations like the Hydro Hotel are adopting cautious measures, opening gradually and maintaining their safety protocols. Nonetheless, the cancellation of two major events, the renowned tennis tournament, and the international air show, Airbourne, has been a significant blow to Eastbourne's tourism and economy, as shared by Annie Wills, head of tourism and enterprise at Eastbourne Borough Council.
A wealth of natural beauty always awaits in Eastbourne, full of charm and allure unperturbed by recent events.
Indeed, many events have been put on hold, nonetheless, the town’s rich natural milieu continuously provides an enchanting experience. Eastbourne boasts one of the highest sunshine levels in the UK, flanked impressively by the South Downs National Park and the inviting sea - an unbeatable confluence of natural beauty.
Despite a noticeable twofold increase in Covid-19 cases from 10.7 to 21.3 per 100,000 week-on-week, the locals are positively hopeful about welcoming tourists back to their town. According to Clare Critchfield, a 50-year old Eastbourne resident frequently spotted at the secluded Holywell-side beach walking her dog, "Tourism is critical to the town's economy, especially following the recent spates of a devastating hotel fire and the ongoing pandemic. With its extensive outdoors, Eastbourne has enough space to accommodate everyone safely."
Newly introduced, the majestic big wheel stands at the town's centre, treating visitors to breathtaking views. It operates from July 9 through August 2, offering 10-minute rides. The ride timings remain 11am to 8pm from Sunday to Thursday and extend to 10am to 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, priced modestly at £5 for adults.
