85 days to go….yes the countdown to Eastbourne is well and truly underway!
In this series of blogs, I will bring you ideas to help you plan your visit to Eastbourne not just for bridge but also to make you aware of the many delights of the town of Eastbourne and its surrounding countryside, villages and towns. Make your visit a real holiday!
Firstly, just a reminder that August is peak holiday season. Please make sure you book your accommodation as soon as possible…other people will also be visiting. Particularly, soon after our Summer Meeting closes on the 14th August, the town is besieged by lovers of a great airshow in Eastbourne’s own Airbourne. If you want to watch even 1 day of this 4-day spectacular which starts on 18th August, you should definitely book now. Like everyone, we have been starved of these treats for 2 years, but normal life has already started. And don’t forget to book your bridge!!!
If you are coming with your bridge partner or team and decide on at least a week, let me suggest an itinerary which will combine a history of the area with the delights of the countryside and some excellent places to eat. I’ve assumed you have come by car, but you don’t have to use it daily!
Sunday 7th Aug: Arrive late afternoon. Dine at Bistrot Pierre’s on the seafront. Booking essential.
Monday 8th Aug: Explore the ancient settlements and rich landscapes of 1066 Country, From Roman to Mediaeval, take in as many castles as you wish. Then back to Eastbourne for an early dinner at Pomodoro e Mozzarella. Bridge at 7pm at Eastbourne Bridge Club, which is just around the corner from the restaurant.
Tuesday 9th Aug: Make use of the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus to plan a day of spectacular downland walks with refreshment stops to suit, before driving over to Bexhill Bridge Club for bridge at 7pm. Alternatively, plan your walks for the morning, bridge at Sovereign Harbour at 1:30pm enjoy an early harbourside dinner and then see a show; "Around the World in 80 Days" at the Devonshire Park Theatre starting at 7:45pm, or "Dreamboats & Petticoats Bringing on Back the Good Times!", at the Congress Theatre starting at 7:30pm. Visit the Eastbourne Theatres website for more details.
Wednesday 10th Aug: Spend a leisurely morning out and about the promenades either side of the pier. Enjoy an afternoon of bridge at Eastbourne Bridge Club for a 1:30pm start. Dinner at the Ship Inn, Meads High Street.
Thursday 11th Aug: The Summer Meeting starts this evening! You will have plenty of time in the morning to get a train across to Lewes, 20 minutes away, and explore this mediaeval County Town. Stock up with beers and wines from the Harvey’s shop on Cliff High Street. See the castle! Visit Lewes website for more information.
Friday 12th Aug: Swiss Teams. There are plenty of superb places to eat and enjoy your meal later. Restaurant bookings advised.
Saturday & Sunday 13th & 14th Aug. Choose from Swiss Pairs or Daily Swiss Pairs Lite. Restaurant bookings advised.
By Ros Wolfarth