Christmas in Eastbourne & Brighton

Christmas in Eastbourne & Brighton

After joining the coach, we make our way to our hotel and check in.

Christmas in Eastbourne & Brighton

We spend the day in cosmopolitan Brighton, one of Britain’s best-loved seaside resorts. At Christmastime, the city comes alive with festive sparkle, as its blend of tradition and contemporary style shines beneath twinkling lights and elegant decorations.

Christmas in Eastbourne & Brighton

Christmas Day is a chance to relax at our hotel and, of course, indulge in a festive lunch with all the trimmings. A light buffet dinner is served in the evening.

Christmas in Eastbourne & Brighton

The delights of 1066 Country await, stopping first in the coastal town of Hastings, which boasts the remains of the first castle in England to be built by William the Conqueror and a preserved Old Town with half-timbered houses and narrow streets. Our next stop is Battle, the scene of William the Conqueror’s famous victory.

Christmas in Eastbourne & Brighton

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head for home.

On day 4, delve into 1066 Country, beginning in Hastings Old Town. Wander lanes lined with half-timbered houses and see the black-tarred net huts on the Stade, reminders of the town’s fishing heritage. From the seafront, look up to the ruins of Hastings Castle and pause for photos and reflection on the pebble beach, where history and sea stories mingle.

A short drive brings you to Battle, scene of the Norman victory over King Harold. View the abbey gatehouse and the slopes of Senlac Hill while hearing how 1066 reshaped England’s language, law and identity. This is a compact journey through landmark history and evocative landscapes, with time to explore at an easy pace before returning to Eastbourne.

Each night after dinner, gather in the Cavendish’s sea-view lounges to enjoy light entertainment every evening — perhaps a vocalist, a relaxed quiz or gentle dancing. Order a nightcap, chat with fellow travellers and let the sound of the surf set an easy tempo between songs.

Eastbourne’s seaside tradition lives on indoors during winter, swapping promenades for warm company and a comfortable armchair. Typically following dinner on each night of your stay, these informal performances add a sociable close to the day, inviting you to soak in the coastal atmosphere without leaving the hotel.

On day 2, travel the short stretch of coast to Brighton, where your Tour Manager offers pointers before you stroll the seafront past beach huts and the arcades of the Brighton Palace Pier. Spend time to browse The Lanes and North Laine’s independent shops and cafés, and admire the onion domes and minarets of the Royal Pavilion from the outside as festive lights twinkle across the city.

Once a modest fishing village, Brighton became the Prince Regent’s fashionable playground, reborn in Regency style and later renowned for its creative spirit. Expect bracing sea air, street art, and snug coffee stops. This visit typically fills the day, leaving you to enjoy a free afternoon exploring the blend of tradition and modern flair at your own pace.

On day 3, Christmas unfolds at the Cavendish with a leisurely morning followed by a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. Think roast turkey, crisp roast potatoes, rich gravy and seasonal vegetables, crowned with Christmas pudding and a toast of festive cheer. The sea-view lounges provide a calm, wintry backdrop between courses.

British Christmas traditions take centre stage: cracking paper crowns, convivial conversation and time to pause for photos and reflection. After an unhurried afternoon — perhaps to watch the King’s Christmas broadcast — the hotel serves a light evening buffet, rounding off a day focused on comfort, companionship and the simple pleasure of being by the shore.

After arriving in Eastbourne on day 1, settle into the Cavendish Hotel and meet your Tour Manager over a convivial welcome drink. With glass in hand, you’ll join a short orientation stroll along the Grand Parade, taking in the trim seafront gardens, the Eastbourne Pier and the Victorian Bandstand as winter waves roll ashore.

Eastbourne blossomed as a refined Victorian resort, framed by the South Downs and the chalk headland of Beachy Head. Taking place in the late afternoon or early evening on day 1, this gentle introduction helps you get your bearings, hear practical tips for the days ahead, and enjoy a free evening to ease into the town’s festive seaside atmosphere.