This summer we take you to Eastbourne, where the rolling hills of the South Downs meet the sea, and the three mile long esplanade is graced with impressive architecture still retaining much of its Regency style. There is time to stroll along the promenade, the beautiful gardens and beaches, or visit the shops. We also take in the summer glory of the gardens at Herstmonceux Castle, Penshurst Place and Pashley Manor.

ITINERARY

Day 1 After the usual taxi pick ups, we travel via Alfriston in the Cuckmere Valley, home to the first ever property acquired by the National Trust, and across the rolling landscape to Beachy Head. We arrive in Eastbourne early afternoon and the rest of the day is free.

Day 2 Our first visit today is to Herstmonceux Castle, a superb moated property set in beautiful parkland and renowned for its Elizabethan gardens. The formal gardens include a walled garden dating from before 1570, a herb garden, the Shakespeare Garden, woodland sculptures and a Georgian style folly. We then move on to Pashley Manor Gardens, once home to the Boleyns. Here we enjoy romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings and fine old trees, fountains, springs, ponds and exceptional views over the surrounding countryside. During July the air is scented with the perfume of sweet peas and lilies.

Day 3 A morning visit to the wonderful Penshurst Place, with a history stretching back six and a half centuries. The 11 acres of formal walled garden were originally laid out in 1580, and over a mile of yew hedging divides it into a series of ‘rooms’, each with its own season and colour. We have included entrance to both the gardens and the magnificent house, where you can explore the staterooms. In the afternoon we visit Royal Tunbridge Wells for a one-hour guided walking tour of the Pantiles.

Day 4 A free morning to have a final stroll along the promenade. We depart early afternoon for the local area, our taxis and home.