Escape London like a James Bond – one day trip to Eastbourne

While many people would say I was lucky to spend my summer in London, I was dreaming to escape to another place. I didn’t have any preference – it could be a village on the other side of the country, a cold city or…famous cliffs. While I was scrolling Facebook as 90% of students do, I accidentally saw a stunning photo of the cliff. What is that? Where is this place? How I can get there? So many questions were fighting in my mind, thus I decided to give a try and plan my trip.

Planning

I knew I had one day off, therefore my trip should be intense, including the most important attractions and free time to relax sitting at the edge of the cliff. For some it may sound terrifying, for others, it may be the biggest joy and excess of dopamine. Probably, I would attribute myself and my friend to the second group. That’s why we were so excited to go there even for one day!  

Visit Towner Art Gallery

We took a train from London to Eastbourne, which in 1 h 30 min took us to this amazing seaside for £30. After we arrived at the train station, we headed towards the Towner Art Gallery, which is on the way to the seaside. We checked what the current exhibition included and decided it will be interesting for us. You can check it on townereastbourne.org.uk, who knows maybe you will find something you like? This place if perfect for those interested in contemporary art and creative workshops, also – it is for free. Our unexpected visit ended with meeting fascinating artists, who design costumes for actors, plan the light in the theatre, paint portraits with the symbolical meaning and teach art at school. Our planned visit ‘’just for 10 min to look around’’ became 1 h journey through Towner collection, contemporary visual arts and stories of the authentic works of the artists working in Eastbourne.    

A walk at the seaside

After a morning walk in the sunshine from the art gallery to the seaside we felt that we are on a real holiday. Suddenly, from the pathway covered with the palms, hotels, and cars, a blue dot reminded us of the main destination we were looking forward to. Let’s run to the see? – we thought at one moment and run with all our energy as fast as we can. For those, who work, study and never have time to see the new image this was the most fulfilling experience. Simply stare at the seaside. We left our shoes on the side and went for a walk across the beach. For those who have less sensitive toes, it may be a relaxing walk through the water, but if you are like us – better walk with your shoes on the road, as this seaside does not contain sand, but the stones. During our walk, we saw a van selling Cornish ice cream– the perfect treat on the summer day, especially if you are at the sea. We had honeycomb and vanilla ice - cream, which is always a must-do when you have holidays!  

Beachy Head – the highest cliff in the UK

Our next destination was the Beachy Head – most famous cliff at Eastbourne. Not many people know that a few scenes of James Bond were filmed in Eastbourne. Beachy Head is the highest chalk sea cliff in the UK and a must-visit once you are in the UK.  After 1 h walk towards the steep cliff, we reach our top of the world. While some tourists had to stop for a break, I and my friend I stopped to take a photo and admire the view, going higher and higher. After the reached the top, we couldn’t believe our eyes – breath-taking scenery appeared in front of us. Blue sea, steep cliffs and the natural beauty underneath. If you look around, take a deep breath and count your life blessings, you will stay there forever in a silent fulfilment. Peace. Joy. Happiness. While German tourists were actively exploring the new routes, another Polish family was making selfies, we found a comfortable spot at the edge covered in green and sat there for a moment, staring at the blue slow-paced sea, so different to the City of London.   

 What else I can do at Eastbourne?  

For those who are interested in more active events, I would suggest going for a coastal trail running or half marathon, that is organized in March. However, if you prefer calm time and relaxing experience, you may be interested in stargazing with Astronomical Society, which takes place in Eastbourne during February.

Overall, after our active trip to the top of the cliff, we had to look around and follow the pathway down the city. However, suddenly, we heard Scottish music coming from the top – who is that? At that moment we felt as if we would be in the real movie, standing next to the traditional Scottish musician in typical medieval clothing playing on the bagpipe. ‘’He looks like from the medieval times! I have to record that!’’- my friend shouted and grab my phone to capture this authentic part of England's history and culture.

Although we reached the Beachy Head, visited Art Gallery and had a walk along the seaside, we had limited time, as the train doesn’t wait – as my grandmother used to say. Therefore, we quickly rushed to the train station, hoping to get on the last train to London. This fascinating trip refreshed our souls and gave a new broader perspective at the student life issues, world magic and value of the moment.

Photo gallery