Based in elegant Eastbourne, this appealing new tour takes us deep into beautiful Sussex before casting the spotlight on its charming seaside towns. We ride the heritage Bluebell Railway steam train, discover the historic retreats and gardens of Standen House and
Michelham Priory, and enjoy time free in Eastbourne and bohemian Hastings before taking tea and learning the etiquette that surrounds it at the brilliant British Tea Museum.
Sussex Steam, Seaside Charms & Tea 2025
Bluebell Railway Credit Peter Edwards
British Tea Museum Credit Chris Parker
Eastbourne
Hastings
Michelham Priory
Standen House © National Trust Images Andrew Butler www.nationaltrust.org.uk
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Bluebell Railway & Standen House & Garden
This morning, we enjoy a journey on the Bluebell Railway heritage steam train from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead, riding a nostalgic train carriage as it chugs 11 miles through picturesque Sussex countryside. Next, we enjoy a visit to Standen House & Garden, considered one of the country’s finest examples of Arts & Craft workmanship.
We admire the rich Morris & Co. interiors of this late-19th century house and stroll around its hillside garden, which boasts acclaimed plant collections and far-reaching views over the wooded Sussex countryside.
Day 3 Michelham Priory & Eastbourne
Today we visit Michelham Priory and Gardens, a picture-perfect, moated Tudor house founded by Augustinian canons in 1229. After crossing the moat via the medieval gatehouse, we see the house and its gardens, which include a great barn, watermill, and forge. This afternoon brings free time in Eastbourne, giving us the chance to discover this genteel resort as we wish. We can stroll the flower-lined promenade, delve into the pier, shops and cafés, and perhaps catch an open-top sightseeing bus to the white cliffs of nearby Beachy Head.
Day 4 Hastings & The British Tea Museum
We begin today in Hastings where we have time at leisure to experience this historic seaside resort. One of the medieval Cinque Ports, its highlights include the quaint old town, funicular railways, and a fishing beach studded with tall black net huts and fishing boats. In the afternoon, we visit The British Tea Museum in the town, which celebrates the time-honoured rituals of the British teatime. We enjoy a workshop on the social history of tea and taste two fine teas accompanied by a scone topped with cream & jam.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Bluebell Railway & Standen House & Garden
This morning, we enjoy a journey on the Bluebell Railway heritage steam train from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead, riding a nostalgic train carriage as it chugs 11 miles through picturesque Sussex countryside. Next, we enjoy a visit to Standen House & Garden, considered one of the country’s finest examples of Arts & Craft workmanship.
We admire the rich Morris & Co. interiors of this late-19th century house and stroll around its hillside garden, which boasts acclaimed plant collections and far-reaching views over the wooded Sussex countryside.
Day 3 Michelham Priory & Eastbourne
Today we visit Michelham Priory and Gardens, a picture-perfect, moated Tudor house founded by Augustinian canons in 1229. After crossing the moat via the medieval gatehouse, we see the house and its gardens, which include a great barn, watermill, and forge. This afternoon brings free time in Eastbourne, giving us the chance to discover this genteel resort as we wish. We can stroll the flower-lined promenade, delve into the pier, shops and cafés, and perhaps catch an open-top sightseeing bus to the white cliffs of nearby Beachy Head.
Day 4 Hastings & The British Tea Museum
We begin today in Hastings where we have time at leisure to experience this historic seaside resort. One of the medieval Cinque Ports, its highlights include the quaint old town, funicular railways, and a fishing beach studded with tall black net huts and fishing boats. In the afternoon, we visit The British Tea Museum in the town, which celebrates the time-honoured rituals of the British teatime. We enjoy a workshop on the social history of tea and taste two fine teas accompanied by a scone topped with cream & jam.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Best Western York House Hotel
Eastbourne, East Sussex
The Victorian York House Hotel is located on the seafront, having beautiful sea views and just a short walk to the pier and centre of town. The 76 bedrooms are bright and well decorated and there is a comfortable restaurant with beautiful sea views, a good sized bar, a sea view terrace at the front of the hotel and a small indoor swimming pool.
• Ground floor rooms • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is off-site & chargeable
Best Western York House Hotel
Eastbourne, East Sussex
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £387pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £80
Based on Monday arrivals
Inclusions
• Bluebell Railway one way journey Sheffield Park to East Grinstead
• Standen House & Gardens entrance
• Michelham Priory entrance & guided tour
• British Tea Museum workshop, two tea tastings & scone with cream and jam
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Call to tailor this tour 01732 879191
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