Stroll along the Prom!

What a brilliant day for a trip to the seaside. Just after 9.40am we caught the 1X bus at the gateway to Sharnfold farm into Eastbourne, just over 30 minutes away. The bus stopped right outside the railway station so we had a quick peek in there and took a few photos. We then headed off in the general direction of the beach. It didn’t take us long and we were soon strolling along the prom in the direction of Beachy Head.

Built in 1898 in Eastbourne.

At the end of the prom the walkway disappears and becomes just a stony beach walk round the coast to Beachy Head, we carried on for a short distance and then decided to head back to the nearby cafe for lunch.

The white cliffs of Beachy Head with the National park of South Downs above.

At the cafe we were entertained by 3 cheeky jackdaws who were helping clear the tables of scraps when customers departed.

Jackdaw's clear the tables at this beach side cafe.

While we were having lunch a Coastguard patrol vehicle arrived along with a couple of policemen. After lunch we ventured down to see what was going on and found the police clearing people from the beach towards Beachy head and the 2 Coastguard’s were scanning the cliff’s with binoculars. Listening in on the Coastguard radio in their vehicle parked close by it transpired they were looking for a missing male who was regarded as dangerous.

Eastbourne Coastguard at the end of the road towards Beachy Head.

The Royal National Lifeboat crew from Eastbourne had been called out to scour the bottom of the cliff’s from the seaward side and the police helicopter turned up to scour the cliff’s from above. We left while the search was still in progress but my, so much excitement, mystery and intrigue.

Eastbourne pier from the Wishing Tower hill.

The Wishing Tower at Eastbourne. These were sea defence towers from the Napoleonic war. 70 were built between here and Gorleston, Norfolk.

After walking the full length of the promenade back as far as the pier we spotted the open top guided tour bus to Beachy Head. We asked the price and were pleasantly surprised when the driver said they accepted National Bus passes. Not to miss an opportunity, we immediately boarded the bus which worked out to be the highlight of the day with magnificent views over Eastbourne and the South Downs. Did you know that these white cliffs recede at about 3 feet per annum, astonishing, in a million years or so Britain could disappear. Perish the thought.

These Carpet Gardens flower beds are kept in flower all year round.