197 Eastbourne Pier – Pevensey Bay

Coming soon! Weekends until July, daily in July and August.

Eastbourne really is the place to be for bus sojourns across this wonderful, charming town and stunning scenery, be it the open top Eastbourne Sightseeing service, or the Dotto Train along the beach and now this great addition for 2023, the 197! Starting from Eastbourne Pier, the winds its way along the coast towards Eastbourne Sovereign Centre. Along the way, the scenic views of the English Channel and the pebble beaches are breathtaking, as, on a good day, the sun beats down on lucky customers upstair on the open top and the breeze blowing the cobwebs away. The majestic cliffs and rugged coastline offer a dramatic backdrop to the journey. Continuing on the A259, the bus passes through the quaint village of Stone Cross. Here, the scenery shifts to a more rural setting, with picturesque cottages, rolling hills and fields dotted with sheep and cows. The village is a popular spot for walkers, and there are several footpaths leading off into the surrounding countryside. The next stop on this gripping journey is Pevensey Castle, a well-preserved medieval castle that dates back to the 4th century. The castle sits on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Customers can explore the castle's keep, towers and walls, and learn about the castle's rich history. From Pevensey Castle, the bus takes folk to Pevensey Bay, a charming seaside town with a pebble beach and a picturesque harbour. The town is a popular spot for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, paddle-boarding, and sailing. Pevensey Bay was used as a filming location for the British sitcom "As Time Goes By" starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer. Finally, the bus takes customers back to Eastbourne Pier, passing the grand and well kept Victorian and Regency buildings and into the town, along the neat, charming and traditional promenade, where there’s plenty to see and do. The pier is home to a variety of attractions, including an amusement arcade, restaurants, and a theatre. This really is a journey that magnificently showcases the best of East Sussex countryside and heritage, with classic seaside charm and frivolity in this beautiful corner of the UK. Interesting fact: Pevensey Bay is home to the UK's first offshore wind farm, which was built in 2000 and consists of 11 turbines that can generate up to 4.6 MW of electricity.

There’s some great attractions in Eastbourne, which can be enjoyed as part of a journey on the 197 and in conjunction with the Eastbourne Sightseeing Tour. For starters, Eastbourne Pier is well worth perusing before boarding the bus – it’s home to a variety of attractions, including an amusement arcade, restaurants, and a theatre. Then there is the Towner Art Gallery, which is a contemporary art museum displaying works by local and international artists. Redoubt Fortress is highly recommended and is a 19th-century military fortress with a museum of military history and panoramic views of the sea. For family fun, there’s also the Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway – a great attraction for kids and train enthusiasts, with miniature steam trains running through a scenic park. From the Pier, it’s onto the bus to Stone Cross. Here, customers can explore the historic St. Luke's Church, which dates back to the 12th century. The village also has a lovely pub, The Red Lion, which offers a cozy atmosphere and traditional pub food. Back on the bus and this time to Pevensey Castle which is a ‘must visit’ attraction. It has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Roman era when it was first constructed as a fortress to defend the south coast of England. The castle was later used by the Normans as a motte and bailey castle, and then extensively remodelled in the 14th century with the addition of a stone keep, towers, and walls. During the English Civil War, the castle was used as a stronghold by the Royalists and later captured by the Parliamentarians. Today, customers can explore the castle's impressive ruins, including the keep, towers, and walls, and learn about its rich history through interactive exhibits and displays. There are also regular events and activities held at the castle, including medieval re-enactments and open-air theatre performances. Then it’s back on the bus, this time, to Pevensey Bay which offers a peaceful coastal retreat and seaside charm, where a walk down the pebble beach is highly recommended or a seafood lunch whilst taking in the stunning views over the English Channel. Finally, it’s back to Eastbourne maybe for some evening entertainment. Customers can catch a show at the Devonshire Park Theatre, which hosts a variety of plays, musicals, and comedy performances throughout the year. For music lovers, the iconic Eastbourne Bandstand offers regular concerts and events, including tribute bands and big band nights. The seafront also offers a variety of bars, pubs, and restaurants where visitors can enjoy a drink or a meal while taking in the wonderful views of the sea. Additionally, the town has several cinemas, including a modern multiplex at the Sovereign Harbour, which screens the latest blockbusters.