Free guided walks will start again next Spring but see below for other walks...
About the Walks
Experienced Local Guide
Kim Adams has a background in social history and trained as a tour guide in 2006. Join him to find out how Eastbourne developed as a seaside resort in the nineteenth century, thanks to the coming of the railways and the benevolence of the Dukes of Devonshire, and hear about the many famous (and infamous) people who have lived in the town.
Walk One: Eastbourne Promenade
The Promenade Walk starts outside the Lifeboat Museum (BN21 4BY). We walk along the main promenade visiting the bandstand and the pier, looking at many of the seafront hotels to see how Eastbourne developed as one of England's finest seaside resorts, thanks to the influence of the 7th Duke of Devonshire. Then back along the seafront promenade to the Wish Tower, finishing opposite the Grand Hotel with views towards the Downs. Hear about the development of Eastbourne as a resort and how it became 'the Empress of Watering Places'.
Walk Two: Historic Meads
Enjoy a leisurely walk around the Meads area of Eastbourne, "where the Downs meet the sea". Includes the Italian Gardens, St John's Church, Meads Village and the wonderful mansion houses nestling at the foot of the South Downs. Find out about some of the famous local residents and hear the story of the notorious Dr John Bodkin Adams. The walk starts at the thatched cafe in The Helen Garden (Dukes Drive, BN20 7XL, next to Bede's School).
Walk Three: The Devonshire Quarter
A guided walk around the Devonshire Quarter, starting outside the Welcome Centre (BN21 4BP) and lasting around 90 minutes. The walk includes the Congress and Devonshire Park theatres, Burlington Walk, Devonshire Park, Eastbourne College and the Towner Gallery, and you'll hear about a Nobel prize winner and a WWI flying ace. A fascinating look at some of Eastbourne's most famous attractions, suitable for groups of up to 20 people.
Illustrated talks
I can provide an illustrated talk for your club or group. Suitable for local history groups, W.I groups, etc., the talks last around an hour.
Four talks are available:
1) 'The Dukes who made Eastbourne', telling the story of Eastbourne's development as a seaside resort
2) 'Historic Meads and its residents' - based on my booklet, 'A Guide to Historic Meads'
3) 'The Devonshire Quarter' - the development of Eastbourne's theatre district and Eastbourne College, including Devonshire Park
4) 'Holywell and Beachy Head' - how the area developed, including Holywell village, the lighthouses and the WW2 radar station
Contact me using the form below or ring me on
07941 881212 to arrange a talk for your group...
Guided walks available all year round
Eastbourne Promenade walks
The Devonshire Quarter walk
Eastbourne Promenade walks
The free Sunday morning Promenade walks will start again in April 2025 but you can still book a walk at a time to suit you. Just get in touch using the contact form below or on 07941 881212. Tours last about 90 minutes and cost £7.50 per person. Minimum of 2 people. Maximum fee of £35 applies so bring friends or family at no extra cost!
Historic Meads walks
The Devonshire Quarter walk
Eastbourne Promenade walks
The monthly Historic Meads walks will start again in Spring 2025 and the dates will be on this website soon...
The walks are free, last around 90 minutes and will go ahead whatever the weather. There's no need to book - just turn up!
Historic Meads walks can also be booked at a time to suit you. Just contact me on 07941 881212 or use the c
The monthly Historic Meads walks will start again in Spring 2025 and the dates will be on this website soon...
The walks are free, last around 90 minutes and will go ahead whatever the weather. There's no need to book - just turn up!
Historic Meads walks can also be booked at a time to suit you. Just contact me on 07941 881212 or use the contact form below. Tours last around 90 minutes and cost £7.50 per person, minimum 2 people. Maximum fee of £35 applies so bring friends or family at no extra cost!
I've written a booklet called "A guide to Historic Meads" based on this walk, with some additional historical information and some wonderful photographs taken by Richard Drinkall. You can use the booklet (which includes a map) as a walking guide or enjoy the information from the comfort of your armchair.
The 40-page A5 booklet costs £5 and is available at the Welcome Building (next to the Congress Theatre) and at Eastbourne Heritage Centre in Carlisle Road, or by post using the following link: www.meadscommunityassociation.org.uk/a-guide-to-historic-meads/
All proceeds go to the work of the Meads Community Association
The Devonshire Quarter walk
The Devonshire Quarter walk
The Devonshire Quarter walk
Starting outside the Welcome Centre, this circular tour of Eastbourne's Devonshire Quarter can be booked at a time that suits you - just get in touch using the contact form below. Tours last around 90 minutes and cost £7.50 per person, minimum 2 people. Maximum fee of £35 applies so bring friends or family at no extra cost!
Flexible routes with times to suit you
By arrangement, walks can start at your hotel or anywhere along the seafront.
The walks can be made wheelchair-friendly and step-free if required, just let me know when you book. Minimum of 2 people.
Your walk can start and/or finish at one of Eastbourne's excellent local pubs or tea-shops....just ask!