STEVE REED TOURISM & DAISHS HOLIDAYS GROUPS SHOWCASE
1066 Country - Medieval landmarks, beautiful coastlines and a wealth of group-friendly attractions
As the weather cools and the leaves turn colour, general tourism begins to wind down for the year for many. Alas this could not be further from the truth where groups are concerned, as their planning for 2023 and beyond cranks up a gear.
This past weekend (Fri 7th & Sat 8th October) our friends Steve Reed Tourism and Daishs Holidays hosted the 1066 Country Groups Showcase in Eastbourne, and we were honored to be asked to join. As a keen history buff I’m ashamed to say I had never visited probably the most famous region in the country in terms of military and “war time” history, so I jumped at the opportunity!
Joining the group on Thursday afternoon after a long but relatively hassle free train journey down to the South Coast, we met at the Imperial Hotel, literally a stone’s throw from the glorious Eastbourne seafront. Warm, welcoming, great views, so naturally, we sought out the closest watering hole!
All Aboard for Day 1
Pashley Manor Gardens
Our first stop on the showcase was Pashley Manor Gardens. Fronted by a simply beautiful Grade 1 listed building, we discovered 11 acres of sublime gardens.
“The culmination of a lifetime of passion for gardening, an appetite for beauty and an admiration of the tradition of the English Country garden. These award winning gardens, on the border of Sussex and Kent, are family owned and maintained – visitors often express delight at the attention to detail displayed throughout and the intimate, peaceful atmosphere.”
Pashley is an ideal destination for groups of garden lovers, art and history enthusiasts, keen photographers or those just looking for a peaceful and enjoyable day out surrounded by beauty and nature.
The British Tea Museum
A titillating and, quite literally, tickle-ating experience awaited us next, as we arrived in Hastings for a visit to the British Tea Museum!
Rebecca, owner and all-round bastion of tea-knowledge, greeted us with what can only be described as the Great British Welcome….with a tickling feather.
Taking a seat in this wonderful au-tea-torium with Rule Britannia reverberating between the 4 walls, one couldn’t help but immediately sit with a straight back and stiff upper lip!
A captivating lecture on the history of tea in Britain, and throughout the world, we were then treated to several tastings of various teas, coupled with scones, jam & cream, naturally.
All eyes were then on each other, to observe whom was a “cream then jam” or “jam then cream” type of patron! A subject that divides Brits almost as much as “which way does the toilet roll face” debate.
Nonetheless, a wonderful experience for any visiting group.
Herstmonceux Castle
Well, where to begin with our next stop, the glorious Herstmonceux Castle.
As we parked up on the forecort, we were mesmerised by the grandeur of (I believe) the oldest brick building still standing in the country. Built in 1441 by one Sir Roger Fiennes, we later learned he was a direct ascendant of Arctic, Antarctic and Mt Everest conqueror Sir Ranulph Fiennes, as well as one of my all time favourite actors Ralph Fiennes.
Not only is the castle itself a sight to behold, the gardens are simply magnificent. See for yourself below!
Quite simply a Must-Visit for any groups in the area.
Michelham Priory
Our last stop on Day 1 was to the infamous Michelham Priory. A Tudor house set on a picturesque moated island, complete with medieval gatehouse, watermill and more.
Part of the Sussex Past group, the ever knowledgeable and entertaining guides gave us a detailed rundown of 800 years of history at Michelham, from its foundation by Augustinian canons, through the dissolution of the monasteries into its later life as a country house.
As a side note, the main house is reportedly the second most haunted house in the UK! And a little known fact, Yvette Fielding and reputable spirit-botherer Derek Akorah visited the site to film their Most Haunted show back in the day. Due to my inexplicable level of immaturity for a 37 year old father of two, I was extremely tempted to make some eerie “Oooooooooooh” noises from behind the corners, but given the “seniority” of the other guests on the tour, I thought better of it…!
Day 2
After a cracking breakfast at the Imperial (they actually do PROPER bacon!!) it was back on board with our driver Gordon and off to our first stop on Day 2 of the tour…
The Kent & East Sussex Railway
A brilliant experience for groups of all ages. After a quick tour of the Colonel Stephens Museum, where you can observe artefacts and read up on the history of the railway dating back to the mid-1800s, we were treated to a scenic journey through the lowlands between Tenterden and Bodiam.
All of the staff involved in the journey were wonderfully welcoming, engaging and extremely knowledgable. I won’t give too much away but I was fascinated to learn the little known facts of the railway and the surrounding area.
They serve locally brewed beer on board as well. Always a bonus!
Carr Taylor Vineyard
“English wine? What?!” Yes, I too thought that a while ago. So what better way to overcome your neglectful stereotype by a visit to a true English vineyard on a warm, sunny October afternoon? In fact, even if you’ve been a long standing fan of English wine, all the more reason to visit the Carr Taylor vineyard.
Our tour guide Roland welcomed us onto the site and instantly made us realise this was going to be a cracking afternoon! Regrettably we didn’t have enough time for a full tour of the vineyards themselves (in which they grow grapes to produce over a dozen different wines) so we had to settle for the next best thing – straight to the tasting. I know, it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it!
After sampling no less than 6 of their glorious wines (hic) and being treated to a wonderfully insightful presentation on the history of the vineyard and founders, we were invited for a ploughman’s lunch, which was just what was needed to soak up the, errr, atmosphere!
All of the wines they produce are available to purchase from their shop. I can especially recommend their Brut Sparkling and the aptly named 1066 white. I took a bottle of each home with me, but we haven’t opened them yet as SOMEONE is on
Slimming World now so can’t have wine! *rolls eyes*
Bexhill Museum & the De La Warr Pavillion
The final stop on the tour was to the tranquil and unspoiled seaside town of Bexhill to take in the Bexhill Museum and the De La Warr Pavillion.
Bexhill is the birthplace of British Motor Racing, with the first ever automobile race taking place in May 1902! Naturally, along with having displays of the complete history of Sussex (back to prehistoric times) the museum had a wonderful motor racing showcase downstairs. Additionally there are several displays for the comedy and acting great Eddie Izzard, a Bexhill native and a keen patron of the museum.
A stone’s throw is away is the wonderfully contemporary De La Warr Pavillion, a pioneering centre for the arts. With a range of exhibitions, entertainment and events throughout the calendar year, coupled with sublime seafront views, it’s definitely one to check out.
Words from the organisers
‘We were very happy to be able to showcase the Imperial Hotel in Eastbourne to the GTOS and coach operators,’
says Martin Jenkins of Daish’s Holidays.
There’s no better way to demonstrate what Daish’s can do for groups than actually hosting tour buyers in this way. The group enjoyed their stay and this also gave them the opportunity to explore Eastbourne itself – which is perfect for groups – as well as the amazing attractions further afield.’
The visit would not have been possible had it not been for the wholehearted participation of 1066 Country and Visit Eastbourne.
‘The two tourism organisations really pushed the boat out and their attractions did the area proud,’
says Steve Reed of Steve Reed Tourism.
‘Each of the attractions we visited were amazing in their own way. They gave the GTOS a truly warm welcome and made them feel like VIPS throughout. There were so many highlights and I would like to thank them all for their tremendous efforts. It really helps to put the area onto the group travel map!’
Daish’s Holidays have a series of showcases planned for 2023 which includes locations such as Torquay, Weymouth, Bournemouth and Blackpool [and the Lakes].
