Holidays need not cost a fortune....

 

Is it possible to beat the cost of living and still have a fantastic holiday?

💰💶🏧💵💳🪙As the cost of living bites everyone, you may be starting to wonder if you can ever afford to get away at all this year.  We have all seen the volume of international flights canceled this year and the heartbreak this has brought to so many, let alone the expense of adding unplanned hotel nights and additional meals to your stay if you are one of those unfortunate enough to get stranded.  

⚠ Our top tips:  Plan it carefully and use the tools available like Tourist Information and your visit Eastbourne brochure.  You can head to Visit Eastbourne and use the itinerary planner and you may find that gift vouchers will help you budget during your stay.  Remember that some key events are FREE, but bear in mind that the property you stay in may be slightly dearer, so a different event may suit you just as well.  Most properties offer an early bird rate and look for flexible bookings with free cancellation if you think you may have to cancel.  It is best to take out trip insurance if you can, if the worst does happen and your plans change, you should be able to claim back your losses.

SAVE ON OTHERWISE HIDDEN COSTS...

💰Eastbourne is actually a great destination for those on a budget.  The Sheldon B&B is a top pick for you because of the FREE private parking (this can be a hidden cost in most seaside accommodations) and they offer a choice of rooms from singles to family of 5 and luxury to budget options (You can take a look click here).  They offer a communal fridge and microwave in the guest eating area, so you can eat well, with a feeling of eating out, but obviously much cheaper, and you are much more in control of what you eat (especially if you have allergies or picky kids!).  Did you know that hidden parking costs and eating whilst on holiday can be more expensive than booked activities, so this is a real bonus!). They also offer many items that you can borrow for FREE during your stay such as baby and toddler equipment, fishing nets, buckets and spades, windbreaks, and more - which, if you are coming on bus or train helps you to pack lighter, but be assured you have everything you need from potties to sterilizers!  With a FREE playroom and lounge, you can relax whilst the kids play.  One of the things Sheldon guests really love is that you can borrow a baby monitor and sit outside the room on the big comfy couch whilst the kids settle into sleep and perhaps enjoy a drink or two, knowing they are safe.  Every family room has an information pack with ideas for you and the kids to choose from and we have a bright colorful display of activities in our family room hallway.  We only clean using pro-biotic cleaners, are low allergy throughout, pet-free, and are virtually plastic-free (including our toiletries!)  We have rooms highly suitable for children and adults on the spectrum.  Not all our rooms show online, so give us a call - we can usually help!

📢TOP TIP!  Every room has a refreshment tray, so bring your travel mug and water bottle and fill them daily, there are plenty of water stations around Eastbourne to top up your bottles for FREE!

➡️Download the Visit Eastbourne brochure.  If you visit the welcome building (near Congress Theatre) you can pick up the mini brochure, which also contains many free suggestions and coupons.  You can also pick up attraction leaflets for things to see and do during your stay, with experts helping you decide and plan your itinerary.  Don't forget to ask at your hotel's reception about where they recommend you eat!  The Sheldon B&B has arranged discounts at many popular eateries and can recommend a reasonably priced place to eat out, for the fussiest eaters, if you fancy a treat!

🚶‍♀️If you love walking or cycling you have arrived!  You can take a planned tour, a stroll along the prom, or a hike up beachy head!  Along the prom, follow the trail boards and learn about the things you have walked past and a bit of interesting history - it's all free (bikes can be hired daily).  The Cuckmere River is simply stunning.  There are inexpensive water activities and some free events take place in the seven sisters visitor center.  The Sheldon B&B can securely store a limited number of bikes for a small fee.

🏞️Parks and Gardens are the perfect places to relax and unwind or let the kids burn off some steam ensuring you all get a great night's sleep.  There is a super splash pad for the kids to cool off and trampolines too.  Simple games like frisbee, bouncy and beach balls, bubbles, balloons, floating paper boats on the lake, or making paper airplanes can be a super way to amuse the kids with no electronics involved!

🏖️The miles of the beach can not go unmentioned!  FREE suncream is available and you can keep the kids ultra-safe near the lifeguard beach.  Don't forget the lifeguards offer a wristband scheme, simply add your mobile number to the band and stick it on your child's wrist or ankle, if you did happen to get separated they will know who to call.  Also, totally FREE wi-fi is available along Eastbourne Seafront.  This is perfect for your Insta' uploads but also means you won't have to carry cash - all the seafront shops. markets and cafes can take contactless!  Whether you are paddling, skimming stones into the sea, building a fort, sunbathing, or playing frisbee, everyone loves the beach!  The rock pools are so much fun, can you find a shrimp or crab, make a seaweed garden, make a rock sculpture or chalk your design onto a black rock.

🛩️Eastbourne is also host to many FREE events!  From Airborne, magnificent motors, 999 day, festivals, beach life, and many more to our seafront market (interesting and remarkably good value for bargain hunters).  Currently, the big wheel is visiting and the circus, funfair, and icerink are all attractions that pop up from time to time!  Whilst not free, they are inexpensive if you are careful with your budget.  If you love art, then Towner Gallery is also FREE, and don't forget "open house", follow the trail of artists' houses in Eastbourne to meet the local talent!

🎰For sure, you will enjoy the pier.  There you will find crazy golf and a plethora of arcade games.  I should mention that again, whilst not free, some slots are only 2p, if you start saving your 2p's now, you could have some real, cheap fun!  You can hire rods and enjoy fishing off the end of the pier at reasonable prices

🎵If you love music, the glorious Winter gardens are hosting "Bandstand on tour" (tribute acts from all your favorites like Abba, Queen, Tom Jones, and many more!) whilst our beautiful bandstand is closed.  Book early for just £10 for adults and £8 per child.

🪂If you are into your activities, Beachy Head is fabulous for base jumping, paddle boarding, canoeing, walking, and more!  You can learn sailing, or take a trip out to sea.  We have Ninja warrior (for the super-fit),  The Axe bar with many more unusual and fun activities, and more venues like this planned!

🚌Getting around in Eastbourne on a budget is a cinch!  The open-top is £10 per adult and this allows you to hop on and off for 24 hours!  It's perfect for seeing all the best bits of Beachy head and allows you to spend some time in your favorite bits, enjoy a walk and rest a while!  Birling Gap, the visitor center, and the Seven sisters visitor center all offer free activities, snacks/lunch, and beautiful scenery.  The plaques tell you about the things you can see.  You can also enjoy the Dotto train that runs along the seafront from Hollywell tea chalet (great for rock pools and don't forget to make a wish at the holy well) to Sovereign harbor, where you can watch the loch in action, watch the drawbridges as the sailboats pass through, look at the fish that is caught locally in the fish shop or take a relaxing boat ride.  Glow balls is fabulous fun for adults and children alike!  The 12 "coaster" takes you to Brighton and for a day in Hastings is the 98 "the wave" - all the buses feature contactless and free wi-fi.  It is well worth a trip to Tidemills to explore a long-abandoned ruined village and explore the houses, hospital, and other buildings that once were - It's totally FREE!

👪For the kids, there are several soft play, both indoor and outdoor play spaces, and crazy golf too!  A trip to Eastbourne's Miniature steam railway is a must!  The kids can really let off steam with indoor and outdoor activities to explore and enjoy.  The Sovereign Centre and Lloyds lanes provide all the things you can expect to find on any holiday; swimming, fitness, laser quest, and bowling.  The science center at Herstmonceux is sure to thrill all ages with a plethora of hands-on interactive experiences for all ages to experiment and discover.  Sharnfold farm is also a super day out, walks, pick your own, petting zoo, adventure playground, shop, cinema, and a super cafe too.  Blackberry Farm has some indoor adventures and lots of outdoor things that are included in the entry price like a petting zoo, pedal kart circuit, soft play, diggers, zip lines, petting zoo, and farm walk.  Drusillas is more expensive, but superb value for money!  There really is something for everyone from the zoo to the adventure parks, it will delight all ages.  Mini Ninja Warrior, Middle farm and we should also mention Paradise Park is also for all ages to enjoy!  

🎓It's never too late to learn!  There are so many trails from blue plaques to the beachy head story and of course star gazing from Beachy Head is one of the most amazing things you can do!  The heritage center is great to see attractions past and present and really gain an insight into how Eastbourne has evolved!  

🌞There is so much more, we hope this gets you started and excited.  If you think Eastbourne is not a real holiday, you should know that Statistically, it is the Sunniest place in Britain (please don't tell everyone, but we also have the best ice cream!!!)

🔔If you have liked what you read or know someone who you know will love our suggestions, please share it on your social media!  If you would like to book then Click Here.  Don't forget if you really enjoyed your stay, you can be in with a chance to win £100 just for reviewing us!

Featured rooms

When Should I book my holiday?

When Should I book my holiday?

We know you are thinking about your summer holidays and we know you have had a year of being "on hold", but what is the right thing to do?

Grant Shapps told us not to book.  He was adamant that we should not book, whereas Matt Hancock told us it's ok to book our holidays, so who is right and why?

Valid concerns:

1. You are worried that everyone will book everything and you will miss out.  

2. You are worried that your dates are not flexible and really want this holiday.  

3. You know that some room types such as family rooms are scarce and you may miss out

4.What if the event you wanted to go to gets canceled and you no longer need accommodation

5. What is we get covid, another lockdown or the accommodation has to close because of covid

Your thoughts...

1.  You have been locked down, you just need a holiday

2.  You know you might not be able to go abroad

3.  You just want to meet somewhere with friends and feel a little bit normal

4.  You had your vaccine, so why not get away for a bit

5.  You would like to attend one of the events on offer   

6.  You are feeling trapped, lonely and a change of scenery following months of lockdown.

There is always a risk of cancellation during this uncertain time.  This is why we have 2 simple options.  Advance Purchase and Base Rate.  Base rate means that you only need to give us 48hours notice to cancel for free.   We do not take any money upfront, we automatically take the money from the card you supplied up to 48 hours prior to your arrival date.  We will include breakfast.  Advance Purchase means that we take the money on booking, you risk losing the money if you can't stay.  If you want breakfast, you will have to pay on the day you would like it.

So why do Matt and Grant have very different opinions?

Grant is worrying that if you book now you could be disappointed.  He knows that if lockdown goes on longer than expected or if the tiers have to be re-introduced then you could be risking your money if you have to cancel because you would be breaking the law by taking a holiday.  Matt has already booked his holiday, it is a booking in the future and he knows that he can cancel if he needs to.  So how can you ensure you can book without penalty as there are so many rates out there to choose from?

So which rates should I look for?

If you see Non-refundable, Advance purchase, or non-flexible or No-frills - you need to avoid this rate at the moment.  Where this rate can be attractive because it is lower than other rates, generally you can't change your booking.  You are locked into that specific date, you are highly unlikely to get a refund or be able to change your date or room type.  Some properties will only let you book this as late as the same day and will have other conditions attached to the cheaper rates such as room only or parking at additional cost.  For a Bed and Breakfast, they may offer just Room only and not include breakfast or a larger property might not offer the use of certain facilities like the gym and pool.  Accommodation usually offers these rates to you to spread their income over the year, particularly where stays can be very seasonal (for example coastal resorts).   Just now, you should avoid this rate plan, as you will lose your money if you need to cancel, unless you are very near your stay date and sure you will not need to cancel

However, retail, standard, Base rate, and Inclusive are usually flexible.  You will see the price of these rates are higher because they are less secure for the accommodation and they will usually include the full package that is on offer, for example in a smaller Bed and Breakfast we offer an inclusive breakfast and in a large hotel, they may offer half board and use of the gym and pool included in the rate.  Some properties have a policy of a week or several days where you can convert to a non-refundable booking and you can no longer cancel free of charge.  For example, we have 48 hours' notice of cancellation on our (directly made) bookings, which helps us to ensure our rooms have time to re-sell rather than go empty particularly during high-profile events like Airbourne and Tennis.  This is the perfect time to use this rate plan.  Think in terms of the higher rate is like insurance for if you did need to cancel.

So think very carefully before you book any holidays.  It is perfectly Okay to book now for summer.  Remember you may have to change your plans and you may still be wearing masks, booking your evening meals or pub visits and some things may still be closed.

We have a page on our website https://www.thesheldon.co.uk/covid19/ where you can see what is in place to keep you safe during your stay.  

If you are ready to book then go right ahead!  When you use the link above and you can take advantage of Instant discounts for bookings arriving from 1st May 2021 onwards.  Don't forget, we will send you reminders as your booking nears, giving you time to cancel should you need to.  

My next blog is coming soon - How we can keep you safe during your stay