Strolling along the prom, prom, prom

Sovereign Harbour Marina is about two miles away from Eastbourne. Dug out and expanded from an old gravel pit known locally as the Crumbles, it now contains the marina, shops and several thousand houses, including luxury flats.

It was a warm and sunny day (again!), so we decided to walk along the seafront to Eastbourne itself. The walkway was right alongside the sea, with its long expanses of pebbled beaches, towering wooden breakwaters and fishing boats, old and new.

The views out to sea were stunning and we could see right up the coast to Dungeness and also down to Beachy Head.

The main feature on the seafront is, of course, the pier. A prominent landmark which can be seen from miles. Work started on the pier in 1866, but it wasn’t completed until 1872.

It is 300 meters long and is built on stilts, which rest in cups on the seabed allowing the whole structure to move during rough weather.

The pier has had an eventful life; surviving storm damage, two major fires and an exploding mine!!

Unable to walk along it, we had to admire it from afar.

Being on the south coast, Eastbourne has played an important part in defending the UK against foreign attackers and there is still evidence of this today.

Right next to the promenade is Redoubt Fort. This circular coastal defence fort was built in 1805 as part of the British anti-invasion preparations during the Napoleonic Wars. From the outside, it just looks like a circular stone wall, but inside, 24 vaulted chambers surround a central parade ground. Each chamber served a different purpose including a cook house, a magazine for ammunition storage and even a detention room and two cells.

It looked fascinating and we were hoping to tour it.  Unfortunately, like so many things at the moment, it was closed.

Further along the coast was another left over from the defence against Napoleon: the Wish Tower. This was one of 74 Martello Towers built along the south coast in 1800s. Unfortunately, this too was currently closed. However, the secluded garden was a peaceful  haven from the hustle and bustle of the town.