Renowned travel writer stops off in Eastbourne

Eastbourne was in the company of a world famous travel writer last night as Bill Bryson spent the night at The Cherry Tree Guesthouse after completing his walk across The South Downs Way.

The author, who’s renowned for his quirky travel writing, including Notes from a Small Island, chose to end his trek in Eastbourne after setting off from Devils Dyke earlier this week. Bill Bryson is President of the Campaign to Protect Rural England and has already spoken passionately about redoubling efforts to safeguard our countryside and the South Downs National Park.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “It is great news that Bill Bryson stopped over in Eastbourne at the end of his journey across the South Downs Way. Eastbourne is proud of its beautiful South Downs backdrop and is keen to promote the resort as the natural gateway to some of the south coast’s most spectacular scenery and walks.”

After travelling across some of the most impressive and diverse places around the world, Bill admits he is a fan of Eastbourne and enjoyed stopping off in the town with friends: “I have always been so impressed with how clean and charming Eastbourne is. The warm welcome and hospitality we received at The Cherry Tree Guesthouse confirms Eastbourne’s fantastic reputation as a very friendly resort.”

Lynda Couch-Smith bought The Cherry Tree in Silverdale Road four years ago and has spent much of that time upgrading it to a 4-star Guesthouse, winning the title of Small Business of the Year in 2006. Lynda was thrilled that the world renowned travel writer chose to stay there: “In the end it came down to personal service and attention to detail. But for Bill and his friends, it was working out what to do with those muddy boots!”

Eastbourne boasts a fantastic location nestling at the foot of the South Downs, with a wealth of beautiful countryside on its doorstep, from the white chalk cliffs at Beachy Head, to the views across the Cuckmere River at Seven Sister. Bill is keen to protect and preserve the British countryside and his next awareness campaign aims to reduce countryside litter.

Eastbourne offers a diverse choice of accommodation from small, friendly guesthouses to luxurious 5-star hotels, providing the ideal base for exploring all that Eastbourne has to offer. Eastbourne’s dedicated tourism website, visiteastbourne.com has details of all local accommodation with an online booking service.

For more information visit Visiteastbourne.com.