Our first evening stopover was in Eastbourne, a Victorian seaside resort located in the heart of 1066 Country, only a few miles from Hastings and Battle Abbey where William the Conqueror landed and fought the first skirmish over Saxon-controlled England. Eastbourne was warm and beautiful. A promenade stretched along the beach, ideal for strolling. The streets were lined with flowers and crisp, white buildings. We stayed at The Royal Hotel, a lodging house dating from the late 1700’s, and located along the Marine Parade directly across the promenade from the beach. Our room at the top of the house had a lovely view of the sea and the Eastbourne Pier jutting out into the water. After such a long, weary journey and a full day of sightseeing it was heavenly to fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing against the shore and seagulls’ cries. We only wished we had not been so tired, and had more time to spend in this lovely resort town. Especially when we woke to bright, sunny skies and warm temperatures.