Dahlia Days In Sussex relaxed itinerary
Monday 31 August 2026 to Friday 04 September 2026
£699pp Single supplement £100
- Destination
- Itinerary
- Full inclusions
- Hotel
- Booking request
Why visit Sussex? Summer in Sussex has a 'slow summer' feel, you can do a lot without rushing. This relaxed itinerary is perfect for an easy, late-season getaway, on the south coast. Seafront cafés, Victorian hotels, ice cream on the pier — it has that slightly vintage British seaside charm that we know and love. Eastbourne consistently ranks as one of the sunniest places in Britain - perfect for soaking up some vitamin D before autumn arrives.
Why visit with Shaws? In 2024 99% of our holiday customers said they would book again and 99% also said they would recommend us to a friend. In 2025 passengers rated our holidays 4.7/5 for value for money and we've earned the same 4.7/5 star rating on Google reviews. Shaws Coaches has a strong reputation for a dependable service, with a proven track record for punctuality and professionalism. Our friendly booking team and highly-rated tour drivers are ready to welcome you.
What do our customers say? "A most enjoyable holiday, I can't wait for the next one" • "Destination was lovely, excursions varied"
Holiday Insurance. We always recommend taking out adequate holiday insurance, that's why we’ve partnered with Everywhen & David Oliver Associates who offer cover specifically designed for your coach holiday. Find out more and get your free quote.
Tour code: A3523
Monday
Check in at your seafront hotel with a refreshing tea/coffee included.
Tuesday
This morning, ride through 11 miles of glorious Sussex scenery on the carefully preserved steam locomotives and carriages that run along the Bluebell Line. On returning to Sheffield Park Station there’s time to enjoy the museum exhibits - test your communication skills in the restored signal box, learn about locomotive pioneers and even ‘railway ferries’. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Eastbourne, marvel at over 5,000 pieces of intriguing modern British and international contemporary art at Towner Eastbourne (free entry), or simply enjoy time by the sea.
Wednesday
Bright, bold shades await at Pashley Manor Gardens, this morning. At this time of year, if the weather is on our side, hundreds of dahlia’s will be ablaze with colour, as over 70 varieties burst into life, creating an eye-catching and vivid display. More fresh air this afternoon at Bedgebury National Pinetum which celebrated 100 years in 2025 with a visit from HM King Charles III. Waterlilies cover the lake whilst The Dell, a former quarry, should be full of colour in summer. There’s some lovely trails and a waterside café. Please note: Short gravel walk from the coach park to the gardens, the formal gardens are accessible but there are sloping paths elsewhere that might be tricky.
Thursday
Spend the morning in Sussex’s liveliest city - Brighton. 18th century party animal George IV fell in love with the resort and made it a magnet for visitors, it remains as popular to this day. Sightsee amongst iconic landmarks including the Royal Pavilion’s exotic architecture (entry fee applies) and the 1,772ft long Palace Pier, or head to The Lanes for quirky shopping in narrow alleys and hidden squares. This afternoon, soak up wonderful views from Beachy Head with stunning cliff top walks which lead down to the RAF Bomber Command Memorial. There’s a small café and pub along with a new Beachy Head Experience which is due to open in summer 2026 (entry fee applies).
Friday
Time to head home, via Royal Tunbridge Wells.
- 4 night stay with breakfast
- 3 course dinner with tea/coffee each evening
- Return ride on The Bluebell Line
- Entry to Pashley Manor Gardens
- Visit to Bedgebury National Pinetum
- Scenic stop at Beachy Head
- Free time in Eastbourne, Brighton & Royal Tunbridge Wells
- Tea/coffee on arrival at the hotel
- Porterage
- All travel including home collection*
- International Passenger Protection
- Reserved coach seat
- 18kg suitcase pp
- Executive touring coach featuring a refreshment station, reclining seats, reading lights, curtains, foot and arm rests, toilet, safety belts, air suspension and individual air-flow control
- An experienced, friendly, highly-rated and professional tour driver
- Friendly booking team on hand to answer any questions you might have in the run up to your holiday
- LOW DEPOSITS! Just £50pp with the balance due 8 weeks prior to departure
- LOYALTY DISCOUNT! Book 3 holidays (in any calendar year) and save £15pp, book 4+ and save £20pp, just let us know in special requests that you'd like to redeem your discount
- SAVE £10pp by meeting the coach at Maxey, Stamford Bus Station or Peterborough Extra Services
- *Providing you live in Bourne, Stamford, Peterborough, Uppingham, The Deepings, Spalding, Whittlesey, Oakham and most of the villages between them and Maxey (we're happy to collect from outside of our free pick-up area with a small additional charge)
- *We’re pleased to offer home collection from the Welwyn area following our successful partnership with Reg’s Coaches. Departures from Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Codicote, Woolmer Green, Knebworth, Hatfield, Stevenage and many of the nearby villages incur a small supplement of £30pp. We’re happy to pick up outside these areas, please enquire
Best Western York House Hotel, Eastbourne 
- Traditional, elegant Victorian hotel with a seafront position, just a short stroll from the pier and town centre
- Winners of a Tripadvisor 2025 Travellers’ Choice Award
- Ensuite rooms with Freeview TV, phone, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries & tea/coffee tray
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant, bar & lounge with sea views from the verandah
- Indoor pool
- All singles will be small doubles
ACCESS: Two lifts however many bedrooms are accessed via half landings or steps, limited ground floor rooms and walk-in showers on request, step access to pool
Please ask us about upgrades which may be available at a supplement