New Years Eve in the sunshine

Thanks to the weather, the family and to Christmas, it feels like a long time since I strolled along the seafront. Finally today, the sun came out and we decided to spend a little New Year magic in Hastings Old Town. The wind came out too, so we didn't linger on the beach, but at least I saw the sea!!

Walking the back streets of Hastings working beach...

Going back up, the way we came - the beacon is lit!

Room to lay your towel

One advantage of living near the beach in winter is the space! Plenty of room to wander, run and admire the views...

Normans Beach never lets you down!

Finally, some winter sunshine

Having earmarked the vintage fair being held at the De La Warr Pavilion at Bexhill last weekend, I was particularly grateful the accompanying sunshine... and escaped to the beach, whilst everyone did their vintage thing!

Not sure these photos need any words...

Some light, late afternoon cloud cover...

Worth wrapping up for...

Despite the dog utterly loving the beach, I just don't feel that we have been down to the sea that much this summer. Maybe the weather wasn't as good, or the timings were just off, either way, I feel I missed out! Fortunately, the autumn / winter months offer some amazing strolls along the sand... just don't forget your coat!

Any excuse for a coffee

During our glorious week of summer earlier this month, we slipped down to Bexhill after the school run. There is a lovely little cafe currently tucked under the De la Warr, and has a fine selection of drinks and toasted tea cakes - my favourite at 9am! 

Of course we took Bruce, and went for a wander before our treat in the sunshine...

All the little boats covered up for Autumn - still looking very hopeful in the sunshine!

Amazing views for the residents

The De La Warr Pavilion, basking in the sunshine

Love this, definitely helps you get your bearings. For some reason, I thought France was closer and the Sovereign Lighthouse was further out!

Some pure beach shots... sunshine & froth

Finally, some brave foreign students who decided to dip their toes...

Quirky and Proud!

Last week was possibly the best week, weather wise, of the summer here in Sussex, and I was very fortunately on hols, at home, to make the most of it. On Wednesday we trotted down to St Leonards, having visited very quickly the other week and raved about it to my husband!

The beach is beautiful, clean and happy and very pleasant to stroll along. Naturally we stopped for coffee, and noted the rather delicious restaurants for later!

Needless to say, half the visitors were swimming, the other half had puffa jackets on...

The rest of the day was spent 'inland' as we walked up London Road and along Norman Road. We did cafes, clothes and cool art stuff - there is so much to enjoy and all with a touch of the quirkiness you would normally expect to find Brighton way...

Didn't we have a lovely time...

As the schools went back, the sun came out! A great weekend for the Bexhill Festival of the Sea which was all happening on the lawns by the De La Warr Pavillion...

The beach looked great in the sunshine!

There was a small fairground area which was very popular - I think this slide was the main event!

Lots of stalls selling lots of things - beer, food, crafts - you name it!

Music outside the pavilion and down on the lawns. 

We came for Tom Cole, a Hastings musician whom we love! 

Needless to say, it was incredibly popular and a great weekend...

The fickleness of the British Summer!

Yesterday, I drove past one of the many caravan & camping sites along the South coast, and I can only imagine how today is panning out; slightly damp I would guess! Fortunately, as the weather did its thing over the weekend, we did manage to enjoy all Pevensey & Normans Bay have to offer!

The weekend started off pretty well - hot enough for me to dip my toes...

We treated ourselves to an early evening at the Aqua Bar, situated at the top of Pevensey Beach. Lots of dogs to stroke and people to watch as the sun went down...

Sunday, not so hot! But, for those with wetsuits, a pretty good day for getting active...

Or, if you prefer to keep your feet dry, a refreshing afternoon for a spot of fishing!

I resisted the urge to drive down to the beach this morning just for a wet photo ;-)