Hillier Garden Centre officially recognised as tourist destination
Hillier Garden Centre in Eastbourne has been granted seven brown tourist signs by East Sussex County Council, officially putting Hillier on the map as a tourist destination.
Hillier submitted its application to the council's Road Safety Department in April 2012 which included details of its popular coffee shop Café Pine, gardening club and regular programme of talks.
It also listed its children's school holiday entertainment, charity fundraising activities, and onsite attractions, including Pavers Shoes, specialist aquatic department Fishy Business, Neptune Spas and Cotton Traders, highlighting Hillier as much more than your average garden centre.
Hillier's successful application saw seven brown tourist signs installed on the B2104 Rattle Road/Lion Hill and B2247 junctions to help direct visitors to the centre.
Glyn Webster, Hillier Eastbourne's Garden Centre Manager, said: “In what's been a difficult few months for garden centres with the unexpected snow and harsh weather conditions, we're thrilled to be granted tourist status.
“Although our focus remains delivering high quality plants and trees, Hillier Eastbourne would not be the same without our 110 seat cafe and regular visitor activities.
"We have a fun-filled programme of free children’s entertainment planned for the summer holidays this year including magic shows, face painting and pottery decorating, so pop down and visit us for a family day out.”
Hillier's successful application saw seven brown tourist signs installed on the B2104 Rattle Road/Lion Hill and B2247 junctions to help direct visitors to the centre. 
