Susan Calman checks out UK’s sunniest spot, Eastbourne on the southeast coast

She’s also gone further afield when she took over from Jane McDonald as Channel 5’s resident queen of cruising.

And it seems the presenter and comedian wouldn’t have it any other way, saying: “At this age you expect you’ll do a few things, but I am doing more stuff and seeing more places than I ever thought I would, and I am really loving that I am still being challenged to do new things!”

For her current batch of Grand Days Out, Susan has been exploring seaside resorts. Last week, she was in Lyme Regis, and in this latest episode, she’s heading to the place that claims to be the UK’s sunniest spot, Eastbourne on the southeast coast.

It’s also one of the most elegant, as Susan discovers when she checks out the pier, which is home not just to amusements, but also the Victorian Tea Rooms. So, the presenter stops for a spot of traditional afternoon tea, although she manages to put her own twist on it.

Her next destination is Sovereign Harbour, where she catches a rib boat to the iconic chalk sea cliff of Beachy Head, the highest in the UK. It’s also handy for Belle Tout lighthouse, which is now a B&B with some impressive panoramic views.

Although she normally travels by van or boat, Susan also loves the railways – and all things miniature. So, how could she pass on a visit to Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway, especially when she gets to blow the whistle?

Speaking of transport, Susan is normally accompanied by her trusty camper van, Helen Mirren.

Explaining why picked the name, Susan says: “Well, I mean originally they said to me, ‘Do you want to name the van?’

“And I named her Helen Mirren because I love Helen Mirren and I thought, ‘If I wanted a travelling companion, it would be Helen Mirren’. That’s who I would like to travel the world with.”

This week though, she’s getting a different celebrity companion as, following a stop for vegan fish and chips, she meets up with singer and broadcaster Aled Jones who reminisces on his childhood growing up by the sea.

Together, they call in at an ice cream parlour, where they go head to head in a seaside sundae competition.

Finally, Susan rounds off her trip with a visit to Eastbourne’s band stand, to listen to the local Eastbourne Silver Band play Sussex by the Sea, the perfect end to her latest jaunt. But don’t worry – there are definitely more travels coming up.