THE SUSSEX COASTAL ART TRAIL

Join us for an exciting cultural adventure on the Sussex Coast. During an inspiring day we look back at tradition and history but we also look forward at how artistic and creative endeavours are bringing about a renaissance. From the Towner Art Gallery at Eastbourne to the De La Warr Pavilion by the sea in genteel Bexhill-on-Sea and on to Hastings Old Town - still home to the largest beach launched fishing fleet in Europe and now home to the wonderful and award winning Jerwood Art Gallery.

We begin in Eastbourne at 10.30am with time to buy morning coffee before delving into the Towner Collection of modern British art. It began with a bequest of Victorian paintings and grew with acquisitions of Sussex landscapes. Today the Towner features a cross-section of important 20th century British artists including Edward Bawden, Henry Moore, Paul Nash and Eric Ravilious. Contemporary artists include Julian Opie and Grayson Perry. Spend some time with the guide and a little on your own exploring the collection before we move on.

We’ll drive along the coast to Bexhill for time to buy lunch in and around the De La Warr Pavilion. The cultural rebirth of the Sussex coast began right here with this modernist building back in the 1930s. Take to the roof for views over the channel and along the coast to Beachy Head.

Next an exhilarating coach tour along the coast through St Leonards where the grand regency buildings are emerging from years of decline and forming the backdrop to an influx of artsy types creating a sort of Portobello-on-Sea. Arriving in Hastings we step down to see the Old Town which includes the Stade fishing beach with cartoonishly tall black fishing net sheds and visit the seafront Jerwood Gallery.

The first purchase was From my Window at Ditchling by Sir Frank Brangwyn and over 20 years it has grown to include nearly 250 works focusing on art created between the First World War and the 1960s. Great British artists on display here include Sir Stanley Spencer, Lowry, Walter Sickert, Augustus John and Maggi Hambling. Tour with the guide and explore on your own.

 Time to buy tea before heading home at 4.45pm.

Adults & Seniors: £22pp

Available Tuesday to Sundays

all year and both of the May

Bank Holidays.

25 miles

2