The Creative Coast: Discover Sussex Through Art, Culture, Food and Coastal Landscapes
Creativity thrives on the Sussex coast. Against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs, historic seaside towns and a vibrant cultural scene, visitors can discover contemporary galleries, world-renowned heritage sites, award-winning restaurants and vineyards.
Sussex's Creative Coast offers a diverse range of experiences and coastal breaks, all shaped by the sea. Whether you're seeking creative inspiration, a cultural day out or a memorable coastal escape, here are some of the experiences that make Sussex one of England's most distinctive coastal destinations.
About the Creative Coast
The Creative Coast is a collection of cultural, culinary, heritage and outdoor experiences found along the Sussex coast in South East England.
Stretching 140 miles from Chichester in the West to Rye in the East, the Sussex coastline connects neighbouring Hampshire and Kent to a wide range of cultural experiences. It's the perfect location for a coastal escape, just over an hour from London.

Coastal Culture
The Sussex coast has long inspired artists, writers, makers and storytellers. Today, that creative spirit can be found everywhere, including at Hastings Contemporary on the Coastal Culture Trail, linking the award-winning Towner Eastbourne and the iconic De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill.
A new major exhibition at Hastings Contemporary, Edge: Where the Land Meets the Sea, is inspired by the relationship between land, sea and coastal communities. Afterwards, dine at the gallery's Tapas restaurant, Coquina, with sea views and the best produce from the South Coast.
Discover more Coastal culture
De La Warr Pavilion
- Marina
A pioneering centre for the arts located in Bexhill, established in 1935. A place where…
Hastings Contemporary
Hastings Contemporary is a bold, independent arts charity in the heart of Hastings Old Town…
Pallant House Gallery
Pallant House Gallery is one of the UK’s most distinctive public galleries, exploring new…
Goodwood Art Foundation
A new destination for contemporary art in the UK, the Goodwood Art Foundation will feature the work…
Chichester Festival Theatre
- Oaklands Park
Chichester Festival Theatre creates inspiring experiences that bring people together – on and…
BN9 Studio & Atrium
- Marine Workshops
Creative community spaces, offering a diverse programme of exhibitions and events throughout the…
Towner Gallery
Collecting and exhibiting contemporary art for 100 years, Towner Eastbourne sits where the coast and…
Sussex stories: heritage by the sea
The best way to discover the Sussex coast is to visit some of England's most important historic sites. Be inspired by the Battle of Hastings Re-enactment at Battle Abbey. Taking place from 10-11 October, brings the 960th anniversary of the battle and scenes from the Bayeux tapestry to life. Visit nearby Pevensey Castle on the coast, where William the Conqueror set foot on English shores 950 years ago. Perfect for family coastal adventures.
Discover more coastal history from the iconic Arundel Castle, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the coast from the top of the Keep, to the best example of Roman mosaics at Fishbourne Roman Palace, just a pebbles throw from Chichester Harbour.

Coastal heritage sites
1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
- High Street
March into history on the most famous battlefield in England. Follow in the footsteps of the armies…
Arundel Castle
No trip to West Sussex is complete without visiting the magnificent Arundel Castle. Set high on a…
Pevensey Castle
- Castle Rd,
Founded in the fourth century as one of the last of the Roman 'Saxon Shore' forts, Pevensey…
Newhaven Fort
- Fort Road
Newhaven Fort, recently restored after a £7.5 million restoration, is a fantastic…
Fishbourne Roman Palace
- Roman Way
Explore the largest residential Roman building in Britain and its wonderful in situ mosaic floors…
Rye Heritage Centre
- New Winchelsea Road
Rye Heritage Centre is home to the Story of Rye sound and light show featuring the amazing large…

Creative landscapes and coastal walks
Walk along the King Charles III England Coast Path to the Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve, with famous white cliffs backdrops and stunning coastal habitats. The landscape has played a starring role in many films, used as a location in Harry Potter, Wicked and most recently, Pressure.
If you want to explore the local culture scene, visitors can hop aboard the Sussex Art Shuttle from Seven Sisters to see some of the best contemporary art galleries and exhibitions in Sussex (Fri-Sun only). The shuttle service stops at Towner Eastbourne and Charleston in Firle, once the coastal home to the Bloomsbury set and now home to a contemporary gallery and events.
The Best creative coastal walks
Here are the must-see Sussex walking spots for photographers and nature lovers alike. For the best photos, visit during golden hour. As the sun dips, the landscapes and cliffs glow in warm hues of pink and gold, creating one of the most magical views in England.
Birling Gap
- Birling Gap
Birling Gap is a popular coastal hub, where the South Downs meet the sea. It’s part of the…
Seaford Head
- South Way
Seaford Head is the best spot to enjoy the iconic view of the majestic Seven Sisters cliffs. Please…
Seven Sisters Country Park
- East Dean Road
Seven Sisters Country Park is a poular destination to experience the iconic Seven Sisters white…
Ditchling Beacon
Panoramic views from the top of the world. Stand at the top of Ditchling Beacon, look south out to…
Kingley Vale Nature Reserve
Nestling in the South Downs National Park, Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve is a beautiful area…

Sussex Vineyards shaped by the coast
Sussex has become one of England's leading wine destinations, with coastal conditions helping to create award-winning wines.
Enjoy a wine tour and tasting experience at Rathfinny Estate, with vines located just 3 miles from the sea and views towards Seven Sisters from the restaurant, serving delicious local produce paired with their wines. Charles Palmer Vineyard in Winchelsea offers amazing sea views and tasting experiences – hop on the Rother Wine Triangle Sunday shuttle bus tour for an easy way to explore more vineyards nearby
Further along the coast towards Chichester, visit Tinwood Estate, with vines that benefit from the climate driven by it's coastal location. Join a tour and tasting or book for their popular Afternoon tea experiences.
Visit a Sussex vineyard
Charles Palmer Vineyards
- Wickham Manor
We are a family run, single wine estate, located in the ancient town of Winchelsea. Every effort is…
Tinwood Estate
- Tinwood Estate
Established in 2007, Tinwood Estate is situated on the edge of the South Downs. The Tukker family…
Rathfinny Wine Estate
- Rathfinny Wine Estate
Family-owned Rathfinny Wine Estate is a pioneering grower-producer of English sparkling wines…
Tillingham Estate Vineyard
Tillingham Estate is a mixed farm that dates from 13th Century, featuring vineyards, fruit trees…
Artelium Wine Estate
- Streat Lane
Artelium is a contemporary wine estate celebrating English wine and art. Located in the Sussex…
Oxney Organic Estate
There’s an old saying that great wines are made in the vineyard. We couldn’t agree more…
City culture in Brighton & Hove
At the centre of the Sussex Coast, explore the creative hub of Brighton & Hove for a diverse city break filled with seaside heritage and vibrant arts and culture.
Explore the flamboyant interiors and colourful regal history of the Royal Pavilion. Take time to explore the famous vintage shops and independent retailers in The Lanes or relax and restore at Beach Box Sauna Spa.
Find out more and plan your trip at Visit Brighton.

Food & Drink on the Sussex Coast
Local produce and dining with a sea view is a highlight of any Sussex coastal break. Taste fresh Sussex seafood, including famous Selsey Crab or try the local English Sparkling Wines which pair perfectly with Fish and Chips. Restaurants and pubs such as the seafront Crab Shack or Ebb in Worthing, traditional seafood at Rye Fish Market & Seafood Bar or local dishes at the East Beach Cafe, with it' standout architecture designed by Heatherwick studios.
Coastal itineraries
Best Saunas in Sussex: Coastal, Outdoor & Wild Sauna Experiences
- 13 min read
Looking for a sauna in Sussex? From wood-fired beach saunas overlooking the…
Culture by the coast: Arty days in Sussex
- 5 min read
Culture vulture? Welcome to Sussex: the home to world-beating museums and…
Explore Coastal towns
Discover towns on the Sussex coast that offer the best local restaurants, art galleries and culture
What's on
Find local events and experiences on the Creative Coast
Liz English 66
"Liz English 66" is an exhibition where Liz celebrates her 66th birthday at Colonnade…
It Walks Around the House at Night
- Nov 9, 2026 - Nov 10, 2026
The award-winning ThickSkin return to London following a sold-out tour with this chilling new play…
The Paint Club: Chickens
Join us for this month's sip and paint as we paint these hilarious backyard chickens. Join The…
Cavendish School: Missing Beat
- Nov 10, 2026 - Nov 11, 2026
One stage, countless stories. Celebrating the best songs from the West End and beyond...
Private Peaceful
Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse, Private Peaceful has become one of the…
Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience
A loving tribute to the BBC’s classic TV series, the show has been seen by over a million people…
Paws Performing Arts Showcase
An evening of performances by our talented pupils, showcasing their dancing, singing and musical…
The Paint Club: Puffins
We are back, this time painting puffins. Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of…
The Paint Club: Highland Cow
At this month's painting workshop we are painting a highland cow. Join The Paint Club for a…
Backstage Tour: Connaught Theatre
- Nov 18, 2026 - Feb 10, 2027
A first-hand look behind the scenes at the Connaught Theatre. Discover the stories and hidden spaces…
The Rattonians - A Christmas Spectacular!
- Nov 18, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026
The Rattonians always know how to get everyone in the right mood for Christmas! This year sees them…
Anthem for Dissatisfaction
"Don’t Look Back in Anger" could be the tag line of SkelpieLimmer Productions’ bold and…
Ropetackle Comedy Club
Shoreham’s funniest night out is back – and we’ve handpicked SIX of the very best comics on the…
Well, it's Different!
- Colonnade House
- Nov 24, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026
Artists are well used to hearing the phrases 'Well, It's Different' or 'Hmmm…
Make Your Mark
- Colonnade House
- Dec 1, 2026 - Dec 6, 2026
Make Your Mark is an exhibition celebrating the creativity, perspectives and artistic practices of…
The Paint Club: Christmas Robin
Join us in painting a Christmas robin for this month's painting workshop. Join The Paint Club…
Beauty and the Beast
- Dec 3, 2026 - Dec 5, 2026
Beautiful Belle dreams of living the adventures she reads about in her books. When she becomes the…
Murdered to Death by Peter Gordon
- Dec 4, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Peter Gordon's comic spoof on the classic whodunnit genre. This is a murder mystery in Agatha…
Sip and Sketch
Come along, grab a coffee and get sketching! Each week we'll offer a theme and inspiration to…
The Odyssey Musical - Concert Performance
A first outing of Joshua Crisp's musical adaptation of The Odyssey. This will be a concert…