New itinerary makes Newhaven the coastal town for a creative escape

Experience Sussex has launched a new itinerary to encourage people to take part in unique art classes, enjoy windswept coastal walks and spot wildlife in Newhaven, the coastal escape brimming with unexpected creativity this autumn and winter.

Better known as a working harbour and ferry port, the East Sussex town has a creative side many visitors have yet to discover.

A growing community of artists, makers and independent creative spaces are giving visitors a new reason to head to the coast, to learn a skill, make something to take home and explore the landscapes inspiring local artists.

Visitors can spend a morning making ocean-inspired resin pieces at Oceanic Woodstore before walking the shoreline at Tide Mills, try painting or pottery before exploring the wildlife-rich Ouse Estuary, or turn a creative course into an overnight escape overlooking Newhaven harbour.

With workshops starting from £25 and Newhaven around 1 hour 20 minutes by train from London Victoria and only nine miles down the coast from Brighton, Newhaven is easily reached by train or bus from Brighton Station, and a creative break can be anything from an autumn day trip to a weekend away.

Jo Williams, from Experience Sussex, said: “Newhaven isn't necessarily the first place people think of when planning a creative weekend by the sea and that's part of its appeal.

“It's a working harbour town with a really interesting creative community, surrounded by the coast, river and South Downs. You can spend a few hours learning from a local artist or maker, head outside for a walk or bite to eat and then go home with something you've actually made yourself.

“It's a chance to discover a side of Newhaven you might never see if you're simply passing through, and while you’re there you can make the town your base to explore the wider Sussex coast, countryside and cultural offering, with the Seven Sisters, Lewes and Brighton all nearby and accessible by bus or train.”

Make something by the sea

At Oceanic Woodstore, visitors can make resin seascape coasters, oak doorstops and coffee tables, while Cement Arts offers courses including metalwork, painting and silicone mould making.

Elsewhere, Carol Havard Art Techniques offers sessions spanning mosaics, pottery, painting, screen printing and textiles, The Patchwork Cat hosts textile workshops and Robinson House Studio offers contemporary furniture-making workshops and masterclasses.

Visitors can also discover murals and public art around town and exhibitions and creative events at riverside BN9 Studio & Atrium.

Step out of the studio

At Tide Mills, walkers can explore a nature reserve and the remains of an abandoned 18th-century village, while the Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve offers wildlife spotting close to town. Visitors can stroll along the Egrets Way or discover Newhaven through three heritage walking routes.

Stay somewhere creative

Carlton House is a B&B and creative retreat overlooking Newhaven harbour, with its own artist's studio and workshops hosted by local artists.

For inspiration and to plan a creative break in Newhaven, visit Experience Sussex: https://www.experiencesussex.com/explore/newhaven/newhaven-a-creative-coastal-town/

Experience Sussex has developed the itinerary in partnership with Newhaven Enterprise Zone.