New itinerary makes Newhaven the coastal town for a creative autumn escape
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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.
Ends
Editors notes
For further information, please contact:
Fran Herring, Samantha Clark or Flo Powell
Midnight Communications
01273 666 200
Fact box: Plan a creative escape to Newhaven
· Make: Create four ocean-inspired coasters at Oceanic Woodstore in a two-hour resin workshop (£79.95pp) or try a Christmas Cottage Cushion workshop at The Patchwork Cat (£25pp). For something more ambitious, Oceanic also offers a two-part resin coffee-table course (£575pp).
· Walk: Explore the abandoned village at Tide Mills, spot wildlife at the Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve or discover Newhaven's history on three self-guided heritage trails.
· Stay: Carlton House is a B&B and creative retreat overlooking Newhaven harbour, with its own artist's studio.
· Get there: Newhaven Town is around 1 hour and 20 minutes from London Victoria by train, changing at Lewes, and nine miles from Brighton, and is easily reached by train or bus from Brighton Station.
· Workshop dates, prices and availability should be checked with providers before booking.
About Experience Sussex
Experience Sussex is a destination marketing and storytelling platform dedicated to showcasing the very best of Sussex, from its vibrant towns and cultural hotspots to its coastline, countryside and independent businesses. Through curated guides, features and local insights, Experience Sussex connects visitors and residents alike with authentic experiences across the region.
Working with local partners, hospitality venues and attractions, the platform champions Sussex as a year-round destination, celebrating its food and drink scene, events, heritage and creative communities.
Experience Sussex aims to support local economies by driving discovery, encouraging exploration and highlighting the unique character that makes Sussex one of the UK’s most compelling places to visit and experience.
For further information please visit: https://www.experiencesussex.com/
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Notes to editors
Newhaven Enterprise Zone’s mission is to transform Newhaven into a thriving business destination by 2030, with a repurposed town centre, to support growth sectors and boost the economy. Its current investment plan includes seven key initiatives, including new grant programmes to drive productivity, business growth and investment, helping to create sustainable, inclusive jobs that benefit the entire community.
