There is a new Sussex story to be told. Our county has long been known for its spectacular ancient landscapes - downlands, woodlands, coastlines and wide open spaces like nowhere else in the UK. But Sussex is also a cauldron of creativity which has drawn in artistic minds and unconventional thinkers for the best part of a century.

This is modern Sussex and this is the story Sussex Modern is here to tell…

“We’re a collective of Sussex art, wine and landscape organisations on a mission to celebrate our county’s unique contribution to British culture. You can trace our roots back to the writings of Virginia Woolf, the paintings of Eric Ravillous, the photographs of Lee Miller and the type design of Eric Gill. And contemporary Sussex has more to offer the culturally curious than ever.”

Here’s just a handful of highlights from Sussex Modern - all ready to be experienced within 20 miles of Eastbourne and Port Hotel.

Art

We’ll quickly give Eastbourne’s iconic Towner gallery a namecheck here. But if you’re in town, you’ll be visiting anyway, so we’re going to take you a little further afield for some of the best contemporary art, performance and cinema Sussex has to offer.

Glyndebourne

Glyndebourne promises No Ordinary Opera and never fails to deliver. The Festival is an experience like no other: world-class productions performed in an award-winning setting; dressing up, picnicking and precious time with family and friends in the gorgeous gardens. Alongside performances running throughout the summer and autumn, Glyndebourne is home to year-round exhibitions of contemporary art and sculpture. The memories last long after the curtain comes down.

De La Warr Pavilion

12 miles east of Eastbourne, on the Bexhill seafront, you’ll find one of the most inspiring cultural venues on England’s south coast. ‘The People’s Pavilion’ is one of the UK’s earliest Modernist public buildings with a packed calendar of free exhibitions plus music, performance, comedy, workshops and family activities. This summer sees artist Holly Hendry playing with the fabric of the building itself in her Indifferent Deep and Invertebrate exhibitions. Be sure to grab a drink or a bite in the cafe bar and balcony overlooking the beach.

Depot

Depot in Lewes is a must for cinephiles of all persuasions. The award-winning independent three-screen picture house is a pioneer of crossover cinema, melding mainstream, indie and art house with a vibrant programme of event cinema from Glyndebourne, the Royal Opera House, National Theatre and more. The beautiful gardens and terrace are worth a visit alone, especially at weekends when live music, street food and cocktail nights take centre stage.

Wine

Maybe you’re already aware that English sparkling wines are becoming the envy of the world. Well, Sussex is home to many of England’s best producers, putting us in the vanguard of the newest revolution in wine. So which of our 13 award-winning wine partners should we pick for you? Easy - the ones whose offerings you can try at Port...

Bolney Estate

If you fancy a trip to West Sussex, make a beeline for Bolney. It’s the oldest commercial vineyard in Sussex, with the first vines planted in 1972. With three generations of expertise behind them, the Linter family now crafts a range of still and sparkling wines that win hearts, minds and awards. You can book tours, tastings and a table at the Eighteen Acre cafe, or buy directly from the shop. We recommend the Pinot Noir, rated by many among England’s best still red wines.

Albourne Estate

A few miles south of Bolney is another star in the Sussex wine firmament, open for tours, tastings and gastro events. There are a few things that set Albourne apart. First is a boutique ethos that sees them create small batches of exciting still and sparkling wines (plus a must-try vermouth). Second is a passion for experimentation, embodied by owner and winemaker Alison Nightingale. Last but not least, the illustrated wildlife label designs make the bottles a Sussex artwork in their own right.

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Rathfinny Estate

You’ll be hard pushed to find a more picturesque vineyard setting than Rathfinny, just 30 minutes drive from Port Hotel. Follow the long driveway through the vines to find yourself at a tasting room overlooking a gentle trellised slope that meets a downland ridge awash with wildflowers. The English Channel is visible at Cuckmere Haven, just three miles away. It’s a glorious spot for fine dining (the Tasting Room restaurant has a Michelin Plate) and of course sipping a chilled glass of fine Sussex sparkling. Rooms are also available at the secluded Flint Barns deep inside the 600-acre estate.

Landscape

The chalk downs, high cliffs, stunning coastline, wooded valleys and rolling hills of Sussex have inspired so many artists of the modern era. Today the landscape is literally the bedrock of the Sussex wine scene. Here’s a trio of local beauty spots well worth heading out of town for.

Sevens Sisters and Friston Forest

The mouth of the meandering Cuckmere estuary marks the beginning of probably the most memorable of all Sussex landscapes. The dramatic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters lead all the way back to Eastbourne along the Sussex Heritage Coast. Inland is Friston Forest and its maze of walking and mountain biking trails. If you fancy exploring the area on two wheels, e-bikes are available to hire from Cadence Cycle Club in nearby Litlington.

Firle Beacon

Not far from Charleston - the famous country getaway of the Bloomsbury Set - you’ll find some of the greatest panoramic views of both the South Downs and the Sussex coast. Firle Beacon sits high above the pretty village of Firle and trust us, the views justify the steep climb. There’s more than one way down too: Firle Beacon is a popular spot for paragliding and you can book in with the local club, FlySussex.

Pevensey Bay

We may be modern but we can still do history. So let us finish by telling you about Pevensey Bay and its shingle beach, the spot where William the Conqueror landed in 1066. Today things are far more tranquil and the beach is great for a scenic walk along the gently curving coastline. North-east of the beach are the Pevensey Levels, an area of wetlands rich in rare flora and fauna. A mile inland is the old fishing village of Pevensey itself, home to the ruins of Pevensey Castle.

So there you have it. Art, performance, opera, cinema. World-class wines, vineyard tours, guided tastings and gastronomic delights. Historic scenery that has inspired creativity for generations. Modern Sussex has it all… as you’ll see for yourself when you visit.

Hot Spots With Sussex Modern

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