There’s something about Sussex that has always inspired artists. It’s surely that combination of the ever-changing shades of light as clouds scud across the sky over the South Downs creating a patchwork of golds and greens, and the mighty crash of waves against white cliffs. And then of course, there is the hush of ancient woodland and the majesty of some of the county’s great architecture. With this in mind, how about treating yourself to a three-day art lover’s itinerary to explore the many landscapes of Sussex as depicted on canvas and the artists who captured them?
Three-day itinerary
From Turner’s skies to Ravilious’ Sussex hills, this three-day itinerary follows in the footsteps of some of the most iconic painters of Sussex.
Day 1: Petworth & Lavington – Turner and Ivon Hitchens
Theme: Landscape and abstraction in the heart of West Sussex
Morning: Petworth House
Begin where Turner found his muse. The 3rd Earl of Egremont of Petworth House was one of Turner’s greatest patrons and Turner was a frequent visitor to the estate. Today Petworth House has some 20 Turner oil paintings and, in particular, four final works commissioned by the Earl for the Carved Room. Two depict Petworth Park, one is of the Chain Pier in Brighton and one depicts the Portsmouth and Arundel canal.
Step outside the house into the deer park to see for yourself the views that he captured. John Constable (1776-1837) was also a frequent visitor at Petworth Park and you can see some of his work on display too.
Lunch: Try The Angel Inn or E. Street Bar & Grill in Petworth, both local favourites that keep art-lovers well fed.
Afternoon: Explore Ivon Hitchens country
Drive a few miles south to Lavington Common or Duncton Down, where modernist painter Ivon Hitchens made his home after the Blitz. Inspired by the likes of Cèzanne and Matisse, he used bold blocks of colour to capture the heathland, wood and gorse that surrounded his home, often working “en plein air”. You can still walk the same woodland paths. The Moncrieff Bray Gallery near Petworth are holding a John Hitchens (Ivon’s son) exhibition on certain dates from 28 March.
Stay nearby: The Horse Guards Inn, Tillington or the Halfway Bridge near Lodsworth.
Optional Stops: Visit Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, for its superb collection of 20th-century British art, including Hitchens’ bold canvases.
If you have an extra day, head west to things to do in Arundel. John Constable visited here often, painting the castle rising above the River Arun. You can walk along towards Swanbourne Lake and see the mill that is depicted in his Arundel Mill and Castle.
Day 2: Firle & Charleston – The Bloomsbury Group
Theme: Art, interiors and bohemian spirit
Morning: Charleston Farmhouse
Once home to Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, Charleston remains a living artwork with every wall, door and fireplace hand-painted. Book a guided tour, explore the walled garden and enjoy coffee and cake in the café.
Lunch: Head to Middle Farm for hearty local food or a glass of local fruit juice and stock up from an incredible range of local produce.
Afternoon: Berwick Church
Just a few minutes away by car (or just over an hour by foot), Berwick Church is filled with vibrant murals painted by Bell, Grant and Quentin Bell during WWII, as a symbol of hope and community.
Stay nearby: The Ram Inn, Firle.
For a deeper dive into the world of the Bloomsbury Group, try:
Optional Stop: If time allows, detour north to Farleys House, once home to Surrealist photographer Lee Miller and artist Roland Penrose. The house remains almost exactly as they left it filled with 20th century art including work by Picasso. Tours (by pre-booking) offer an intimate glimpse into Sussex’s creative heart. Enjoy the fireplace depiction of the Long Man of Wilmington and see the giant Long Man himself across the fields.
Day 3: Eastbourne & Cuckmere – Eric Ravilious, rolling fields and coastal light
Theme: Watercolour, chalk and sea air
Morning: Towner Gallery, Eastbourne
Start your day at the brightly coloured Towner Gallery in Eastbourne which holds one of the largest collections of Ravilious’ work: scenes of chalk cliffs, lighthouses and rolling hills with his distinctive essence of Sussex calm.
Lunch: Try The Beach Deck on the promenade for seaside views.
Afternoon: The Ravilious Trail
Follow the coast road or take a bus to Cuckmere Haven, one of the most painted views in Britain and painted by Ravilious. Walk along the meanders of the river, then climb towards Seaford Head to see the Seven Sisters cliffs exactly as Ravilious saw them. Alternatively, visit Newhaven harbour. You can even walk from Firle and see Furlongs in the distance.
End your day in Alfriston and perhaps visit The Star for supper.
Stay nearby: Rathfinny Wine Estate or Wingrove House.
Sussex has always been more than a backdrop. Whether you visit a gallery, stroll a footpath or simply pause to look, it’s not hard to see what inspired some of the greatest artists of our time.
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