Local attractions
Discover attractions near Glyndebourne
Charleston is just a short drive from Glyndebourne, but it is like stepping into another world. The former home of Bloomsbury group artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, Charleston became a hub of artistic and intellectual activity, where visitors included Virginia and Leonard Woolf, John Maynard Keynes, E.M. Forster and many others.
Visit this wonderfully decorated House and vibrant Garden for a tour with one of our expert guides (Wednesday – Saturday) or explore at your own pace (Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays). Discover the narrative behind Charleston’s rich history and enjoy the hand-painted walls, doors, furniture and objects that distinguish Charleston as a work of art.
Founded in 1920, Towner Art Gallery presents world class exhibitions of modern and contemporary art alongside works from its acclaimed Collection of nearly 5000 works. Towner’s Collection is best known for its modern British art and boasts the largest and most significant collection of works by Eric Ravilious (1903 – 1942). Towner presents an award willing learning programme for all ages, and in 2017 will open a state of the art auditorium hosting a diverse range of talks, film and live performance.The gallery’s light and airy top floor café-bar serves top quality coffee, homemade cakes and freshly prepared light lunches with views to the South Downs.
Opened in March 2012, the award-winning Jerwood Gallery sits next to the fishing beach in Hastings’ historic Old Town. The gallery is home to the Jerwood Collection of Modern and Contemporary British art and a varied temporary exhibition programme.
Jerwood Collection’s main focus is from the First World War to the 1960s. Highlights include works by some of the great British artists of the previous century, including Sir Stanley Spencer, LS Lowry, Walter Sickert and Augustus John.
The gallery café, Webbe’s at Jerwood Gallery, overlooks the fishing beach, has an outside sun terrace and offers panoramic views of the coastline. It’s a fantastic location for a coffee, lunch or afternoon tea.
Tucked away in the Sussex countryside, Farleys House & Gallery conjures up an extraordinary atmosphere that testifies to its position as a meeting place for some of the key personalities in 20th-century art.
Lee Miller and Roland Penrose came to live in Farley Farm House in 1949 and for the next 35 years they amassed a collection of contemporary art treasures, many created by their friends and visitors including Pablo Picasso, Man Ray, Max Ernst, Paul Éluard and Joan Miró. These works and numerous others are exhibited in the house alongside those of Penrose and Miller giving the visitor a fascinating look into the surrealist world.
Today the collection is managed by the Penrose family as a privately run archive and museum. Each Sunday (April-October) the house, sculpture garden and gallery open to visitors. Private group tours can also be arranged.
Plan your visit at www.farleyshouseandgallery.co.uk.
In the heart of Brighton’s cultural quarter, discover the pleasure palace where the Prince Regent, later King George IV escaped Royal life in Regency London to indulge his tastes in art, music and dining.
One of the most exotically beautiful buildings in Britain, its magnificent interior is all about lavish entertainment and fantastical backdrops that set the fashions of their time.
The Royal Pavilion was later used by King William IV and Queen Victoria. Now it’s been restored to its original 1823 splendour, with Indian architecture contrasted with interiors inspired by China, so you can experience it as it was at the heart of fashionable Regency society.
Features include the Royal Pavilion Tearoom, Gift Shop, restored Regency garden. Audio guides are available in a variety of different languages. Plan your visit at brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion/
Where else can you find ancient Egypt, fashion and a Vespa side by side? Be captivated by this outstanding museum right in the heart of Brighton & Hove. From ancient history to the present day, explore art, design and culture.
Alongside permanent galleries, there’s a constantly changing programme of displays, exhibitions and events, with hands-on activities for all ages, gallery trails and more.
Be inspired by collections which reflect the character and creativity of the city. Plan your visit at brightonmuseums.org.uk/brighton/
Ropetackle Arts Centre is a multi-award winning, community-run arts venue that attracts some of the biggest and best performing arts events in the UK.
Situated in the heart of Shoreham, West Sussex, Ropetackle stages events for all tastes and budgets. A registered charity and staffed almost entirely by volunteers, the Centre is run by and for the local community.
Plan your visit at https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/
For the third year Brighton Open Air Theatre opens its doors for a summer of performance under the sun and the stars. 2017 will be BOAT’s biggest season yet. With over 100 days and nights of theatre, music, spoken word, and comedy.
An award-winning, 5 Star rated venue, that made both Tatler and The Guardian’s Top 5 list of UK open-air venues we invite everyone to ‘Make This The Summer’ they experience the magic of Brighton Open Air Theatre.
Plan your visit at http://www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk/
Michelham Priory boasts England’s longest medieval water-filled moat and offers a great day out.
The moat encircles a site steeped in history dating back to 1229, from its foundation by Augustinian canons, through the destruction caused by the dissolution of the monasteries in Tudor times and into its later life as a country house. On the picturesque island you will find seven acres of magnificent gardens, the Tudor mansion, impressive 14th-century gatehouse, the historic watermill and forge, Bronze Age roundhouse, Elizabethan Great Barn, Dovecote shop, café and playground. Whatever the weather there is plenty inside and out to experience.
www.sussexpast.co.uk/properties-to-discover/michelham-priory