Towner Eastbourne
A contemporary art gallery showcasing modern British art and vibrant temporary exhibitions, with stunning sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Towner Eastbourne
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A contemporary art gallery showcasing modern British art and vibrant temporary exhibitions, with stunning sea views.
"Fantastic gallery. Great exhibitions on Sussex Modernism and Paule Vézelay. Fabulous food in The Light restaurant with great views."
🎟️ Check Free & Paid Exhibits
Entry to the Ravilious Gallery is free, while other exhibitions may require a ticket. Plan accordingly!
🍽️ Dine with a View
The 2nd-floor restaurant offers stunning sea views – perfect for a lunch break.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sussex Modernism & Paule Vézelay Exhibitions
Ravilious Gallery (1st Floor)
Explore vibrant displays celebrating the region's rich artistic past and contemporary talents.
The Light Restaurant & Terrace Views
2nd Floor
Savor delicious food with panoramic views of the sea and Eastbourne's coastline.
Contemporary Art Collections
Various Galleries
Discover thought-provoking temporary shows and the gallery's own modern British art collection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating Eastbourne's Art Scene
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Check Free & Paid Exhibits
Entry to the Ravilious Gallery is free, while other exhibitions may require a ticket. Plan accordingly!
🍽️ Dine with a View
The 2nd-floor restaurant offers stunning sea views – perfect for a lunch break.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Seafront
Combine your art visit with a walk along the iconic Eastbourne seafront.
📚 Explore the Library
The collection library on the 1st floor is a quiet spot for art enthusiasts.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Check Free & Paid Exhibits
Entry to the Ravilious Gallery is free, while other exhibitions may require a ticket. Plan accordingly!
🍽️ Dine with a View
The 2nd-floor restaurant offers stunning sea views – perfect for a lunch break.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Seafront
Combine your art visit with a walk along the iconic Eastbourne seafront.
📚 Explore the Library
The collection library on the 1st floor is a quiet spot for art enthusiasts.
✨ Don't Miss the Lift!
Visitors rave about the surprisingly large and clean passenger lift.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Towner Eastbourne is widely praised as a fantastic gallery with excellent, well-curated exhibitions, particularly those focusing on Sussex Modernism and contemporary art. Visitors love the stunning sea views from the 2nd-floor restaurant and the overall spacious, clean facility, including its impressive passenger lift. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some may find the town of Eastbourne itself to be quiet.
"Fantastic gallery. Great exhibitions on Sussex Modernism and Paule Vézelay. Fabulous food in The Light restaurant with great views from the terrace"
Julian Tollast
"Interesting gallery, well curated. We often make a special trip down for the weekend. Excellent exhibitions, great restaurant on the top floor, a research library where you can learn more about mid century British art & more. Cafe & cinema & bookshop. Sign up for a tour to see more of the permanent collection. After have a walk along the sea. Combine it with a visit to Hastings just a short drive down the coast."
Amy Stein
"Great facility, lots of space and possibly the largest passenger lift I have ever been in, clean and with many facilities. Although I will admit I didn't try the cafe"
andreas wheeler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Towner Eastbourne is conveniently located a short walk from the Eastbourne train station. If you're using a tour bus, a day pass often stops nearby.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, Eastbourne has several public car parks. It's best to check local council information for the most up-to-date parking options.
Absolutely! Many visitors combine a trip to Towner with a walk along the Eastbourne seafront or even a short drive to Hastings.
The gallery is known for being a great facility with lots of space and a notably large passenger lift, suggesting good accessibility.
For exploring Eastbourne and reaching Towner, consider a tour bus day pass or simply enjoying a stroll from the town center or station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Towner Eastbourne has a mix of free and paid exhibitions. The Ravilious Gallery and collection library on the 1st floor offer free entry, while exhibitions on the 2nd floor typically require a paid ticket.
For paid exhibitions, booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak times or for popular shows, to guarantee entry. Check the official Towner Eastbourne website for current ticketing policies.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Towner Eastbourne website before your visit. Generally, galleries are open during daytime hours.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended to gain deeper insights into the permanent collection. Sign up for a tour to see more.
The gallery shop, theatre, and cinema are located on the G Floor and are accessible as part of your visit.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
Towner Eastbourne features temporary contemporary art exhibitions and displays from its own modern British collection, with a focus on Sussex Modernism.
Yes, there is a cafe/restaurant on the 2nd floor offering lovely views, and visitors have praised the food.
The Ravilious Gallery on the 1st floor is dedicated to showcasing works related to the Sussex Modernism movement and is free to enter.
Towner Eastbourne often has a self-drawing station with a changing theme, offering a fun, creative break for visitors.
The collection library on the 1st floor provides a quiet space for visitors to learn more about mid-century British art and explore resources.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted in some areas, but it's always best to check signage or ask staff for specific exhibition rules.
The terrace of The Light restaurant offers fantastic panoramic views of the sea and coastline, making it a prime spot for photos. The architecture of the gallery itself is also quite striking.
Staff are lovely and make sure you get a photo round the corner of this stunning gallery, suggesting there are specific architectural features or viewpoints worth capturing.
Given Eastbourne's seaside location and artistic heritage, photography often focuses on coastal landscapes, modernist art, and the unique architecture of the town.
Tripods and professional photography equipment are usually not permitted in galleries without prior arrangement or special permission. Always inquire with the gallery staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds and allow children more freedom to explore. Combining the gallery visit with a walk along the nearby seafront offers a perfect blend of culture and outdoor fun for a family day out.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Culture Seekers
The Light restaurant provides a perfect setting to reflect on the art while enjoying the sea views. For a comprehensive cultural immersion, consider combining your visit with exploring other artistic sites in the Sussex region or nearby Hastings.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Casual Visitors
Pair your visit with a leisurely stroll along the seafront and perhaps a coffee or lunch at The Light restaurant for a well-rounded Eastbourne experience. It’s a great way to add a touch of culture to your seaside day trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Sussex Modernism
Visitors can explore not only paintings but also ceramics, textiles, and graphic design from this era. The gallery's collection library offers a deeper dive for those interested in researching this period further. The Paule Vézelay exhibitions also highlight contemporary artists who engage with similar themes or artistic legacies, ensuring a dynamic and evolving display.
Combining a visit to Towner with exploring the surrounding Sussex countryside can offer a richer appreciation of the inspiration behind these artworks. The natural beauty that captivated artists like Ravilious is still very much present, making for a truly immersive experience.
Dining with a View: The Light Restaurant
The menu is described as offering 'fabulous food,' suggesting a quality dining experience that complements the visual feast. While the specific offerings may change, the promise of good food combined with such a spectacular vista makes it a must-visit for many. It's a perfect place to unwind after exploring the exhibitions.
For those looking to make the most of their visit, enjoying a meal or a drink at The Light restaurant is a highly recommended way to enhance the overall Towner Eastbourne experience. The combination of art, architecture, and culinary delights with a view creates a memorable outing.
Eastbourne: A Seaside Town's Identity
For art lovers, Eastbourne offers more than just the Towner. The town has a history that has attracted artists, and combining a gallery visit with a walk along the sea is a popular suggestion.
When planning a visit, it's helpful to be aware of these differing perspectives. Whether you're drawn by the art, the coast, or the unique character of the town, Eastbourne offers a range of experiences.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit