On the trail

Cycling East Sussex’s Cultural Coast

HASTINGS CONTEMPORARY Start things off at Hastings Contemporary, at the foot of the cliffs in the old town. Overlooking the beach, the gallery is clad in striking, glossy black tiles to mirror the nearby wooden sheds used to store fishing gear. Changing exhibitions bring contemporary artworks to the galleries inside, with a focus on local themes and modern British artists, from LS Lowry to Stanley Spencer. hastingscontemporary.org

HASTINGS

Before setting off on your bike, check out Hastings’ more traditional attractions. Mooch around the fishing boats pulled on to the shingle (the town is home to the UK’s largest beachlaunched fishing fleet) and discover more about the town’s unique, Grade II-listed huts at the Fishermen’s Museum. Don’t forget to take a ride up the cliffs on the Victorian funicular for fine views of the coastal route you’re about to take. ohps.org.uk

ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA

Wheel past Hastings’ timberdecked pier before briefly diverting from the cycle path into the neighbouring town of St Leonard’s. It’s here you’ll find the Kino-Teatr — a cultural complex with a refurbished cinema, a small shop selling mid-century design pieces and the Baker Mamonova Gallery, exhibiting 20th-century Russian art. Stop off in the cafe before getting back on two wheels. kino-teatr.co.uk

BEXHILL-ON-SEA

Get your legs going for a few miles along the car-free path to Bexhill-on-Sea, then lock your bike outside the dazzling white De La Warr Pavilion on the seafront. The gallery and cultural centre hosts free exhibitions by contemporary artists over two floors, as well as comedy gigs, talks and live music. Have lunch at the cafe bar, best enjoyed overlooking the Channel on one of the building’s beautiful, curved terraces. dlwp.com

EASTBOURNE

The trail veers from the coast for a couple of miles, returning to the sea near Eastbourne. Zip along the promenade before turning into town for your final dose of art at Towner.

The flamboyant building, built in 2009 and covered in a multicoloured, geometric mural, is home to 5,000 works, including the country’s largest collection of pieces by local boy Eric Ravilious. townereastbourne.org.uk

Hop on a bike to discover a trio of vibrant south-coast towns and their celebrated art galleries as part of the county’s Coastal Culture Trail

Words: Amanda Canning

EAST DEAN

The trail officially ends in Eastbourne, but hop back on your bike for a final excursion to the village of East Dean. Track down the special blue plaque to ‘consulting detective and bee keeper’ Sherlock Holmes; the fictional character was said to have retired to a cottage next to The Tiger Inn here. Celebrate finishing your journey with a pint of local ale and haddock and chips at the pub overlooking the green. coastalculturetrail.com

DID YOU KNOW? Hastings is home to one of sport’s most fiercely fought contests — the World Crazy Golf Championship, held annually at the town’s adventure golf course. hastingsadventuregolf.com