Welcome to Heritage Eastbourne
From Prehistory to Present Day
A world of discovery awaits, from the brand new Story of Eastbourne exhibition in Terminus Road to over 200 years of history at the seafront Redoubt Fortress. Plus fascinating heritage exhibitions at the Pavilion, walking trails, archaeological digs, local history research and much more.
From Neolithic to Napoleonic, Eastbourne's story and that of its downland is retold through fascinating exhibitions, digs and research projects.
The Story of Eastbourne
Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm, daily in school holidays at 248 Terminus Road
This new exhibition will lead you on a journey through Eastbourne's History. It may take twists and turns that you dont expect and there will be some surprises along the way.
It is a celebration of storytelling from the people of Eastbourne. A story through their objects, their words, their legacies and even their bones.
It is a tale full of mystery, intrigue, faith, fortune, love, war and magic!
Tales of the town
Discover ancient axes unearthed in Eastbourne, a piece of real Roman floor, spectacular Saxon treasure and top secret orders from the Home Guard in WW2.
Find out how Mrs Wilson tricked soldiers with a pie, what Richard de Clouworth the extravagantly dressed Vicar did in the 1300s and which magic trick George Grimmond invented in Eastbourne!
Learning visits
Discover the Stories of Eastbourne at the exhibition or we can bring the stories to you!
Heritage Highlights
The Story of Eastbourne
The Story of Eastbourne exhibition and heritage hub tells the story of Eastbourne through the eyes of the real people who lived it, as well as providing an information hub for heritage. Open Tues - Sun, 10am - 5pm
Rediscover stories...
Rediscover the poignant End of War and Extraordinary Women displays marking the centenaries of both the end of WW1 and also the first votes for women as well as the new Heritage Lottery funded Gasbags Ahoy! exhibition from Creative Force
Open daily from 18 May - FREE entry
Exclusive Tours at the Fortress in 2019!
10am, 12pm and 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays - exclusive hard hat tours of the fortress.
What's On
Heritage Highlights
Sat 18 May - Wed 4 Sep 2019
Rediscover the poignant End of War and Extraordinary Women displays marking the centenaries of both the end of WW1 and also the first votes for women as well as the new Heritage Lottery funded Gasbags Ahoy! exhibition from Creative Force
Art Exhibition
Sat 29 - Sun 30 Jun 2019
The Society of Eastbourne Artists Exhibition and Sale of Artwork will take place in Eastbourne Town Hall, Grove Road.
Summer Concert - Myths and Legends
Tue 2 Jul 2019
Join the Eastbourne Concert Orchestra for an evening of music celebrating Myths and Legends. Music from film, opera, ballet, musicals and classical repertoire.
Culture & Cake - A Century of Secrets
Sat 13 Jul 2019
A Century of Secrets. Join Katherine Buckland to solve the mysteries of Eastbourne’s often forgotten century with tales of plague, piracy and pies.
Motcombe Gardens Community Excavation
Mon 15 - Sun 28 Jul 2019
We are returning to Motcombe Gardens to investigate the secrets of the historic farm the Dovecote once stood in. Pop in and find out about the latest discoveries as they are uncovered!
The Breakfast Club film screening
Sat 27 Jul 2019
They were five students with nothing in common, faced with spending a Saturday detention together in their high school library.
Culture & Cake - Beer, Boulders and Bullets
Sat 10 Aug 2019
Beer, Boulders and Bullets: Eastbourne’s extraordinary Industry. From salt-making to flame-throwers and everything in between, join Heritage Collections Officer Kelly van Doorn to uncover Eastbourne’s industrious past.
O Brother, Where Art Thou Film Screening
Sat 24 Aug 2019
Escaped convicts in American South wild adventure Led by smooth-talking Everett Ulysees McGill (George Clooney), three e scaped convicts set out to recover money, buried after an armoured car heist
Culture & Cake - Bourne Free
Sat 14 Sep 2019
Bourne Free - Farmyards and foul water in Motcombe This talk will look at the results of this summer’s archaeological investigations in Motcombe Gardens and discover stories of lost farms, dirty water supplies and even a stolen river!
Close Encounters of the Third Kind film screening
Sat 28 Sep 2019
Film Screening with lightshow and soundtrack in the parade ground As inexplicable events baffle experts worldwide, a UFO-obsessed man is drawn to a mysterious mountain that leads to a life-changing encounter.
Town Hall Talk Ancient DNA & the people of Britain
Wed 16 Oct 2019
Join Professor Ian Barnes to discover the mysteries of Ancient DNA and the People of Britain Prepare to have your ideas about British Prehistory challenged or even changed completely in this intriguing presentation.
Twilight Tours
Fri 25 - Sun 27 Oct 2019
October is a spooky month at the Redoubt, as the 200 year old fortification opens up for Twilight Tours.
The Nightmare Before Christmas & Pumpkin Carving
Sat 26 Oct 2019
Jack Skellington, king of Halloweentown, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn't quite understand the concept.
The Amityville Horror
Thu 31 Oct 2019
Film screening and Ghost tour Newlyweds move into a large house where a mass murder was committed, and experience strange manifestations which drive them away
The Lost Decoration of Historic Buildings
Mon 11 Nov 2019
Join Dr Jonathan Foyle for a fascinating talk on the Lost Decoration of Historic Buildings.
Town Hall Talk - Making Merry
Thu 12 Dec 2019
From the author of A Short History of Drunkenness and A Christmas Cornucopia: the Hidden Stories behind our Yuletide Traditions, join Mark Forsyth to discover how, where and when humankind has got merry!
