This is a small, local museum in the centre of the historic fishing town of Shoreham-by-Sea…read more Although Shoreham can feel these days more like a suburb of Brighton, it was by far the more important town for most of recorded history, being an important port from Saxon times, and probably before. Marlipins Museum is housed in a charming old building, dating from the 12th ans 13th centuries. It's one of the oldest secular buildings in Sussex, with a facade decorated with an attractive chequerboard design of Caen stone and flints. Oddly, the Museum's strange name isn't explained anywhere. The museum traces Shoreham's history as a trading town and fishing port from the 11th century onwards, and much of the small collection focuses on ships and shipping, with a fine series of watercolour and oil paintings of the harbour and various ships, and various bits of shipping paraphernalia. But the museum records much else besides: Shoreham was the departure point from which the future Charles II escaped after the English Civil War, and it played a key role in the defences of the South Coast until recent times - the remains of a 19th fort are still visible on the shoreline, as are the more scant remains of the World War II anti-aircraft radar station situated here. Shoreham was also - incredibly - a major centre of the early British film industry, and over a dozen films were made in Shoreham studios in the silent film era. This attracted a suitably bohemian set of actors and hangers on, who established the 'bungalow town' on Shoreham beach. And, of course, Shoreham's famous and beautiful art deco airport was the UK's first licensed airport, still in regular use. But the strangest story belongs to the building itself: recent excavations found an unexplained pit under the oldest part of the building, in which was buried the skeleton of a cat. Further digging uncovered the remain of a another three cats. Theories for these strange burials range from the ancient practice of burying cats to bring good luck, to the more prosaic idea that in mediaeval times the building housed a furrier manufacturer. One of the skeletons makes for a grisly display. The museum is small enough to keep the attention of children as you go around, and is fully accessible for wheelchairs, thanks to the lift in a small modern extension.

Marlipins Museum, on the Shoreham High Street (right next to the Marlipins Pub) is a brilliant…read morecombination of old and new, with one of the oldest lay buildings in Sussex linked to a modern two-storey building in a really tasteful manner. The displays are permanently running and mainly concentrate on Shoreham's maritime history and that of the River Adur. Also, which is a little known fact, Shoreham was once the hub for the UK's silent movie industry! They offer a popular Monday coffee morning so its the perfect place to head after a nice walk around Shoreham to find out some of the area's fascinating history.

Quaint little museum, free entry and worth a look around if you are in the area. Offers a good…read morehistory of the area, quite small so wont take you long to look around but never the less interesting. Located half way down the high street with nearby parking its easy to find and the staff in their are welcoming and knowledgable.

There are loads of different displays to see and it will definitely appeal to anyone interested in…read moretrue crime. There is a little movie theatre where you can watch criminals talking about their crimes which may not be suitable for children as it's a bit on the macabre side. The location is brilliant; it's housed within caves under an old hotel. I went with a friend and we had a good hour's wander around the museum :)

A good friend and I were wandering through Hastings when we happened upon this place. We didn't…read morereally expect much from it, but as lovers of anything crime-related, we decided to give it a go. I have to say that it really did not disappoint. The museum is fantastic. It has lots of genuine morbid artifacts such as the Acid Bath Killer's barrels and bath, a genuine lethal injection bed and articles of clothing worn by serial killers. The walls are adorned with information about history's most infamous psychopaths and chilling photographs of hundreds of earth's most vile humans. I would highly recommend this to anyone with an interest in learning about the fascinating horrible histories of humanity's most warped individuals. This one is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Bellis gallery sells not only artwork, but a collection of aromatherapy, which gave the shop a…read moredelightful smell - I think it was lavender. Much of the art was hanging on the walls - oil paintings ranging from £450 - £1200. My favourite was a large abstract piece painted onto handmade paper. Other unique items included eco-friendly, recycled lace light fixtures for between £30 -£ 55; silk scarves from Turkey and delicately crafted silver jewellery. For the Christmas season, there were several tree ornaments and a selection of Christmas cards handmade by artists.

This shop-come-gallery specialises in handmade crafts and jewellery by local artists and designers…read more The store itself is a large open space, with clean white walls and wooden floorboards. Beautiful ceramics, bone china ornaments and jewellery line the displays, alongside handmade lights and lampshades, woven coasters and paintings. Each product is complemented by a description of the artist behind the creation detailing how it was made. A stunning collection of glass infused porcelain jewellery by local artist Neil Sykes is available, including his ceramic star shaped buttons. There is also a lovely selection of handmade, brightly coloured, hardback notebooks, perfect for diaries, if a little expensive. Sculptures and canvas oil paintings can be found on the other side of the shop, as well as striking drawings from Brighton illustrator Harriet Butler. One of Butler's most interesting drawings, of the Duke of York cinema, has pride of place amongst the rope and anchor draped window display. Although you'll be hard pressed to find a bargain in here, you can get your hands on some really unique and beautiful things, and be safe in the knowledge that you're supporting Brighton's artistic communities.

Great place to take kids to. Lots to look at and loads of…read moreacivetiys to do. lots of fun.

A unique open air museum which is still running a day to day business, you can see hops harvested…read moreand will see where they are dried ready for packing. There are tradtional arts and crafts and it's all set in a wonderful background of greenery and oast houses. Lovely day out, rather pricey entrance fee though and can be very cold on rainy days as it's most outdoor. Disabled friendly and plenty of parking.

I think that the Hastings History House is a great organisation! They are passionate about…read morepreserving the history of Hastings through museums and such. There are plenty of events and activities that take place around Hastings each year and most will be backed my Hastings History House. You can find the offices on Courthouse Street. It's quite historical just to walk inside and have a little chat.

Some people like this kind of art. They really do. I don't know any of them, but they do really…read morelike it. That's nice. Anyway, Zorian stock seascapes, peoplescapes, plant potscapes, beach hutscapes, brightonscapes etc. They are all painted in the usual faux impressionistic manner with gaudy colours to reflect the contemporary penchant for colours that look like screen savers. Zorian and other sea front galleries have the best spots in town for people to see or buy art, why them do they not stock some of the better or more interesting work by Brighton's artists. But then perhaps that's not what people like to pop on their walls, I don't know because as I said I don't know them.

I cannot tell you how much I love this little gallery in the prestigious Artists' Quarter on…read moreBrighton seafront. Zorian P Matthews is a wonderful artist, using the most vibrant and visually stunning colours to create some of the most beautiful landscape paintings I've ever seen sunsets, moonshine, oceans and more. I defy anyone not to love these paintings, which would create such a talking point in anyone's home. My favourite images have got to be Zorian's sunsets, painted in the most intense yellows, oranges and reds, closely followed by the landscapes incorporating loads of little rubber ducks coasting waves and drifting around icebergs. Beautiful, yet comic. If landscapes aren't your thing, you'll also find huge canvases of flowers and animals which are equally well-executed. Another place that I would go mad in with a credit card if I was made of money, I would definitely recommend this gallery for a look around if you're wandering along the arches.

Smaller than expected but housing a good collection…read more We stayed for lunch in the cafe and I thoroughly enjoyed the seafood platter. The seagulls are obviously aware of where the food is but other than risking being crapped on the balcony was a good choice we felt. There are plenty of notices displayed to warn of the proximity of the birds too so you are well warned if deciding to sit out.

A little bit of sunshine and everyone flocks to the seaside. Consequently, it was impossible to…read morepark in Hastings today so we had to give our planned visit to the Jerwood Gallery a miss. They did, however, let me in to pee! There is normally a charge just to get past the front desk, but the nice man obviously saw the look of desperation in my eyes!! I did get a quick glimpse of some of the displays as I ran through - what I saw did look good and I will definitely be back to spend more than a penny!