The Seaside Heritage Network are delighted to collaborate with Professor Fred Gray to explore the revolutionary new seaside landscape and architecture that emerged in eastern Brighton between the wars.

Much of the walk is on the undercliff seawall from Ovingdean to Saltdean. At Saltdean, we leave the seafront and look at iconic Modernist buildings, including the lido, hotel, blocks of flats and individual houses designed for the seaside. Themes include how (trying to) secure and make permanent the coast was an essential step in developing the seaside; tensions between public and private sectors; the work of individuals, including architects, developers and engineers; how new materials, ideas and styles helped produce a radically different seaside place; and what happened next.

Professor Fred Gray has long been fascinated by the architectural and cultural history and contemporary character of seaside resorts in Britain and other Western countries. His books include Designing the Seaside and The Architecture of British Seaside Piers. He is honorary historian for the Brighton West Pier Trust.

📍Location: meet at Greenways, Ovingdean Gap cliff top, BN2 7HG
🕛Time: tour departs at 11:00 and lasts approximately 120 minutes
👣Walk: Moderate – this walk includes a very steep flight of steps and is not suitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs. Assistance dogs only.
💷Cost: £20 including PDF guide
🎟Booking required: Tour spaces limited to 22
Spaces on the tour are strictly limited and must be pre-booked. Please bring your confirmation email with you on the day.
The walk includes a PDF illustrated guide detailing many of the tour's highlights.