Every Step of the Way – 22 September 2025 to 8 February 2026

Explore the diverse scenery of the South Downs Way through inspirational art.

Please note that the exhibition will be closed to the public on the afternoon of Friday 26 September for a private event.

 

Every Step of the Way explores the South Downs Way through inspirational artworks and has been curated by artist-curators, Tim Craven, Deborah Richards and Melanie Rose to illustrate the activity of walking the South Downs Way, through visual art.

 

From Eastbourne to Alfriston, Washington to Amberley, Exton to Winchester, Every Step of the Way illustrated walking the 100-mile South Downs Way, as 33 artists (across the two venues) articulate their personal experience of the trail through their art. The exhibition is structured around the 11 sections of the national trail, with each artist responding to The Way through the lens of their creative practice.

This exhibition will be across two venues: Here at the Weald & Downland Living Museum in our Longport Gallery and at the Novium Museum. The exhibition will be open from:

• 22 September 2025 to 8 February 2026 at the Weald & Downland Living Museum.
• 11 October 2025 to 2 May 2026 at The Novium Museum. (Admission is free, with donations welcome).

 

“We are delighted to host the opening of Every Step of The Way here at the Weald & Downland Living Museum. The exhibition beautifully connects art, landscape, and heritage – values that sit at the heart of our Museum. By exploring the South Downs Way through the creativity of these talented artists, visitors can experience this remarkable landscape in a new light and be inspired to walk, reflect, and engage with the natural world around them.” Julian Bell, Curator at the Weald & Downland Living Museum.

 

Free Walks

A series of free walks along local sections of the South Downs Way are taking place with The Ramblers and some of the exhibiting artists. For more information or to book, please visit South West Sussex Walks & Rambles.

 

 

You can visit the exhibition as part of your entry ticket to the Museum. Just book the date you wish to visit from the link below or you can buy a ticket to the Museum on the day.

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Information for Visitors

The Museum’s 40 acres site, historic gardens and buildings are fascinating places to learn about rural history. Visitors can purchase grain from the Museum shop and feed the hungry ducks on the mill pond. Whilst enjoying the great outdoors and fresh air, look out for our working animals, which can include the Heavy Horses, Sheep and Ducks. There are a number of lovely woodland trails, including a woodland play area for children to explore.

Why not enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch at our waterside café?  Visitors can also bring a picnic as there are plenty of picnic areas available on site.  Takeaway refreshments will also be available from our seasonal Shepherd’s Huts located around the Museum.

Dogs on short leads are welcome and there is ample free parking. Please note that the Museum is a no-smoking site. Visitors with access needs are advised to read our accessibility page in advance of their visit.

All activities are subject to change.