200 Years of Newhaven to Dieppe Ferries

200 Years of Newhaven to Dieppe Ferries

This year is the anniversary of the longest running ferry service between the UK and the continent. In Newhaven there are several events celebrating the history of the service. See details of the events in our Whats On pages.

1) At Newhaven Museum in Avis Road there is a 'Welcome Abroad' exhibition with models of the port and ferries, along with memorabilia from the service, as well as a fascinating film spanning the last 90 years of the ferries.

This exhibition is open until 25th October 2025. Check the link for opening times: https://newhavenhistoricalsociety.org.uk/

2) Meanwhile at the BN9 Studio, Atrium and Creative Living Lab, at the former Marine Workshops in Newhaven, there is an exhibition presented by Seine-Maritime County Council and Transmanche Ferries. It is brought to Newhaven by Lewes District Council and Towner as part of the BN9 Programme.

A free major French exhibition marking 200 years of the historic sea link with Dieppe. The exhibition showcases unseen archives, collectables, passenger stories and vintage posters – telling the tale of a crossing central to Newhaven life for generations. 

From early steam liners to modern ferries, visitors can explore two centuries of human and technological adventure. Running alongside a sister exhibition at Newhaven Museum, the show celebrates trade, tourism and friendship across the Channel. 

See https://newhavenenterprisezone.com/marine-workshops/ for further details.

3) Don't miss the All Abroad 360 virtual journey to Dieppe, France! 

If you've ever watched the ferry set sail from Newhaven and wondered what it's like to visit Dieppe, now is your chance to - no passport required!
Through an immersive 360° virtual reality (VR) headset tour and a hands-on, multi-sensory installation. We'll bring Dieppe to life. Experience some of the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures, and everyday life that make this Dieppe unique - while also exploring what it shares with Newhaven. 

Again, this is free and accessible:
🗓️ October 11 & 12, 30 & 31 and November 1
•    🕙 10am to 4pm. Drop in any time - no booking required
•    📍Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 0ER

See https://newhavenenterprisezone.com/marine-workshops/ for further details.

You can hear interviews with Dr Jenny Flood from Newhaven Historical Society and Nick Stockman, Creative Producer, working for Towner Eastbourne with Newhaven Enterprise Zone, at 7pm on Wednesday 15th October (How to listen).