A Walking Route to Brighton's Seafront Sculptures

If you have been walking along the Brighton seafront lately, you might have noticed some unusual shapes appearing near the beach. While there is often talk of new art installations, these sculptures are actually part of a long-standing local project known as the Flint Grotto or the Beach Grotto. You can find this collection tucked away on the beach near Madeira Drive, just to the east of Brighton Palace Pier. The site is the work of Rory McCormack, who is often described as Brighton’s last standing beach fisherman. A former drystone waller by trade, McCormack began this project during the winter of 2013. After the council-provided sheds were demolished, he initially built a workbench to protect his fishing gear and started decorating it with flint and shells found on the shore during a particularly harsh winter. Over the years, this has evolved into a significant collection of eight large sculptures, some reaching eight feet in height, alongside various smaller pieces.

The sculptures themselves have a distinct prehistoric and mythological feel, reflecting McCormack's interest in ancient history rather than a desire to be seen as a traditional artist. As you walk through the area, you will spot figures inspired by the Venus of Willendorf, a Sumerian goddess, and the 'Thinker' of Cernavodă. There are also representations of the 'Dancing Girl' of Mohenjo Daro, Cycladic figurines, and even a Spartan commander. It is not just human figures either; the garden includes animals like a gorilla, an orangutan, and a gull wearing an Egyptian crown. McCormack’s own fishing boat is integrated into the installation, decorated with paintings of Medusa and sirens copied from Greek vases. The site remains a community-owned, hidden attraction on public property, and despite some past concerns regarding its permanence back in 2015, it continues to be a staple of the seafront landscape in April 2026.

To make a full afternoon of discovering hidden spots, you can extend your walk from the beach up towards the Kemptown Secret Garden located at Bristol Gardens (BN2 5JE). This garden is managed by the Antony Dale Trust and has a history dating back to 1840 when it was the residence of Lawrence Peel. It is a quiet contrast to the rugged flint sculptures on the shore. The garden is open to the public from April to September each year, and since we are now in late April, the season is already well underway. The first open weekend for 2026 was on the 11th and 12th of April, so the gates are now open for the spring and summer months. Entry to the garden is free and the site is accessible for wheelchairs, making it an easy addition to a route that starts at the Flint Grotto and moves through the quieter corners of Kemptown.