Albert Mews Studio

Down a tucked-away mews in Brighton sits a working studio that actually lets you watch artists get on with it. Albert Mews Studio is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan a pilgrimage to, and that's rather the point. The setup is refreshingly unglamorous - proper artist spaces where painters, sculptors and craftspeople have their studios open to visitors. You'll find genuine work in progress, not some polished gallery theatre.

It's best suited to anyone with actual curiosity about how art gets made. If you're expecting gallery wine and hushed tones, look elsewhere. What you get instead is the chance to chat with makers about their process, see half-finished pieces, and watch someone actually working at a bench or easel. Parents with younger kids might find it a bit adult-focused unless their children are genuinely interested in art rather than looking for a play space.

The real draw is the informal atmosphere. You can pop in and out in 20 minutes or spend an hour properly talking to the artists. Best time to visit is when you know the studios are active - weekends tend to be more reliably open, though it's worth checking ahead since it's not a traditional gallery with set hours.

If you're staying at Foot of the Downs nearby, this makes an easy rainy-day venture into Brighton without the hassle of the seafront crowds. Pair it with a wander round the lanes and you've got a proper afternoon sorted.