Flatland Projects

Flatland Projects is a contemporary art gallery tucked away in Sussex, just outside Bexhill-on-Sea. It's the sort of place that rewards a bit of curiosity - a working studio and exhibition space where you'll find actual artists at work alongside rotating shows of visual art and installations. The space itself is unpretentious, more warehouse than white-cube gallery, which honestly makes it feel less intimidating than some of the stuffier venues.

The work ranges from painting and sculpture to more experimental pieces, though what's on changes regularly so there's no guarantee you'll catch anything earth-shattering. What makes it worthwhile is the direct engagement with makers - you can actually talk to the people creating the work, which beats most gallery experiences hands down. It's intimate rather than grand, and that's precisely the point.

Art enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates contemporary practice will get the most from a visit. Kids might enjoy poking around for an hour or so depending on what's showing. There's no entry fee as far as I can tell, though opening hours seem to vary, so ringing ahead before you visit would be sensible.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby holiday parks - Combe Haven or Park Holidays UK are closest - Flatland Projects makes a decent afternoon detour, especially if you're already exploring Bexhill. Don't expect a day-long expedition, but as a proper pit-stop on the south coast, it's worth knowing about.