Footbridge Gallery

The Footbridge Gallery sits in Bexhill-on-Sea, a seaside town that's seen better days but has a genuine charm if you know where to look. This small gallery punches above its weight for contemporary art in the area - the kind of place where you'll find work from emerging and established artists without the pretension you get in London galleries.

What you're walking into is a modest space that takes its curatorial mission seriously. The exhibitions rotate regularly, so what's on depends entirely on when you visit - that's either brilliant or frustrating depending on your luck. Expect anything from painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media. It's the sort of venue where local talent gets proper airtime alongside work that draws from further afield.

This works best for art enthusiasts who want something real and low-key rather than families expecting interactive displays or kids' activities. You're looking at maybe an hour here, possibly longer if an exhibition properly grabs you. It's free to get in, which makes it an easy add-on to a seaside day out.

If you're based at Normans Bay Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Beech Estate Campsite nearby, the gallery makes a decent reason to wander into town on a quiet afternoon. Pair it with a proper walk along the seafront or a coffee stop - Bexhill's got enough going on to fill a few hours without feeling forced. Not a pilgrimage destination, but absolutely worth a look if you're in the area.