Gallery40

Gallery40 sits just outside Brighton, a contemporary art space that punches above its weight for a seaside town. The gallery focuses on emerging and established artists, with rotating exhibitions that shift several times a year - so what you see depends entirely on when you visit. Expect mixed media, paintings, sculpture, and the occasional installation that makes you think twice about what art actually is.

It's not a massive space, which means you can properly look at things without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by crowds. Realistically, allow an hour unless there's something that really grabs you. The crowd here tends toward people who actually care about contemporary work rather than tourists ticking boxes.

Whether you'll enjoy it hinges on your tolerance for modern art. If you're the sort who likes a good portrait or landscape, you might find it a bit abstract. But if you're curious about what's happening in British art right now, it's genuinely worth the trip from Brighton. The gallery also tends to have decent events - artist talks, small performances - so check ahead.

For a park holiday in the area, Gallery40 works well as an afternoon outing from any of the nearby campsites like Pegs and Pitches or Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club. It's close enough to Brighton for a day in the city, but far enough away to feel separate from the seafront chaos. Combine it with a walk around the Downs or a proper pint somewhere local, and you've got yourself a solid Sussex afternoon.