Inspection Pit

An old garage inspection pit converted into a proper art space - it sounds daft on paper, until you're actually standing in it. The gallery sits near Chichester and uses that underground setting to create something genuinely distinctive. You're looking at contemporary work displayed in what was literally a working pit, which gives the whole thing an edgy, unexpected feel that you don't get in traditional white-cube galleries.

The work itself changes, so there's no point me telling you exactly what hangs on the walls right now, but the space rewards a proper look around. It's intimate enough that you won't feel rushed, and weird enough that most visitors spend longer than they expect. Not a place for kids to charge about - the layout and the art need attention - but older teenagers who actually care about what they're looking at will find it interesting.

If you're basing yourself at somewhere like Bow Hill Farm or Adhurst Yurts for a few days, this makes a solid morning visit. Chichester's close enough that you can couple it with a walk round the cathedral or lunch in town. The whole thing takes maybe forty minutes to an hour, depending on how much the current exhibition grabs you.

Word of warning: opening hours aren't always straightforward, so ring ahead or check online before you drive over. And bring a jumper - being underground, it stays cool.