Legacies

You'll find Legacies tucked away in Sussex, a gallery that takes itself seriously about contemporary work and local artists. It's the sort of place that rewards a proper look around rather than a quick snap for Instagram. The space itself feels intimate - not one of those sprawling warehouse affairs, but something with genuine character that makes you want to linger over pieces instead of rushing through.

What you're getting here is a genuine mix of visual art, and the gallery rotates its exhibitions fairly regularly so there's a reason to return. Hastings being just down the road means you can easily build this into a broader coastal trip, and it works particularly well if you're the sort who enjoys mixing gallery time with walks along the seafront afterwards.

It's best suited to adults and older teenagers who actually care about art rather than families with young kids looking for something to kill an hour. Allow yourself a proper forty minutes to an hour here - rushing defeats the purpose entirely. The admission situation isn't entirely clear from what I can find, so ring ahead before you go.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Coghurst Hall is closest at 2.5 miles - this makes a sensible morning or afternoon outing. Pair it with a wander through Hastings' Old Town or a proper fish and chips lunch and you've got yourself a decent day sorted. It's not going to be a highlight that defines your holiday, but it's absolutely worth the detour if you're into contemporary work.