Lovelys

You'll find Lovelys tucked away in Birchington, a gallery that punches above its weight for a seaside town on the Kent coast. It's an intimate space that doesn't announce itself with fanfare, but if you're into contemporary art and craft, it's absolutely worth the detour off the high street.

The gallery focuses on independent artists and makers, so the work changes regularly. You might catch painting, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics - the sort of thing that feels authentic rather than churned out for tourists. It's the kind of place where you can actually have a conversation with the people behind the work, which changes how you experience it.

Allow yourself a proper half-hour here rather than rushing through. If you're staying at Birchington Vale Holiday Park or The Foxhunter Park, this makes a cracking rainy-day option or a morning's browse before hitting the beach. It's free admission, which helps, and there's usually something new to see even if you visit twice in a week.

The crowd is mostly adults who appreciate handmade stuff over mass-produced art. Kids might lose interest after ten minutes unless they're genuinely into art already. The real value is in the quality of what's on show and the fact it feels like a genuine community space rather than a corporate gallery trying too hard. Go in without massive expectations and you'll leave pleasantly surprised.