Lynn Tait Gallery at the Old Foundart

The Old Foundart in Benfleet holds Lynn Tait's gallery in what was once an actual working foundry - you can still see the industrial bones of the place, which gives the whole experience a proper grounded feeling. Tait's work tends toward bold, contemporary pieces that make use of the raw space rather than fighting it. It's the sort of venue where the building itself becomes part of the art.

This isn't a sprawling museum, so budget an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're genuinely interested in what's on. You'll get more out of it if you like modern art and aren't expecting a polished white-cube gallery experience - the rough edges are rather the point. Families with younger kids might find it a bit thin on entertainment value, but teenagers and anyone with art school leanings will appreciate the unconventional setting.

Benfleet's location makes this work well as a stop during a wider Essex holiday. It's close enough to Essex Glamping and Haven Kent Coast Holiday Park that you could tack it on to a coastal break without much faffing about. The area itself isn't exactly thrilling, but the gallery's industrial heritage and Tait's work make it worth the detour if contemporary art appeals to you. Check ahead for opening times and whether there's an admission charge - these independent spaces can be variable about both.