Poseidon

Art galleries in industrial towns don't usually announce themselves loudly, and Poseidon in Tilbury is no exception. This contemporary space punches above its weight with a rotating programme of work that ranges from established names to emerging artists - the kind of place where you might stumble onto something genuinely brilliant or completely baffling, depending on what's on.

The gallery itself occupies a converted waterfront building, which gives it a raw, unpretentious feel rather than the sterile white-box aesthetic you get in some venues. There's real character in the exposed brickwork and industrial bones. You're looking at the Thames on your doorstep, which frankly adds more to the experience than the surrounding docklands architecture.

It's worth a couple of hours if the current exhibition catches your interest - pop in, have a look round, grab a coffee if there's a cafe, move on. Kids might find it dull unless they're already into contemporary art, but for anyone spending time at Thamesview Camping just down the road, it's a genuinely decent wet-weather option that doesn't feel like you're padding out a holiday.

Check before you go, mind - opening hours and what's actually on aren't always obvious online. Ring ahead or check their social media. Admission details vary depending on what's showing. It's free entry at least half the time, which is generous.