Process Gallery

The Process Gallery in Maidstone is a contemporary art space that takes itself seriously without being pretentious about it. It's the kind of place where you'll find everything from photography and installation work to experimental video pieces - the sort of shows that make you think, occasionally irritate you, and sometimes genuinely stop you in your tracks.

You're looking at anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours here, depending on how deep you want to go with the work on display. It's free entry, which means there's no guilt if you pop in for 20 minutes between other activities. The space itself feels lived-in rather than sterile, which actually works in its favour.

This pulls in art students, curious locals, and anyone who fancies something a bit different from the usual tourist trail. Parents with teenagers who claim to like art will find it genuine enough that there's no eye-rolling. Younger kids though? Unless they're dragged along willingly, it might feel a bit slow.

Maidstone town centre location makes it easy to combine with other bits of the town. If you're staying at Chegworth Mill Glamping just up the road or Bearsted Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, it's a reasonable rainy-day option or a cultural break between park time. Worth a look if you're in the area and don't mind contemporary work that isn't always immediately obvious. Just check their current exhibition before you head over - quality varies depending on what's showing.