PROJECT 78 GALLERY

Project 78 Gallery sits in Saint Leonards-on-Sea, a stretch of the Sussex coast that doesn't get nearly as much attention as Brighton, which suits it fine. This is a contemporary art space that takes itself seriously without the pretension - the sort of place where you'll find actual artists working rather than corporate sponsorships dominating the walls.

What you get here is rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary work, usually featuring emerging and established artists across painting, sculpture, and mixed media. It's compact enough that you won't need more than an hour, but substantial enough that you won't feel short-changed. The gallery has that refreshing quality of local spaces where you might catch someone in the studio or chat to the people running it.

This works best for art enthusiasts and anyone wanting to explore beyond the standard seaside-town offerings. If you're with kids, it depends entirely on the exhibition - some will grip them, others won't. Walkers will appreciate it as a cultural pit-stop on a beach day rather than a destination in itself.

Saint Leonards itself is quieter than its famous neighbours, with a proper working seafront rather than a tourist gauntlet. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Combe Haven is closest at just over a mile away - combining a gallery visit with a coastal walk makes for a rounded morning. Check ahead for opening hours and what's on; contemporary galleries can be unpredictable about when they're actually open.