Shelli B Art & Design

Art studios tucked into the Kent countryside near Whitstable - Shelli B is where you'll find contemporary art and design in a working creative space. The kind of place where you can actually watch artists at it rather than just gawping at finished pieces behind gallery glass. It's refreshingly unpretentious, more workshop than white-cube gallery.

The draw here is seeing how things get made. If you're staying at Nethergong Camping or Glamping at Preston Court nearby, it's a worthwhile half-hour detour on a rainy afternoon or between beach trips. Kids might enjoy it if they're the creative type, but don't expect them to be entertained for hours - it's intimate rather than sprawling.

You'll want to check ahead for opening times and whether there's anything specific on when you visit, as working studios aren't always publicly accessible on a whim. Best suited to anyone with a genuine interest in contemporary design and art practice rather than casual browsers. The Whitstable location puts you within easy reach of the seafront too, so you could combine it with oyster bars and a walk along the shingle if you're making a day of it.

Worth the trip if you're staying in the area and fancy something beyond the standard seaside fare. Not a destination in itself, but a proper addition to a creative-minded weekend.