Southsea Gallery

The seafront at Southsea holds this gallery tucked among the Victorian terraces and amusement arcades - a proper cultural breather if you're staying in one of the caravan parks dotted around Lee-on-the-Solent and Hayling Island. The space itself feels intimate rather than grand, focused on local and contemporary art that changes regularly. You'll find everything from painting and photography to sculpture and mixed media, though the exact current exhibition depends on when you visit.

It's best suited to actual art enthusiasts rather than families looking to kill a rainy afternoon - kids won't find much to engage them for more than twenty minutes or so. Adults with a genuine interest in contemporary work, though, will find it worthwhile. The beauty of Southsea Gallery is that it doesn't pretend to be something it isn't. No blockbuster shows, no gift shop nonsense. Just art.

Allow an hour maximum. Admission details aren't readily available online, so ring ahead before you go - typical galleries offer free entry or a modest charge. Come on a quieter weekday morning if you want proper peace to look around. It pairs well with a walk along Southsea seafront or a visit to the nearby D-Day Story museum if you're spending a few days in the area. Worth the short drive from Kingfisher Caravan Park or Mill Rythe Coastal Village if you fancy something beyond the usual caravan park entertainment.