The Artist in the Attic

You'll find yourself climbing a narrow staircase into one of Whitstable's best-kept secrets. The Artist in the Attic is exactly what it sounds like - a proper working studio tucked into the upper reaches of a building, where you can watch artists actually creating rather than just gawping at finished work behind glass. It's refreshingly unpretentious. The space has that lived-in feel of somewhere that exists for the work itself, not for Instagram photos, though it's worth photographing regardless.

This suits anyone who prefers genuine interaction over polished gallery experiences. Families with older kids do well here - younger ones might lose interest after twenty minutes, if I'm honest. Art lovers and creatives will spend longer, chatting with whoever's in the studio on the day. You get a real sense of process rather than just product.

Whitstable's perfect for basing yourself nearby, and several parks are within easy reach. Seasalter Holiday Park sits just 3.5 miles down the coast, well-rated and close enough for a quick visit without faff. Muswell Manor and the Canterbury Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite offer alternatives if you're planning a longer stay exploring the area.

Allow an hour or so, though you could be quicker. Ring ahead if you can - opening times seem fluid - and expect to support actual working artists rather than a corporate operation. That's rather the point of coming.