The Juggler

The Juggler is a contemporary art gallery tucked away in Sussex, just outside Brighton - the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan a pilgrimage to, which frankly makes it all the more worthwhile. It's a working studio and exhibition space where you'll find rotating shows of painting, sculpture, and mixed media work by established and emerging artists. The atmosphere is refreshingly unpretentious. No velvet ropes or hushed tones - just actual art in actual spaces.

This appeals most to people who like their galleries a bit rough around the edges, without the institutional weight of the big Brighton venues. You're looking at an hour or so if you're browsing properly, maybe less if the current show doesn't grab you. The real value is in seeing work from artists who take risks rather than playing it safe for the mainstream crowd.

Since opening hours and admission details aren't readily available online, ring ahead or check their website before you go - nothing worse than turning up to a closed gallery on a Wednesday afternoon. If you're based at any of the nearby campsites - Pegs and Pitches is closest at just over a mile away, or Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club if you're after something with more facilities - The Juggler pairs nicely with a crawl around Brighton's actual gallery scene. It's not essential, but if contemporary art interests you at all, it's worth the detour.