The Lido Stores

A converted Victorian bathhouse in Birchington that's now home to a contemporary art gallery - it's one of those places that makes you do a double-take. The Lido Stores sits right at the heart of the seafront's gentrification, housed in what was once the changing rooms and storage space for the old lido complex. The architecture alone is worth a look: original tiled walls, period fixtures, all of it repurposed without being precious about it.

What you get inside changes regularly, so it's not a permanent collection. That's actually the draw - local artists and emerging talent cycle through, which means the quality varies but the whole thing feels alive, not like a museum piece. Most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour here, depending on how much the current show grabs you. It's free entry, though opening hours can be a bit erratic, so check ahead before you make the trip from your holiday park.

Birchington Vale Holiday Park is just down the road (3.1 miles), making this a natural afternoon stop if you're staying nearby. It works best for adults and creative types rather than young children - there's not much interactive stuff, and kids will get restless quickly. The real value is as part of a broader wander around Birchington's seafront, rather than a destination in itself. Pair it with a walk along the beach or a coffee at one of the surrounding cafes, and you've got a proper low-key afternoon sorted. The Foxhunter Park, further out, is a different vibe entirely - this is more about culture than caravans.