They Made This

A proper working studio-gallery tucked away in Sussex where you can actually watch artists creating rather than just gawping at finished work behind glass. They Made This is refreshingly unpretentious - the kind of place where you might catch a printmaker mid-project or a ceramicist at the wheel, and staff genuinely seem pleased when people wander in off the street.

The space itself is small enough that you won't need more than an hour, unless you're the type who gets chatting to makers about their process. That said, it's the conversation that makes it worthwhile. Kids get a kick out of seeing work being made - far more interesting than a traditional gallery tour. There's stock to buy if something grabs you, and prices are reasonable for original work.

With Brighton so close, this works brilliantly as a half-day addition to a longer break. If you're camping at Pegs and Pitches (barely more than a mile away) or one of the other sites dotted round the area, it's an easy detour that breaks up your day without feeling like cultural obligation. The thing about artist-run spaces like this is they're genuinely local - you get a better sense of the creative scene than you would from any glossy institution.

Best visited when you're genuinely interested in craft and process rather than ticking off attractions. Call ahead first - opening hours seem flexible, which is typical of independent spaces but worth confirming before you make the journey.