Touchbase

Touchbase is a gallery space in Folkestone that punches above its weight for a seaside town. It's the kind of place where you'll find contemporary art without the pretension - local work sits alongside touring exhibitions, and the space itself feels lived-in rather than sterile. The gallery sits within walking distance of Folkestone's town centre, making it an easy stop if you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks like Varne Ridge or the exceptional Greenhill Glamping.

You're looking at a proper community-focused venue. Artists here actually engage with visitors, and there's usually something on the walls that'll spark conversation - whether that's photography, installations or mixed media work. It's not massive, so allow 45 minutes to an hour rather than a full afternoon, unless there's a specific exhibition that's caught your eye.

If you're staying at Black Horse Farm or Hawthorne Trench, you're within reasonable striking distance for a morning visit. Families with teenagers interested in art will find it worthwhile; younger kids might lose interest quickly. The real strength of Touchbase is its role in Folkestone's cultural recovery - it's part of why the town has become genuinely worth spending time in, rather than just using as a base for the coast.

Check ahead for opening hours and what's on before you visit - it's a working gallery that moves with the seasons. Well worth the short trip from any of the local parks if contemporary work is your thing.