Wooden Mushroom

The Wooden Mushroom near Benfleet is exactly what it sounds like - a proper wooden structure shaped like a mushroom that functions as a gallery space. It's genuinely odd in the best way, and that's rather the point. The building itself is the main draw, an unmissable landmark that catches you off guard when you round the corner.

Inside, you'll find rotating exhibitions and artwork displays, though the vibe is refreshingly unpretentious. It works well for anyone after something a bit different from the usual gallery circuit - art types will appreciate the unconventional setting, but families passing through won't feel out of place either. The scale is intimate enough that you won't spend hours here, which suits the location perfectly.

Admission details vary depending on what's on, so best to ring ahead before visiting. Allow an hour or so, longer if there's something specific you want to see. It's worth combining with a stay at Essex Glamping just down the road - the two are close enough that you could visit in an afternoon without it feeling like a detour. If you're already staying at Haven Kent Coast Holiday Park, it's a bit further but still manageable as part of a broader day out exploring the local area.

Honestly, the Wooden Mushroom's appeal lies partly in its sheer strangeness. It's the sort of place that makes you wonder how it came to exist, and why more galleries don't think this creatively about their physical spaces.