Sophieishere

Sophieishere is a contemporary gallery tucked away near Hailsham in Sussex, and it's the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for. The space showcases work by Sophie - though I'll admit the gallery's exact remit isn't immediately obvious from what's publicly available, so it's worth ringing ahead or checking their social media before making the drive.

What makes this worth a detour depends entirely on what you're after. If you're into emerging or independent art, there's something refreshing about galleries this size - no crowds, no gift shop nonsense, just the work on the walls. It's the kind of spot that appeals to art-minded couples or solo creatives looking for something different, rather than a family outing. Expect to spend anything from 20 minutes to an hour depending on how you engage with what's on.

The real advantage is location. You're minutes from Hailsham and within easy striking distance of several countryside holiday parks - Horam Manor Country Park and Dernwood Farm Glamping are both close by if you're basing yourselves in the area. Pop in during an afternoon ramble, then head back to your accommodation. It's low-pressure culture, the kind that works best when you're not trying to cram it into an itinerary.

Do contact them first. Opening hours and admission details aren't widely advertised, so you don't want to arrive only to find the doors shut.