Starling Studio

Free entry and a proper working artist's studio just minutes from Brighton - that's the draw here. Starling Studio is the real deal: you're not walking into some polished gallery space, but rather a live creative environment where you can watch artists actually making work. The setup means you get genuine insight into how pieces come together, not just the finished product hanging on a wall.

It works best for anyone with a genuine interest in contemporary art and process. If you're the type who enjoys chatting with makers about their practice, you'll get hours out of the place. Parents with small children might find it a bit intense - there's not much to occupy restless hands, and it's really a watch-and-learn experience rather than a hands-on affair.

Brighton itself is five minutes away, which makes this a sensible add-on to a wider day exploring the city rather than a standalone destination. The nearby camping options - Pegs and Pitches is closest at just over half a mile - mean you could base yourself locally and spend mornings here before heading into Brighton proper for lunch.

Worth calling ahead first, though. Hours aren't entirely clear online, and you'll want to check the studio's actually open and perhaps learn a bit about what's currently being worked on. Shows up slightly different depending on who's in residence at any given time. If you're already staying at one of the caravan parks nearby, absolutely worth the short drive over.