Strange Cargo Arts Company Ltd

Strange Cargo Arts Company in Folkestone is the sort of place that catches you off guard. It's a contemporary gallery space that punches well above what you'd expect from a seaside town, with a proper roster of emerging and established artists rotating through its programme. The work tends toward the experimental and thought-provoking rather than the commercially safe, which means you might leave enlightened or slightly bemused - sometimes both.

You're looking at perhaps ninety minutes here if you take your time with the exhibitions. It's free entry, which removes any pressure to linger longer than feels natural. The space itself has that warehouse-converted-to-gallery feel that's become familiar on the south coast, all exposed brick and good lighting. Art types and anyone keen on contemporary practice will get the most out of it, though it's equally worth dropping in if you're exploring Folkestone more broadly and fancy a cultural pit stop.

Based near the harbour area, it sits comfortably within a broader wander around the town's creative quarter. If you're camping nearby - Black Horse Farm or Varne Ridge are within a couple of miles - this makes a decent rainy afternoon option that doesn't feel like settling. Opening hours can be variable depending on the exhibition schedule, so check ahead. The lack of a strong web presence is typically Folkestone indie, but it's worth seeking out.