The South East of England is brimming with creativity, from seaside towns reinvented through art to countryside retreats where contemporary works meet historic settings. If you’re planning a cultural day out (perhaps while visiting one of our Bloom Stays homes), these art galleries in Kent and East Sussex are well worth a visit – and do make sure to look out for the region’s major art events, too.
Art Galleries in Kent
Turner Contemporary, Margate
One of the UK’s leading contemporary art spaces, the Turner Contemporary sits proudly on Margate’s seafront. Named after J. M. W. Turner, who was inspired by the town’s coastal light, it showcases an ever-changing programme of bold exhibitions from international artists alongside community projects. Its striking glass design has become a symbol of Margate’s creative resurgence.
Turner Contemporary is located at Rendezvous, Margate CT9 1HG. Open Tues-Weds and Sat-Sun.
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, Canterbury
More than just an art gallery, The Beaney is a cultural hub housing paintings, sculpture, historic artefacts, and a library. Its collection includes Old Masters, local artists, and temporary exhibitions, making it an ideal space for families and art lovers to return again and again.
The Beaney is located at 18 High St, Canterbury CT1 2RA. Open Tues-Sun.
Lilford Gallery, Canterbury
A champion of contemporary and urban art, Lilford Gallery is a must for everyone from collectors to casual browsers. Its eclectic mix of paintings, prints, and sculpture features both local and internationally recognised artists; over the years, the gallery has held works from Banksy, Tracy Emin, Billy Childish, JMW Turner, Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse, and David Hockney.
Lilford Gallery is located at 3 Palace St, Canterbury CT1 2DY. Open daily.
The Horsebridge Arts Centre, Whitstable
A community-focused space with regular exhibitions, workshops, and performances, The Horsebridge’s seaside location adds to its charm, and the gallery programme showcases a wide range of contemporary visual art for both adults and children alike.
The Horsebridge Arts Centre is located at 11 Horsebridge Rd, Whitstable CT5 1AF. Open Weds-Mon.
Fishslab Gallery, Whitstable
Set in the former home of a fish shop, Fishslab Gallery is run by a committee of volunteers who run rolling, weekly exhibitions that celebrate Whitstable’s local art scene. Exhibitors range from artists to craftspeople; many are local and very often work is being exhibited for the very first time – meaning a wide selection of varied work is shown.
Fishslab Gallery is located at 11 Oxford St, Whitstable CT5 1DB. Open daily.
Creek Creative, Faversham
Housed in a historic building in Faversham, Creek Creative combines gallery spaces, artist studios, and a café to bring a rolling programme of exhibitions that highlight Kent-based talent and provides a platform for experimentation. Expect anything from visual artists, silversmiths and illustrators, to filmmakers, theatre performers and more.
Creek Creative is located at 1 Abbey St, Faversham ME13 7BE. Open Tues-Sun.
Art Galleries in East Sussex
Towner Eastbourne
Famous for its impressive collection of modern British art, including the largest and most significant body of work by Eric Ravilious, the Towner has been collecting and exhibiting contemporary art since 1923. The gallery is also home to cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions, its striking, colourful façade instantly recognisable as a landmark on the South Coast.
Towner Eastbourne is located at Devonshire Park, 82 College Rd, Eastbourne BN21 4JJ. Open Tues-Sun.
Hastings Contemporary
Perched right by the historic fishing beach in Hastings’ Old Town, Hastings Contemporary (formerly Jerwood Gallery) champions modern British art alongside dynamic contemporary shows. Its programme is anchored in ocean futures and sustainability, and brings together artists, scientists and communities to reimagine what a cultural space can be.
Hastings Contemporary is located at Rock-a-Nore Rd, Hastings TN34 3DW. Open Weds-Sun.
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea
An icon of modernist architecture, the De La Warr Pavilion combines contemporary art exhibitions with live music, film, and performance. Its airy galleries and seafront views create a unique atmosphere and backdrop for an ever-changing programme of establishes and emerging artists.
De La Warr Pavilion is located at Marina, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DP. Open daily.
Farleys House & Gallery, Chiddingly
The former home of photographer Lee Miller and artist Roland Penrose, Farleys House is steeped in surrealist history. Tours of the house, sculpture garden, and gallery spaces reveal treasures and personal stories that shaped 20th-century art, with a diverse programme of exhibitions that combine the permanent collection with the works of visiting contemporary artists.
Farleys House & Gallery is located at Muddles Grn, Chiddingly, Muddles Green, Lewes BN8 6HW. Open Thurs, Fri & Sun.
Charleston in Firle (East Sussex)
Once home to artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, Charleston in Firle is a monument to the famed Bloomsbury group’s creativity and radical spirit throughout and in the years following the First World War. Today, the house, studio, and gardens host exhibitions, events, and festivals celebrating art, literature, and ideas in the heart of the South Downs.
Charleston is located at Firle, West Firle, Lewes BN8 6LL. Open Weds-Sun.
Major Art Events in the South East
Folkestone Triennial (Kent)
Held every three years, the Folkestone Triennial is one of the UK’s most ambitious public art exhibitions. Large-scale contemporary works transform Kent’s harbour town, many of which remain as permanent installations, marking Folkestone itself as an open-air gallery that’s worth exploring year-round.
Get in touch to book a stay in Kent today. Whatever your priorities, our friendly team will be happy to help you find the perfect holiday cottage for your next trip. We’re always on hand to chat, on the phone, on 01227 903404, via email, at [email protected] or on WhatsApp, on 07361 584861.
