Beyond london: uncovering britain's hidden art gems

A nation rich in artistic treasures

While London undoubtedly holds a central role in Britain's Art scene, a wealth of artistic treasures lies waiting to be discovered beyond the city limits. From award-winning regional galleries to historic house museums and captivating outdoor installations, the countryside and towns offer a unique and enriching experience for Art enthusiasts. This isn't an exhaustive list, but a starting point for exploring the remarkable artistic landscape beyond the capital.

Coastal delights: margate and the kent coast

Our journey begins in Margate, a revitalized coastal town that once drew the likes of J.M.W. Turner. Turner Contemporary, designed by Sir David Chipperfield, boasts a celebrated exhibition schedule, alongside stunning sea views. Don't miss Antony Gormley’s Another Time XXI, visible at low tide, and Tracey Emin’s neon installation. TKE Studios, hosting the Tracey Emin Artist Residency, offers further exhibition opportunities. The quirky Grade I-listed shell grotto adds another layer of intrigue.

Folkestone and dungeness: art meets landscape

Continuing along the Kent coast, Folkestone stands out for its largest urban outdoor exhibition of contemporary Art. Maps guide visitors to the sculptures, many interacting with the sea. The Folkestone Triennial, held every three years, further enhances the artistic atmosphere. A short distance away, Dungeness offers a unique experience: Derek Jarman’s remarkable garden created around Prospect Cottage, now managed by Creative Folkestone, allowing rare glimpses into its interior and Jarman's artwork.

East sussex: from charleston to glyndebourne

East Sussex is home to Charleston Farmhouse, the country home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, a pivotal center for the Bloomsbury Group. With muralled walls and painted furniture, it offers a captivating insight into their artistic lives. Nearby, the Church of St. Michael and All Angels features remarkable 20th-century murals. Glyndebourne, renowned for its opera, also hosts curated indoor exhibitions, including Sara Berman’s new body of work this summer.

The cotswolds and beyond: spencer, moore, and potter

Venturing inland, the Watts Gallery, nestled between Guildford and Godalming, showcases the work of George Frederic Watts and his wife Mary Watts. The Watts Cemetery Chapel, designed by Mary, is a unique blend of Art nouveau, Celtic, and Romanesque influences. The Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham, housed in a former Methodist chapel, holds a significant collection of his work, reflecting his deep connection to the area. The Sandham Memorial Chapel, overlooking Watership Down, presents Spencer’s powerful WW1-inspired frescoes.

North and east: cambridge, norfolk, and suffolk

Cambridge’s Kettle’s Yard presents a unique collection of Modern British Art within a domestic setting. Further north in Norfolk, Houghton Hall hosts spectacular exhibitions in its Palladian masterpiece. In Suffolk, the Red House, former home of Britten and Pears, contains an eclectic art collection. The gallery in Aldeburgh showcases Maggi Hambling's Scallop, a tribute to Britten. Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury celebrates the birthplace and artistic legacy of Thomas Gainsborough.

West country wonders: bruton, somerset and cornwall

Hauser & Wirth Somerset in Bruton has become a destination in itself, boasting world-class exhibitions, a restaurant, and a Piet Oudulf-designed garden. Further west, Cornwall’s artistic heritage shines through in Newlyn and St. Ives. Tate St. Ives showcases the St. Ives School of Modernism, while the Barbara Hepworth Museum, housed in the artist's former home, offers a glimpse into her creative world. The Leach Pottery celebrates the legacy of Bernard Leach, a pioneer of British studio pottery.