Ex.Directory

Ex.Directory is a contemporary gallery tucked into the Surrey suburbs, a bit off the beaten track from Walton-on-Thames but worth hunting down if you're serious about current art. The space itself is lean and unfussy - white walls, decent lighting, the kind of setup that lets the work breathe. Programming tends toward emerging artists and experimental shows, so there's a genuine curatorial eye at play rather than the predictable touring exhibitions you'll find elsewhere.

It's really for people who actively want to engage with art rather than just tick a box. Casual browsers might find the pace slow, but if you've got even a passing interest in what's happening in the contemporary scene, you'll find something worth your time here. The gallery operates on a modest scale, so allow 45 minutes to an hour - you won't need longer, but you won't be rushed either.

Practical information is thin on the ground (opening hours and admission details aren't readily available online), so phone ahead or check their social media before making the journey. If you're camping at Laleham Camping Club nearby, it's an easy hop over for an afternoon browse between countryside walks. The gallery doesn't pull in crowds, which is partly its charm, though it does mean you need to be intentional about visiting rather than just wandering in on spec.