Gallery Fore

Gallery Fore sits just outside London's sprawl in Hertfordshire, a proper little contemporary art space that punches above its weight. Walking in, you're met with clean white walls and serious work - the kind of gallery that takes itself seriously without feeling stuffy. The exhibitions rotate regularly, so what's on depends entirely on when you visit, but expect anything from painting and sculpture to installations that make you think twice.

This is one for the art crowd rather than casual browsers. Families with young kids might find an hour enough before restlessness sets in, but if you're the type to linger over every piece and read the artist statements, you could spend a good couple of hours here. It's free admission from what I can gather, though opening hours aren't widely advertised - worth ringing ahead or checking their social media before you head over.

If you're camping at Lee Valley sites nearby - Edmonton or Sewardstone are both within a few miles - this makes a solid rainy-day detour or an evening out when you want something a bit more cerebral than the usual tourist circuit. It's not going to be the highlight of your trip unless contemporary art genuinely excites you, but for a Wednesday afternoon or a cultural breather between park activities, it does the job. East of London, it's far enough out to feel proper but close enough you won't waste half a day driving.