Horse of the South

A sprawling contemporary art space just outside Chessington, Horse of the South is a gallery that takes itself seriously without the usual stuffiness. It's the kind of place where you'll find large-scale installations that actually make you stop and think, rather than scroll past on Instagram.

The gallery itself occupies a proper converted space with decent natural light and room to breathe between pieces. What strikes you most is how the work engages with the landscape around it - there's a real sense the artists have thought about the Surrey setting rather than just shipping London gallery vibes down the M25.

It works best for art-engaged visitors and anyone after a cultural breather from the usual surburban routine. If you're after something purely decorative or Instagram-friendly, you might find it a bit demanding. An hour to ninety minutes is realistic, depending on how deep you want to go with each piece.

Based at Embers Camping near Polesden Lacey, you're well-positioned for a day combining this with a walk around the estate gardens - they complement each other nicely, one being contemporary and challenging, the other historical and meditative. The location keeps you away from the busier attractions clustered around Chessington proper, which feels like a genuine advantage if you're seeking something slightly off the beaten track.