Lithest, Gaudiest Harlequin!

The name alone should warn you what you're walking into - this is not your average gallery tucked away near Ashford. Lithest, Gaudiest Harlequin is exactly as bombastic as it sounds, a space where subtlety goes to die and colour absolutely takes over. The work here is deliberately theatrical, deliberately loud. If you're the sort who finds contemporary art a bit too earnest or minimalist for your taste, this might actually be your moment.

What you'll find depends entirely on what's on during your visit, but expect installation work and pieces that aren't afraid to shout. This is the kind of place that divides opinion completely - you'll either leave energised or slightly exhausted by the visual assault. There's no middle ground, really. It's worth ringing ahead or checking online before you go because opening hours aren't entirely straightforward, and admission details are vague at best.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Broadhembury or Dunn Street Farm are both within easy reach - this makes for an afternoon detour rather than a full day out. Families with older kids who appreciate bold contemporary work will get more from it than those expecting something traditional. Ashford itself is close enough that you could combine this with town centre browsing if you fancy making a proper afternoon of it. Worth the trip if avant-garde theatre-style art appeals to you. Less so if you're after something contemplative.