Minerva

Minerva is a contemporary art gallery tucked into the London art scene, and it's worth a visit if you're the sort of person who likes to see what's actually being made right now rather than just cycling through the usual suspects. The gallery champions emerging and established artists across painting, sculpture, and installation work - the kind of stuff that makes you either nod thoughtfully or scratch your head, sometimes both at once.

You'll get the most from a visit if you've got even a passing interest in modern art and don't mind galleries that don't explain everything to you. There's something refreshing about a space that assumes you can make up your own mind. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're the type to read every wall text and think about what you're seeing. Best visited mid-week when it's quiet enough to actually hear your own thoughts.

If you're based at Lovat Parks, the 2.6-mile distance into London proper is manageable, and you could easily pair a gallery visit with a walk along the Thames or a wander through one of London's neighbourhoods. It won't demand a full day - more of a break from park life when you fancy something indoors and a bit intellectually stimulating. Opening hours and admission fees aren't confirmed online, so ring ahead before you set out.