Morgan Howell

Morgan Howell is a gallery space just outside St Albans that punches well above its weight if you're keen on contemporary art and local talent. The setting itself is rather lovely - nothing like the stark white-cube galleries you'll find in London, but warmer and more approachable for it.

You'll find working artists' studios alongside finished pieces, which means you often get to see work in progress if you time it right. The exhibitions rotate fairly regularly, so there's always something fresh to see rather than the same tired collection year-round. It's the sort of place where you might spend an hour browsing or three hours if a particular show really grabs you.

Families with older kids tend to find it engaging - no stuffed shirts or rope barriers, and the staff are genuinely enthusiastic rather than precious about things. Younger children might find it a bit thin for entertainment unless there's a hands-on workshop on, though the garden space provides a bit of breathing room.

If you're staying at Cherry Green Trees or Marshmoor Crescent Park, it's a straightforward drive into St Albans, and Morgan Howell works nicely as a cultural pit stop without needing to commit a whole day. Pop in between woodland walks or a proper meal in town. Check ahead though - opening hours and current exhibitions aren't always obvious online, so a quick call before you visit saves frustration.