Not in Anger

Not in Anger is a proper contemporary art gallery tucked away in the Hertfordshire countryside near Sawbridgeworth. It's the kind of place that rewards a bit of local knowledge - the sort galleries rarely talk about in mainstream guides, which means you'll likely have the space largely to yourself on a weekday afternoon.

The gallery focuses on challenging, thought-provoking work rather than safe, crowd-pleasing fare. You'll find installations, paintings, and mixed media pieces that actually make you think instead of just standing there nodding. It's not enormous - you can work through the space in an hour or so - but that's rather the point. Quality over quantity.

If you're the type who genuinely enjoys contemporary art rather than just Instagram-ing it, you'll find something to grip on here. Families with younger kids might find it a bit abstract and slow-paced; teenagers with an art interest, though, could get proper engaged.

The location makes it a natural add-on to a stay at one of the nearby parks - The Wild Retreat at Redricks Lake sits just down the road and offers a more outdoorsy vibe if you need balancing out. Toad Abode is slightly further but worth knowing about if you're after something more low-key.

Worth the drive if you're in the area for a week and looking for a half-day activity. Less worth it as a dedicated destination unless contemporary work is genuinely your thing.