Odd Oaks

Odd Oaks is a gallery just outside Peterborough that trades in the kind of work that doesn't fit neatly into conventional spaces. It's the sort of place you'll stumble upon if you're basing yourself at Ferry Meadows or Nene Outdoors, and it rewards a casual afternoon better than you might expect.

The gallery itself showcases contemporary art with a particular lean towards sculpture and installation work - pieces that often feel more ambitious than a traditional white-box setup could contain. Artists here seem to get proper freedom to experiment, which means you'll see things that provoke rather than merely decorate. The space has that slightly rough-around-the-edges quality that actually suits the work on display.

It's not a long visit - expect to spend between 45 minutes and an hour wandering through, depending on how much you want to sit with individual pieces. Families with older children who aren't committed to spending hours in galleries will find it manageable; younger kids might flag quickly unless something particularly striking catches their eye. Serious art types and sculptors will get the most from it, though.

Details like opening hours and admission charges aren't immediately forthcoming, so ring ahead or check online before making the drive from Peterborough. It fits nicely into a day that includes Ferry Meadows' woodland walks and water activities - you could easily combine them without feeling rushed. Not a main draw in itself, but a genuine find if you're spending time in the area.