paletteandstrokes

Palette and Strokes sits just outside Aylesford, a gallery space dedicated to contemporary art and painting. It's the sort of place that rewards a proper look around - small enough that you won't spend hours wandering, but with enough on the walls to make the trip worthwhile if you're into visual art.

The gallery focuses on work by emerging and established artists, with an emphasis on painting and mixed media. You'll find everything from landscapes to abstracts, depending on what's showing when you visit. It's genuinely local, which means the work often has a connection to the Kent area itself. If you're the type who enjoys discovering what artists are actually doing rather than the blockbuster museum experience, you'll get something out of it.

This works particularly well if you're staying at one of the nearby camping spots - Kits Coty Glamping or Badgells Wood are close by - and you want a cultural break between walks and outdoor activities. Gatehouse Wood Country Park, about four miles away, offers woodland trails if you fancy combining the two. The gallery's quiet enough that you won't feel rushed, and it's free to support the local art scene.

Allow an hour maximum. Go when the light's good if possible - natural light makes all the difference with paintings. It's not a destination in itself, but as part of a weekend exploring the Medway Valley, it fills a gap nicely. Worth checking their website or ringing ahead, as opening hours can be unpredictable for smaller independent galleries.