Pauline Maddocks Artist, Tring

Pauline Maddocks' studio gallery in Tring is one of those places that rewards a bit of poking around. You'll find contemporary artwork displayed in an intimate setting - the kind of space where you can actually have a conversation with the artist if you time it right. Her work tends towards abstract and mixed media pieces, the sort that makes you stop and look twice rather than glance and move on.

It's genuinely worth seeking out if you're into visual art or just fancy something different from the usual tourist trail. Don't expect grand galleries or crowds - this is a proper working studio, which is exactly why it works. Most people will spend 30 minutes to an hour here, depending on how much you want to chat or really absorb the pieces.

The location in Tring itself is handy. It's a proper market town with decent pubs and a few other bits to explore, so you can make an afternoon of it. If you're camping nearby - Hill Farm is barely a mile and a half away, or you've got Norcott Campsite just beyond that - this makes for a low-key cultural break between walking the Chiltern Hills. Families with teenagers who actually care about art will appreciate it; small kids might find it a bit quiet, but there's no harm in popping in.

Check ahead for opening times and whether they charge admission, as independent galleries can be a bit variable with their hours. Worth the detour if you're in the area.