Pratt Contemporary Art

Art galleries in Sevenoaks don't come much more serious than this. Pratt Contemporary is exactly what it sounds like - a proper contemporary space that takes itself just seriously enough without the pretension. You'll find work that genuinely makes you think, rotating exhibitions that shift with the seasons, and the kind of place where you could spend an afternoon or pop in for half an hour depending on what's on.

This works brilliantly if you're the sort of person who actually engages with modern art rather than just photographs it for Instagram. Families with older kids might find it worth a detour, though younger ones could get restless once they've done a lap. There's no sugar-coating it - it's not a playground, it's a gallery.

The beauty of basing yourself at one of the nearby parks like Thriftwood or Gatehouse Wood is that Sevenoaks has enough to keep you occupied without feeling like you're chasing every last attraction. A morning here, then lunch in town, then back to the park for the afternoon. You're close enough that it's a genuine option rather than a forced outing.

Do check ahead for opening hours and what exhibitions are running before you make the journey - nothing worse than arriving at a gallery only to find it's closed for rehang. But if contemporary work appeals to you at all, it's well worth the stop.