Richmond Art School

Richmond Art School sits in the heart of Surrey's most culturally interesting town, and it's a proper working studio space rather than a stuffy gallery. You'll find artists actually at their easels and wheels, which changes the whole feel - you're not just looking at finished work, you're watching it happen. The exhibition space rotates regularly, so there's always something new to see, whether that's painting, sculpture, ceramics or experimental work from students and established practitioners.

It's the kind of place where you can spend anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours depending on how chatty the artists are feeling and how deep you want to go into the work. There's real value in talking to people about their practice, and most days someone will be happy to explain what they're doing. For families with teenagers interested in art it's brilliant - far less intimidating than a major gallery and you might actually catch someone demonstrating a technique. Walkers heading towards Richmond Park from Chessington will find this worth a detour into town, though it's not quite a destination in itself unless you're genuinely into contemporary art.

No admission charge, which is refreshing. Check their website for exhibition schedules - some shows are worth planning around, others are quieter. Best visited on a weekday morning when studios are properly active and you won't be queuing behind school groups. The nearby Walton on Thames Camping and Caravanning Club Site makes a decent base if you're spending a few days exploring the area's galleries and green spaces.