Risen Christ at Emmaus

You'll find this gallery tucked away near Sawbridgeworth, east of Hertfordshire, and it's worth the detour if you're after something genuinely different. Risen Christ at Emmaus is a small gallery space that punches well above its weight - the kind of place where the staff actually know what they're talking about and visitors aren't herded through like cattle.

The collection centres on religious art, but don't let that put you off if you're not particularly devout. The works on display span centuries and traditions, and there's real craft on show here. You'll spend a good hour or two wandering through if you're engaged, though it's not the sort of place where you need to block out a full afternoon.

Historically minded visitors and anyone with an interest in art will get the most from it. Families with older kids who can engage with the pieces will find it manageable, though younger ones might struggle with the contemplative pace. It's quiet - properly quiet - which is either a blessing or a drawback depending on what you're after.

If you're based at nearby parks like The Wild Retreat at Redricks Lake or Toad Abode, this works as a morning or late afternoon venture before dinner. It's the sort of stop that rounds out a holiday nicely rather than defining it. Check ahead for opening hours before you head over, as smaller galleries can be quirky about their schedules.