Robert Phillips Gallery

The Robert Phillips Gallery sits quietly in Walton-on-Thames, a modest space that rewards anyone with a genuine interest in contemporary art. What you'll find here depends entirely on what's on - the gallery rotates exhibitions rather than holding a permanent collection, so there's no guarantee of what you'll encounter on any given visit.

This is the sort of place art enthusiasts actually seek out, not a tourist tick-box. The space itself is intimate, the kind where you can spend twenty minutes or two hours depending on what's hung and how much it grabs you. It's free to get in, which is always a bonus, though opening hours can be a bit unpredictable, so ringing ahead or checking their social media before you go is essential.

For families, this works best if your kids are old enough to appreciate art without needing interactive screens and gift shops. It's not a morning's activity - more of a thirty-minute detour if you're already in Walton-on-Thames and fancy something low-key.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club or Laleham Camping Club are both within three miles - it's worth popping into town anyway to grab a coffee. The gallery visit fits neatly into that trip. Chessington World of Adventures Resort is further out if you're after something with more bells and whistles for the kids.