Royal Holloway Picture Gallery

The Picture Gallery at Royal Holloway sits on the university campus just outside Chertsey, and it's a proper treasure if you know where to look. The collection ranges from Old Masters to contemporary work - Victorian paintings sit alongside modern pieces in galleries that feel genuinely curated rather than randomly assembled. You're looking at everything from landscapes to portraiture, with the occasional surprising contemporary installation that makes you stop and actually think about what you're seeing.

It's best suited to art enthusiasts and anyone who fancies an afternoon away from the caravan without driving far. History lovers will appreciate the Victorian acquisitions, though it's not a massive collection - you can work through it in ninety minutes without rushing. Families with teenagers interested in art will find it worthwhile; younger children might find it a bit too quiet and contemplative.

The real draw is the lack of crowds. You won't queue, you won't feel herded, and you can actually stand in front of a painting without someone's backpack in your face. The campus itself is pleasant to wander - Victorian architecture mixed with modern buildings creates an interesting walk.

It's free to visit, which makes it ideal if you're camping at Chertsey Caravan Park or Laleham Camping Club and the weather's turned iffy. Do check opening hours before you head over - university galleries can be unpredictable during holidays. Worth the short drive from Chertsey if you've got a morning spare.