Screen

Screen is a gallery tucked away near Sawbridgeworth that takes its name seriously - it's all about artists working with film, video, and moving image. It's not your standard white-box gallery experience. The space itself is thoughtfully designed to show this kind of work properly, which matters when you're dealing with anything that needs a screen to exist.

You'll find contemporary artists experimenting with video installation, digital work, and projection-based pieces. Some shows are absolutely worth the drive; others feel a bit insular. The gallery takes risks with what it programmes, which you either appreciate or you don't. Go in expecting challenging work rather than comfortable art.

It suits anyone actually interested in contemporary practice - artists, students, people who care about how technology changes what art can be. Families with young kids will likely find it dull; there's no interactive play area, and a seven-year-old won't sit through a twenty-minute video installation. Allow ninety minutes if you want to properly engage with what's on.

If you're staying at Toad Abode or The Wild Retreat at Redricks Lake - both excellent spots for a Hertfordshire break - Screen makes for an easy afternoon detour. It's free to visit, though donation-based, and you'll rarely encounter crowds. The Lee Valley parks nearby offer plenty of walking options, so pair a gallery visit with a proper stretch across the countryside. Worth knowing opening hours change seasonally, so check ahead before you go.