Staircases

A gallery entirely devoted to staircases sounds either genius or mad, depending on your tolerance for conceptual art. Staircases in Sawbridgeworth turns out to be the former - a proper thought-provoking space that examines how we move through built environments, featuring everything from architectural photography to interactive installations that make you rethink something you walk up and down daily without thinking.

It's the sort of place that works brilliantly if you're into design, architecture, or just fancy something different from the usual gallery fare. Kids might find it a bit abstract unless they're the type who get excited about spatial concepts, but teenagers studying design or art will absolutely get it. You won't need more than an hour here, which makes it ideal as a cultural pit-stop rather than a full morning commitment.

Locals reckon the best time to visit is midweek when it's quieter, though I'd ring ahead about opening hours and entry fees - neither bit of info is straightforward online. Coming here as part of a broader Sawbridgeworth walk makes sense; it's walkable from the high street and pairs well with a proper lunch before heading to the nearby parks. The Wild Retreat at Redricks Lake is just 1.5 miles out if you're after a longer stay, while Toad Abode is another option slightly further afield. Both work as bases for exploring this corner of Hertfordshire properly.