Sue Paraskeva

The Sue Paraskeva gallery sits just outside Ryde, showcasing the work of a painter whose style bridges figurative and abstract worlds. It's a small, intimate space - the kind of place where you can actually spend time looking rather than rushing through. Her canvases are bold and often quite large, with a real sense of movement and colour that pulls you in.

This works best for anyone with a genuine interest in contemporary painting. If you're expecting a major regional museum, you'll be disappointed. If you're someone who likes discovering local artists away from the big institutional circuits, it's absolutely worth an hour of your time. The work rewards proper looking - there's nothing po-faced or trying too hard about it.

Based at Ryde, you're well positioned for a few days on the island. The nearby parks - Whitefield Forest Touring Park and Retro Staycations are both within easy reach - make decent bases for exploring. The gallery fits neatly into a morning before heading to the seafront or inland to the isle's better walking routes. Parking shouldn't be a headache, though I'd suggest ringing ahead to check opening hours rather than turning up on spec. Admission details are thin on the ground online, so a quick call before you go saves disappointment.