Sundial

The Sundial gallery sits just outside Walton-on-Thames, a proper spot if you're after contemporary art without the stuffiness of central London. It's a working gallery space - the sort of place where you can actually have a conversation with the staff about what's on the walls rather than shuffling past velvet ropes.

The space itself is intimate. You won't need more than an hour here, which makes it ideal for breaking up a park holiday rather than a full day out. They tend to show emerging and established artists across various mediums, though opening hours and what's currently hanging aren't always straightforward to pin down - worth ringing ahead.

This works well if you're camped at Walton on Thames Camping and Caravanning Club Site, barely two miles down the road. It's the sort of detour that appeals to people who'd rather spend an afternoon looking at art than queuing for theme park rides, though Chessington World of Adventures is only four and a half miles away if you've got kids itching for something more animated.

Parking's usually manageable, and the town centre location means you can pair a gallery visit with a proper walk along the Thames or a bite to eat afterwards. It won't blow your mind, but it's a genuine option if you're basing yourself in this part of Surrey and want something a bit different. Check their website or give them a call before you head over - these independent galleries can be unpredictable with their schedules.