Sundial

The Sundial gallery sits quietly in Hampshire, a working contemporary art space that caught me off guard with how serious it is about what it shows. This isn't a big-name institution - it's the sort of place where you turn up, find yourself alone with actual artists' work, and suddenly have time to actually look at things properly. The gallery focuses on contemporary practitioners, with exhibitions that rotate, so what's on depends entirely on when you visit. For artists and anyone who gets tired of the blockbuster circuit, it's refreshing. You won't need more than an hour here, possibly two if the current show really grabs you.

The space works well if you're based at one of the nearby parks - Sunnydale Farm is closest at just over four miles away, or there's Bell Tent Glamping if you fancy something different. Southampton itself is close enough for supplies and eating out, which means you could easily combine this with park time and a proper look around the town.

I'd recommend ringing ahead before you go - opening hours and admission aren't straightforward online, and you'll want to know what's actually on display. It's not the sort of place families with small children will enjoy for long, but if you're travelling with older kids who can engage with contemporary art, or you're simply someone who prefers galleries without the crowds, it's well worth the detour. The real value is in having space to think.