Sycamore Seeds

A contemporary art space in West Berkshire that takes itself seriously without being stuffy about it. Sycamore Seeds is a gallery focused on modern work - painting, sculpture, installation - and the sort of place that actually changes its exhibitions rather than letting the same pieces gather dust for years. The building itself is modest, which means you're not walking into some grandiose palace expecting to be impressed. You focus on the work instead.

It's worth a visit if you care about current art practice. Not for families with restless toddlers - this isn't interactive or playful - but older kids who've developed an attention span will get something from it. Serious walkers and art types are the natural audience here. Allow an hour, ninety minutes if there's a strong show on.

Reading is close enough that you could do this as a half-day trip from Ravenswing Park, though it's not the sort of thing you'd plan a whole holiday around. Better to slot it in if you're already in the area or staying locally. Check before you go - opening hours and admission fees aren't always straightforward, and exhibitions do change, so you might find something brilliant or something that doesn't quite land. That's the gamble with smaller galleries, really. Sometimes you're in exactly the right place at exactly the right time.