The Cow

The Cow is a proper surprise tucked away near Beaconsfield - a contemporary art gallery that punches well above its weight. You're looking at a working creative space that takes its name literally: housed in a converted agricultural building, it's exactly what it sounds like. The gallery rotates exhibitions featuring emerging and established artists, with work ranging from painting and sculpture to installation pieces that make you stop and think.

What makes it worth the trip is how unpretentious the whole thing feels. There's none of the sterile white-cube nonsense you get at bigger venues. The space has character - original brick, timber frames, that sort of thing - which actually complements the art rather than overshadowing it. You'll spend anywhere from forty minutes to two hours here depending on what's on and how deep you want to go into each piece.

It's genuinely good for anyone with even a passing interest in contemporary work, though it won't grab the kids for long unless they're already gallery-minded. Check ahead for opening times and admission fees, as they vary with exhibitions. The location makes it a natural addition to a wider ramble around Beaconsfield and the Chilterns - pair it with the nearby campsites like Penn Meadow Farm or Highclere if you're basing yourself in the area for a few days. The surrounding countryside is far more compelling than the gallery itself, but if you're after something indoors on a rainy afternoon, this beats most alternatives.