The Fountain Gallery

The Fountain Gallery sits quietly in Walton-on-Thames, a contemporary art space that punches above its weight for a suburban location. Inside you'll find rotating exhibitions showcasing emerging and established artists - the kind of place where you might stumble upon work that actually makes you stop and think rather than shuffle past politely.

It's small, unpretentious, and genuinely focused on the art itself. No grand statements, no marble lobbies. You can work through the whole thing in 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much you want to linger. The real draw is that it feels like a proper working gallery rather than a tourist checkbox - the sort of place locals actually use.

This works brilliantly if you're based at Walton on Thames Camping and Caravanning Club Site and fancy a break from the usual family attractions. It's also within striking distance of Chessington World of Adventures Resort if you need something to balance out the theme park visits. Older kids and teenagers who aren't completely allergic to art will get more from it than younger children, though that depends entirely on what's on.

Worth checking what's currently exhibiting before you visit - the quality and appeal of shows varies. Best to ring ahead or check their social media for opening times and admission details, as these things shift seasonally. If contemporary art genuinely interests you, it's a proper find. If you're expecting blockbuster exhibitions, you'll be disappointed.