The Happiness Tree

The Happiness Tree is a gallery in Buckinghamshire that trades in something quite different from the usual art-world posturing. This is where people come to make things, to sit and think, or just to look at work that's deliberately meant to lift your spirits rather than baffle them. The name isn't ironic - the whole place has been designed around the idea that art doesn't need to be austere or exclusionary.

What you'll actually find here depends on what's on at any given moment, but the gallery consistently features work from emerging and established artists alongside interactive installations and community projects. Some pieces invite you to participate, others to sit quietly. It's the sort of space where kids won't immediately ask to leave, and where adults can genuinely find an hour passing without checking their watch.

The gallery sits just outside Uxbridge, which puts it within easy striking distance of Wyatts Covert Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite if you're basing yourself there for a longer Buckinghamshire break. It's a decent option for a half-morning visit rather than a full day - allow two hours maximum, ideally on a weekday when it's less crowded.

Best for creative types, families looking for something off the standard theme-park circuit, and anyone who reckons art should make you feel something rather than just make you feel ignorant. Worth checking their website or phoning ahead to confirm opening hours and whether there's an admission charge, as both vary by season and exhibition.