The Snake

You'll find this gallery tucked away in the Hampshire countryside not far from Farnham, and it's a proper quirky addition to a park holiday in the area. The Snake is an art space that takes its name from the winding sculpture that sits at its heart - a striking installation that catches most visitors off guard when they first walk in. Inside, it's small but serious about its programming, rotating contemporary work that ranges from painting and sculpture to installation pieces that make you think twice.

It works best for art-minded visitors rather than restless kids, though the sculptural elements often grip families for longer than you'd expect. There's something about seeing artists push ideas in a converted rural space that feels less polished than a city gallery - more honest, somehow. The setting matters too. You're minutes from Feather Down Manor Farm if you're based there, so it's an easy detour on an afternoon when you fancy something different.

I'd allow ninety minutes to two hours, wandering slowly. Check ahead for opening times and what's on - the programme shifts regularly, so you could land on something brilliant or miss it by a week. The location means it's quieter than you'd find in town galleries, which is either a major selling point or completely irrelevant depending on what you're after. If you're staying locally and you like contemporary art at all, it's worth the short drive.