The Wey Gallery

The Wey Gallery sits just outside Guildford and punches well above its weight as a contemporary art space. It's the sort of place that catches you off guard - proper serious about what it shows, but without the po-faced atmosphere you sometimes get in bigger venues. Inside you'll find rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary work, ranging from painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media. The space itself is intimate enough that you're never jostling for elbows, yet it hosts work that genuinely merits a proper look.

It's absolutely the right call for art-minded types spending a week at one of the nearby parks like Firesyde or Chantry Wood Campsite. Guildford's only a short drive away, so it's easy to slot into a day that includes wandering the town centre or grabbing lunch by the river. You won't need more than ninety minutes here unless you're really into it, which means it works brilliantly as a cultural breather from the holiday park routine.

The gallery draws serious collectors and casual visitors equally - families with older kids who've got some patience for contemporary work will get something from it too. Don't expect blockbuster crowds or queues. This is a place that rewards a slower pace and genuine curiosity. Worth calling ahead to check what's on before you visit, as the programme changes regularly. Free entry is a bonus if that's the case, though do check before you go.