Umo Gallery

Contemporary art in rural Hertfordshire isn't where you'd normally expect to find yourself, but Umo Gallery sits just east of Chingford and proves there's more to this corner of the county than you'd think. It's a working gallery space showcasing contemporary artists - the kind of place where you might stumble across something genuinely interesting rather than the usual gallery fare.

The gallery suits art-minded visitors and anyone after a proper cultural break during a park holiday. You're not looking at a massive institution here, more an intimate space where the work actually gets room to breathe. If you're staying at Fowley Mead Park or Theobalds Park, it's close enough for an afternoon visit without eating into your day.

Since I couldn't pin down exact opening hours or admission prices, you'll want to check ahead - galleries this size often keep limited hours or operate by appointment. Allow an hour if it's a small space, though serious art types could easily spend longer. It's the sort of stop that works brilliantly if you're combining it with walking country nearby, rather than a destination in itself.

Best suited to adults and older teens who actually enjoy looking at contemporary work. Young children will likely get restless quickly. Go on a quiet weekday if you prefer unhurried browsing.