Wackadoodle Art

Art galleries in Reading don't usually grab you by the throat, but Wackadoodle Art does exactly that. It's a proper contemporary space that doesn't take itself too seriously - the clue's in the name - featuring work from emerging and established artists who clearly have a sense of humour about what they do.

The gallery sits in West Berkshire, close enough to Reading that it's worth factoring into an afternoon if you're in the area. What you'll find inside shifts regularly, but expect anything from abstract pieces to installations that make you think twice. It's the kind of place where art students drag their reluctant mates and somehow everyone leaves having had a decent time.

Families with older kids will probably get more from it than those with toddlers in tow - there's no interactive playground vibe here, just actual work on walls and floors. Solo visitors and couples serious about contemporary art will find it worthwhile; it's got that independent gallery energy without the pretension.

Since I couldn't pin down exact opening hours or admission fees, ring ahead before you head over - nothing worse than arriving to a locked door on your day off. Allow 45 minutes to an hour unless it's a major group show, then add another 30 minutes.

If you're camping at Ravenswing Park nearby, it's an easy drive in for an evening outing. Pair it with a walk along Reading's riverside or a browse through the town's other galleries to make a proper culture stop of the day.