Walkern Gallery

The Walkern Gallery sits in a quiet corner of rural Hertfordshire, just east of Stevenage, and it's the sort of place that rewards a detour if you're into contemporary art. This isn't a grand museum - it's an intimate space where local and emerging artists show their work, and you actually get a sense of what's happening in the regional art scene rather than just ticking off famous names.

What you'll find depends on when you visit, as exhibitions rotate. The space itself has a refreshingly unpretentious feel. There's real work here, not the sort of thing that's been vetted by three committees until it's safe and dull. Some pieces will land, others won't - that's rather the point of independent galleries.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Church Farm Ardeley is barely twenty minutes away, or Almshoe Glamping if you fancy something posher - it's worth an afternoon slot, especially on a rainy day when outdoor activities feel less appealing. Don't expect to spend hours here; ninety minutes covers it comfortably, including a proper look around. Families with younger children might find it a bit much, but teenagers interested in art will find it far more engaging than another stately home.

Check ahead for opening hours and entry costs - the gallery operates on a smaller scale than major institutions, so sometimes you'll ring to arrange a visit rather than just turning up. That said, supporting spaces like this beats another chain coffee shop any day.