Zest Contemporary Glass Gallery

Glass work that actually makes you stop and look twice - that's what you'll find at Zest Contemporary Glass Gallery in Leatherhead. The pieces here aren't the sort of thing you'd expect to see gathering dust in a provincial town. Artists have done some genuinely inventive work with the medium, moving well beyond the obvious decorative stuff.

You're looking at sculptures, installations, and functional pieces that demonstrate real craft. Some pieces catch the light in ways that feel almost accidental until you realise the artist knew exactly what they were doing. It's the kind of place where twenty minutes can easily stretch to an hour if you actually engage with what's on display.

This works particularly well for anyone with a serious interest in contemporary craft - not the sort of gallery that'll bore you with pretension, but one that expects you to actually think about what you're seeing. Kids might find it interesting for a bit, though it's not set up as family entertainment.

If you're camping at Embers near Polesden Lacey or staying at Surrey Hills Yurts, it's a straightforward drive into Leatherhead and worth combining with a walk around the town. The gallery pairs well with a proper day exploring the Surrey Hills National Landscape nearby - pop in between countryside bits rather than making it your main event. Check opening hours and admission before heading over, as details shift seasonally.