Courtyard

The Courtyard in Sawbridgeworth is a working gallery space that punches well above its weight for a market town venue. You'll find contemporary art, craft, and often a mix of local and touring exhibitions - the kind of place where you might stumble across a ceramics show one month and photography the next. It's genuinely worth an hour of your time, especially if you're the sort who likes wandering round smaller galleries without the pretence of bigger institutions.

The space itself has that intimate, slightly rough-around-the-edges feel that makes independent galleries appealing. Staff know what they're talking about, and there's usually something thoughtful on the walls rather than purely commercial fare. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - particularly Toad Abode, which is genuinely excellent - the Courtyard makes a proper rainy-day visit or a quiet morning before heading elsewhere.

Practically speaking, admission appears free, though do check ahead as exhibitions and opening hours can shift. It's a 20-minute drive from Lee Valley Caravan Park if you're based there, closer still from Toad Abode. The Wild Retreat at Redricks Lake is also within easy reach. Sawbridgeworth itself has decent cafes and a high street, so you can make an afternoon of it without difficulty. Don't expect a massive space - that's rather the charm - but it's worth knowing about if you're in the area and fancy something a bit different from the usual park-based entertainment.