Riverhouse Community Arts Centre

The Riverhouse Community Arts Centre sits right in the heart of Walton-on-Thames, doing exactly what it says on the tin - it's a proper working arts space where locals exhibit, perform, and create. You'll find galleries showcasing everything from photography to sculpture, plus regular theatre productions and workshops that actually pull in the community rather than just tourists passing through.

It's the sort of place where you stumble upon something genuine. The exhibitions rotate, so there's always something different on, and if you time it right you might catch a live performance or artist talk. Don't expect grand gilt and marble - this is grassroots stuff, run by people who care about making art accessible rather than pretentious.

Families with older kids will get more from it than toddlers, to be honest. Younger children might do a lap and lose interest, but teenagers keen on art or performance will find it worthwhile. Budget an hour for a proper look round.

If you're camping at Walton on Thames Camping and Caravanning Club Site just down the road - a two-minute walk, really - the Riverhouse is worth adding to your itinerary on a rainy afternoon. It breaks up the park routine nicely. Walton itself has decent shops and the Thames is lovely for a stroll, so you can build a proper half-day around the area without needing to venture far.