Artspace Woodbridge

Woodbridge's arts scene centres on this working gallery space, where local and regional artists exhibit everything from painting and sculpture to ceramics and printmaking. It's the sort of place where you might catch artists actually in their studios - proper instructive if you're interested in how people make things. The gallery rotates shows regularly, so there's usually something fresh on the walls, and the quality varies pleasantly between established names and emerging talent who are still finding their voice.

This works best for anyone with a genuine interest in contemporary art rather than casual browsers looking to kill an hour. Families with older kids who've started thinking about art seriously will get more from it than young children. The space itself is compact but well-curated, and staff tend to be knowledgeable without being precious about it.

Woodbridge itself is a cracking spot for a gallery visit - it's got that proper Suffolk market-town feel with a decent high street for lunch and wandering about afterwards. If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks - Woodbridge Glamping is virtually on the doorstep - the gallery makes a worthwhile rainy-day stop or a cultural counterweight to all the outdoor activities. Moon & Sixpence and Secret Meadows are also close enough that you could easily nip in town for an afternoon without faffing about with long drives. Check their current exhibitions before you go; it's worth timing your visit to catch something that actually appeals to you rather than dropping by on spec.