Bathtime 2-by-2

A gallery dedicated entirely to bath time illustration sounds either brilliant or baffling, depending on your tolerance for niche art. Bathtime 2-by-2 is exactly that - a proper deep dive into how artists have painted, drawn, and interpreted the simple act of washing over centuries. The work here spans different periods and styles, so you're not looking at one narrow aesthetic, but rather how bathing has been imagined across time.

This is genuinely one for art types and illustrators rather than casual family browsers. Kids might get restless after twenty minutes unless they're already into galleries, and it's hardly the sort of place you'd spend half a day. That said, if you're serious about illustration or have a specific interest in domestic imagery and how it's been represented, there's real substance here. The collection itself is thoughtful - you'll spot recurring themes and quirks that make you look at bath scenes differently afterwards.

It works well as a pit stop rather than a destination in itself. You're close enough to Burton-on-Trent for a proper day out, and if you're camping at one of the nearby sites - Peake's Retreats or Broadleaves Glamping are both highly rated - it's an easy afternoon excursion. Check ahead for opening hours and admission fees before you set off, as details are thin on the ground. Allow ninety minutes maximum, longer only if you're genuinely invested in the subject matter.