Beccles Beacon

The Beccles Beacon gallery sits right in the town centre, housed in what was once the fire station - a proper solid Victorian building that's been given a fresh lease of life. Inside, you'll find rotating contemporary art exhibitions alongside work by local artists, plus the occasional craft fair and community events that actually feel worth stopping for rather than tokenistic box-ticking.

It's best suited to anyone who appreciates smaller, independent galleries rather than the polished sterility of bigger institutions. The space itself is intimate enough that you won't feel obligated to spend three hours here pretending to understand abstract installations, but substantial enough to warrant a proper look round. Many visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour browsing, then head into Beccles town proper for lunch or a poke around the independent shops.

The gallery doesn't charge admission, which is refreshing. Opening hours vary depending on exhibitions and events, so ring ahead or check their social media before you trek in. If you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - The Wildings Elms Meadow is closest at a mile and a half away, or there's the glamping options at Dawn Chorus Holidays a bit further out - the Beacon makes a decent rainy afternoon stop. It's not going to be the highlight of your Norfolk break, but it's a genuine cultural marker in a town that's otherwise focused on riverside walks and the weir. Worth 20 minutes of your time if you're already in the area.