Boonric Gallery

Art galleries in Lancashire aren't exactly thick on the ground, so Boonric Gallery in Skelmersdale is worth knowing about if you're staying anywhere nearby. It's a working contemporary art space - the kind of place where you'll find emerging artists' work alongside established names, which keeps things fresh. The space itself is intimate rather than vast, so you won't spend three hours here, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Most people give it forty minutes to an hour, which feels about right for browsing without the gallery fatigue kicking in.

The gallery takes its exhibitions seriously. They rotate regularly, so what's on when you visit matters - it's not a static collection. This makes it more interesting if you're a proper art type, but less essential if you're just after something to do on a rainy afternoon. That said, the work is accessible rather than aggressively experimental, which counts for something.

Parking is straightforward, and it's walkable from central Skelmersdale if you fancy combining it with a wander around town. If you're glamping at The Secret Garden just down the road, it's near enough for an evening trip without feeling like a major expedition. Check ahead for opening hours and current exhibitions before you go - galleries here don't always keep regular schedules - but if contemporary art matters to your holiday, it's definitely worth the short detour.