Cambridge Contemporary Crafts

The Contemporary Crafts gallery in Cambridge sits quietly away from the tourist crush of the Backs, which is precisely why it works so well. You're looking at a focused space dedicated to handmade work - ceramics, textiles, jewellery, glass - all made by actual craftspeople rather than mass-produced tat. Walk in and you'll see the kind of pieces you genuinely want to touch, which half the time you can't, but you understand why.

It's the sort of place that rewards a proper look. Spend twenty minutes if you're passing through, but give it an hour if you're actually interested in craft. The rotating exhibitions mean there's always something different on, so it's worth checking what's showing before you go. No surprises on entry fees or hours online, so ring ahead or just turn up - Cambridge isn't far enough away to plan military precision.

Works brilliantly if you're based at one of the caravan parks on the edge of town - Cherry Hinton or the Camping and Caravanning Club Site are both a quick ride away - and you want something quieter than the colleges and museums. Kids might fidget after a bit; adults who like the handmade will linger. Best visited on a weekday morning when it's properly peaceful, not crammed with school groups.