Cat Noble Glass, Fusion

Cat Noble's glass studio in Fusion, just outside Coalbrookdale, is where you'll find some genuinely striking contemporary glasswork. This isn't a museum - it's a working gallery where you can watch the artist at the furnace if you time it right, which makes a real difference to understanding what goes into the pieces on display.

The work itself ranges from architectural commissions to smaller sculptural pieces and vessels. Noble's background in architectural glass means there's a rigour to the designs that appeals to people who like their art with purpose rather than pure decoration. It's intimate enough that you're not shuffling round with crowds, but that also means it repays a proper look rather than a quick glance.

This is best suited to serious glasswork enthusiasts or anyone genuinely interested in contemporary craft. Kids might find it interesting for ten minutes, but it's not set up as a hands-on experience. The Coalbrookdale location is brilliant if you're staying at Irongorge Camping or one of the nearby sites - the whole area is rich with industrial heritage and you can easily couple this with visits to the ironworks and other museums in the valley.

Before heading over, ring ahead to confirm opening times and whether Noble is working that day - it makes a real difference to the visit. Parking should be straightforward, and Coalbrookdale's only a short drive away if you need tea or supplies.