Chappel Galleries

The converted railway station at Chappel, just outside Colchester, has become an unlikely home for contemporary art and craft. The Galleries occupy the Victorian station building itself - all red brick and period charm - which immediately sets it apart from your standard white-walled gallery box.

Inside, you'll find rotating exhibitions of painting, sculpture, ceramics and applied design, mostly by working artists from the region. It's small enough that you won't spend three hours wandering about, but there's genuine quality on the walls. The space has real character too - original station features are still visible, which somehow makes looking at modern art feel less precious than it usually does.

This works best for artists and craft enthusiasts rather than casual browsers. If you're into contemporary ceramics or printmaking, you'll find it worthwhile. Families with young kids might struggle to hold attention for long. The location is also the key draw - Chappel station sits on a preserved railway line, so if you're staying at nearby Teybrook Orchard or Swallows Field Glamping Pods, you can combine a gallery visit with a proper steam train ride. Check opening hours before you go, as it's run by volunteers and occasionally closes for exhibitions.

Worth a detour if you're already in the Colchester area and fancy something low-key that doesn't feel like a mainstream tourist tick-box.