Cheshire Cat

You'd be forgiven for expecting a Lewis Carroll shrine, but the Cheshire Cat gallery in Oxfordshire is something altogether different. It's a contemporary art space that takes its name from the grinning feline and runs with the whimsy from there. The gallery focuses on emerging and established artists working across painting, sculpture, and installation - think modern work rather than Disney merchandise.

It's the sort of place that works best if you actually like looking at art. Children might find it a bit dry unless they're already into galleries, and there's no café or gift shop to soften the experience. That said, it's worth combining with a broader Oxford visit rather than treating it as a standalone destination.

Admission details aren't readily available online, so ring ahead before heading over - opening hours can be variable. Allow an hour maximum unless you're genuinely absorbed in contemporary practice. The gallery sits within reasonable striking distance of several holiday parks, notably Cedar Hollow Oxford and Green Acres Holiday Retreat, both within a few miles of the city centre.

If you're based at Valley Farm Campsite or Oxford Glamping and want to dodge the usual tourist crowds around the colleges and museums, this offers a quieter alternative. Just don't expect it to be the highlight of your trip. It's more of a pleasant digression on a rainy afternoon than a reason to book a week in Oxfordshire.