Clive Sutton Art

The Clive Sutton Art gallery sits in North Ayrshire, a proper draw if you're after contemporary work without the pretension of Edinburgh's big institutions. The space focuses on displaying pieces that actually mean something - none of that bewildering conceptual stuff that leaves you standing there wondering if you've missed the point entirely.

What you'll find depends on when you visit, as exhibitions rotate. The gallery tends to champion Scottish artists and emerging talent, so there's usually something worth an hour of your time. The setting itself is refreshingly low-key. You won't feel like you need a degree in art history to enjoy a walk around, and staff seem genuinely interested in talking about what's on the walls rather than just selling catalogues.

This works best for people who actually like galleries - serious visitors and curious types passing through. Kids might get restless unless they're the contemplative sort. It's free admission, which makes it an easy add-on to a day in the area rather than a scheduled pilgrimage.

If you're based at Parkdean Resorts Sandylands Holiday Park just five miles away, this is absolutely worth the short drive on a drizzly afternoon. Ayrshire's got decent coastal walks and Burns connections elsewhere, but this gives you a cultural fix without leaving the region. Check ahead on opening times before you go - galleries can be temperamental with their hours.