Compton Verney Venue

The converted 18th-century mansion sits in proper rolling countryside between Shipston-on-Stour and Stratford, and it's the art that draws you here, not the house itself. Compton Verney is an independent art gallery - the kind of place where you'll find contemporary installations rubbing shoulders with old masters, depending on what's on. There's usually something worth seeing, though it won't take more than two to three hours to get through it all unless you're the type to read every label.

The grounds matter as much as what's inside. The gardens are gentle enough for a wander with kids, though younger ones might get restless during a proper gallery visit - there's not much interactive stuff. Art enthusiasts and anyone who likes a more thoughtful afternoon will get genuine value here. The cafe does decent coffee and cakes, which helps break up a visit.

Admission's free to the grounds, though exhibitions usually cost. Check their website before heading out as hours and what's on rotation change regularly - nothing worse than driving twenty minutes and finding the doors shut. If you're based at one of the caravan parks around here - Newlands is closest at three miles, or Twitey's and Shire Camping are reasonable options - it makes for a cracking half-day outing when the weather's decent. Pair it with a proper walk through the Feldon countryside or a lunch in Shipston and you've got yourself a decent day.