Cotswold Contemporary

The moment you walk into Cotswold Contemporary, you're greeted by work that actually makes you stop and think. It's a proper contemporary art space in Cirencester - not the sort of gallery that feels like a museum piece itself. The building has clean lines and bright walls, and the exhibitions rotate regularly enough that you're not viewing the same collection twice if you're a repeat visitor.

What you'll find depends entirely on when you visit, which is either brilliant or frustrating depending on your mood. The space champions emerging and established artists, so expect installations, paintings, sculpture - the full range. It's not a massive venue, so you won't spend four hours here, but that's not really the point. An hour, maybe 90 minutes if something's grabbed you, feels about right.

This works best for anyone with even a passing interest in contemporary work - families with older kids won't struggle, though under-tens might get restless. If you're staying at Hoburne Cotswold Holiday Park (4.5 miles out) or Cirencester Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite practically on the doorstep, it's an easy morning or afternoon jaunt into town. Combines nicely with a wander round Cirencester itself - the market town has proper independent shops and decent cafes worth your time.

Admission details and current opening hours are worth checking ahead, as these things shift seasonally. But if contemporary art matters to you, it's well worth the trip.