Fa-side

You'll find Fa-side tucked away in East Lothian, a proper gallery space that punches above its weight. The kind of place that rewards a detour if you're in the area around Prestonpans - not somewhere you'd drive hours for, but absolutely worth an hour or two if you're staying nearby.

It's a working gallery showcasing contemporary art and craft, with a rotating programme that keeps things fresh. The space itself has character - the sort of intimate venue where you actually feel connected to the work rather than swallowed up by corporate white walls. The shows tend to lean towards local and emerging artists, so you're seeing work that matters to the region rather than the same touring exhibition you'll find in every major city.

For families, it depends entirely on the current exhibition. Some shows will engage older kids who've got a proper interest in art; younger children might get restless. Art enthusiasts absolutely should stop by, particularly if you're curious about what Scottish artists are doing outside the gallery circuit.

Practical matters: your best bet is checking ahead for opening hours and whether there's an admission charge - these independent spaces vary. Allow 45 minutes to an hour, longer if the show really grabs you.

It slots perfectly into a park holiday based at Haven Seton Sands or Drummohr, both just a couple of miles away. Use it as a quieter cultural break between beach days and seaside walks - exactly the sort of thing that rounds out a Scottish Lowlands visit rather than defining it.