Feathers McGraw

The first thing that hits you about Feathers McGraw is how unpretentious it all feels. This is a proper gallery in Preston - no ego, no velvet ropes, just good work on the walls and people who actually care about it. You'll find contemporary art that doesn't make you want to roll your eyes, the sort of pieces that make you stop and look twice rather than nod politely and move on.

It's the kind of place that works brilliantly if you're into art without being precious about it. Photographers, painters, sculptors - they rotate through here, and the curatorial choices are consistently smart. You won't spend three hours here, but you might easily spend ninety minutes wandering around, especially if there's an exhibition that catches your interest.

Practically speaking, Preston's only twenty minutes or so from both Brylea Caravan Park and Smithills View Campsite, so it's a decent rainy-afternoon option if you're based at either site. Bring the family if they're past the fidgety stage - young kids will get bored, but teenagers with any artistic interest tend to engage properly. The gallery has that local energy that makes it feel less like a chore and more like actually discovering something worth your time. Best to check ahead for opening hours and current exhibitions though, as programming does shift seasonally.