Galerie Simpson Artists

The gallery sits in Swansea's creative quarter, a working studio space where you can actually watch artists at their benches rather than just look at finished pieces behind glass. It's the kind of place that makes you understand why someone decided to spend three months on a single painting. You'll find contemporary work - paintings, prints, sculptures - most of it by local Welsh artists who know their stuff.

The real draw here is the intimacy. There's no velvet rope or hushed museum air. Pop in, chat with whoever's working, ask questions. Kids tend to enjoy it more than your standard gallery because it feels lived-in, like a proper workspace you've been invited into rather than somewhere rarefied and untouchable.

Based in Swansea itself, it's ideal if you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Swansea Marina Tourer Park is barely half a mile away, or Riverside Holiday Park if you fancy being slightly outside the city. The waterfront's close by for a walk after, which helps if anyone's restless.

I'd allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if conversation strikes up. Check ahead for opening times and whether there's an admission charge - these artist-run spaces vary. It's not a rainy-day filler, but if contemporary art genuinely interests you, it's worth the detour from the main tourist trail.