Gallery Thirty One

Gallery Thirty One sits in Aylesbury and functions as a proper contemporary art space - the sort of place where you'll find rotating exhibitions of work by emerging and established artists. Think paintings, sculpture, installations, occasionally video art. It's not enormous, which means you won't spend hours wandering about getting lost, but that's rather the point. You can take it in thoughtfully without the fatigue that comes with some of the bigger galleries.

This works best for people who actually care about current art, not those just killing time between coffee and lunch. If you're staying at one of the camping spots nearby - Orchard View Farm or Hill Farm are both close by - and you've got an afternoon free, it's worth the 15-minute walk from town to see what's on. The exhibitions change, so check before you visit; turning up to find something you're not interested in would be annoying.

The real draw is that it feels independent and properly local without the stuffiness of regional museums. Aylesbury itself doesn't exactly leap out as an art destination, but this gallery punches above its weight. Admission details aren't entirely clear online, so ring ahead or check their social media. If you're doing a Buckinghamshire camping trip and fancy a bit of culture mixed in with the outdoor stuff, it's easily worth the detour. Just don't expect it to occupy a whole day.