Gazing Ball

The Gazing Ball is a gallery tucked away near Barnsley that punches well above its weight for South Yorkshire. It's contemporary art done properly - not a converted barn filled with twee crafts, but actual exhibition space where artists show serious work. The gallery itself has that slightly industrial feel you'd expect from the area, all exposed brick and tall windows that flood the space with proper light.

What you'll find depends on what's on when you visit, which is the whole point of a working gallery. Recent shows have ranged from sculpture to photography to installations that make you actually think about what you're looking at rather than just walk through and tick a box. It's the sort of place where locals genuinely support the work, not somewhere tourists are herded through.

You'll get the most from this if you actually engage with contemporary art - if you're the type who reads the artist statements and spends more than five minutes looking at things. Kids might get bored unless they're older and into that sort of thing. A solid hour is enough unless something really grabs you.

If you're based at one of the caravan sites near Mapplewell or Broadlands Farm, it's a straightforward drive into Barnsley proper and worth the effort if you're avoiding the Peak District crowds. It won't take your entire day, but it'll break up a quiet afternoon well. Free admission is often the case with independent galleries like this, though it's worth checking before you go.