Habitat

Habitat is a gallery space tucked away near Buckingham that punches well above its weight. I went expecting something small and earnest; what I found was thoughtfully curated work that actually makes you stop and look properly rather than drift past.

The gallery focuses on contemporary art and craft - the sort of place where you'll find pieces that use actual skill rather than shock value. It's not enormous, which is rather the point. You can take it in without feeling like you've run a marathon, and unlike some galleries, the work doesn't feel chosen to impress critics.

Best suited to art types and makers, really, though anyone with a genuine interest in contemporary craft will find something worth their time. It's the sort of visit that works well as a standalone trip from Buckingham or a stop-off if you're exploring the broader area. Embers Camping at Claydon is only a few miles away, so it's perfectly doable as part of a longer stay.

Allow an hour or so - longer if you're the chatty type with gallery staff, shorter if you're just grazing. Opening hours and admission fees aren't always published with fanfare, so ring ahead or check their website before you head over. Worth the detour if you're genuinely interested; not worth forcing if you're just ticking boxes.