Happy Star Slate

Happy Star Slate is a gallery tucked away near Perth that showcases work centred around slate - both as material and artistic subject. It's the sort of place that appeals to people with a genuine interest in craft and contemporary art rather than those after a quick half-hour cultural tick-box.

The space itself is small and intimate, which means you're not going to spend hours here, but that's rather the point. If you're into textiles, sculpture, or experimental work using natural materials, it's worth the detour from Perth. The pieces have real substance - you can see the thought and technique behind them. Less impressive if you're dragging reluctant teenagers or looking for something to fill a rainy afternoon.

Visiting works best if you're already in the area - say, camping at Newmill Farm less than a mile away or based at one of the other parks around Perth. Combine it with a walk into the city centre or a visit to Scone Palace rather than making it a standalone trip. The gallery tends to work best on a quieter weekday when you're not jostling with school groups.

Details on opening hours and admission aren't reliably listed online, so ring ahead before you go. It's the kind of place that keeps irregular hours, which is either charmingly authentic or frustratingly vague depending on your perspective. Worth knowing before you trek out from your caravan.