James Brindley

The James Brindley gallery sits just outside Coventry and tells the story of one of Britain's most important canal engineers. Brindley essentially invented modern canal building in the 18th century - he designed over 360 miles of waterways that literally transformed the country's industrial landscape. The gallery itself isn't huge, but it's properly done. You'll find original plans, models of locks and aqueducts, and enough detail about his life to understand why he mattered so much.

History enthusiasts will get the most from a visit here. Canal buffs especially will find themselves absorbed for a good hour or more. Families with older kids interested in engineering or history will find it worthwhile, though younger children might lose interest quickly - there's not much hands-on stuff. The admission cost isn't listed online, but independent galleries like this are usually free or charge just a couple of quid.

The real advantage of visiting is that you're minutes from the Coventry Canal itself, so you can walk along the towpath afterwards and actually see what Brindley's work looks like in practice. If you're staying at Hollyfast Caravan Park or Avon Wild Camping nearby, it makes a decent afternoon stop between longer park-based activities. Don't expect flashy presentation or interactive displays - this is old-school museum work, straightforward and genuine. Worth the detour if canals or industrial history interest you at all.