James Spencer

The James Spencer gallery in Hexham is a proper working artist's space rather than the polished, roped-off type you might expect. What strikes you first is how personal it feels - you're seeing work in the actual studio where it's made, not in some sterile white cube. Spencer's practice spans painting, sculpture, and mixed media, and there's a real sense of why he's chosen each material and technique.

It's the kind of place that rewards curious visitors who want to understand how contemporary art actually gets made. You'll spend longer here than you'd think, especially if Spencer himself is around and willing to talk through his process. Kids can find it a bit hit-or-miss depending on age - teenagers with genuine interest will get more from it than restless ten-year-olds.

Hexham itself is a charming market town with the abbey and river walks to keep you occupied, so you can easily pair this with other local attractions. The gallery works well as part of a longer afternoon exploring the town centre. If you're staying at Springhouse Boutique Holiday Park just five miles out, it's an easy drive in. The opening hours and admission fees aren't fixed in stone, so it's worth ringing ahead or checking their social channels before you visit - these independent spaces sometimes shift their schedules seasonally.

If you're genuinely interested in contemporary practice and want something beyond the museum circuit, it's worth the detour. If you're just looking for somewhere to tick off, you'll probably feel it's a bit sparse.