Julie Colclough Gallery, 59 Watergate Row South, Watergate Street, Chester CH1 2LE

Right on Watergate Street in Chester's medieval heart sits Julie Colclough Gallery, a contemporary art space that punches above its weight. The gallery occupies a proper Georgian townhouse - all tall sash windows and exposed brick inside - and showcases work by established and emerging artists. You'll find painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media rotating through the year.

This is genuinely for people who care about art. Don't expect blockbuster crowds or a gift shop selling tat. The space is intimate, the curating thoughtful, and staff actually know what they're talking about. Even if you're not planning a gallery crawl, it's worth ducking in during a Chester wander - five minutes from the shops on Eastgate Street, ten from the Cathedral.

If you're parked up at Fir Trees Caravan & Lodge Park just outside town, or any of the other sites within a couple of miles, this works brilliantly as a rainy-day stop without feeling like a compromise. Chester itself rewards a proper day out - the walls are walkable, the River Dee's lovely for an afternoon, and there's more than enough half-decent cafes to justify staying put.

Bigger kids and adults get the most from it. Toddlers will find it slow going. Call ahead about specific hours and whether there's an entry fee, but galleries like this are usually free or request a modest donation. Allow 30-45 minutes depending on what's on.