Kendrew Barn

A converted barn a few miles outside Oxford that's turned itself into a proper contemporary art space. The setting alone makes it worth the drive - exposed beams, whitewashed walls, and that particular light you only get in old farm buildings when the sun hits them right. Inside, rotating exhibitions tend toward the experimental side: installations, mixed media work, local artists getting space to try things. It's not huge, and you'll be through in 45 minutes unless something really grabs you, but that's part of its appeal. No pretension, no gift shop hard-sell, just the work and the room it's in.

This is one for people who actually want to look at art rather than photograph it for Instagram. You won't find blockbuster shows, but you will find thoughtful curation and the kind of artist talks that happen in barns rather than stuffy galleries. Families with teenagers interested in contemporary stuff would get something from it; young children would probably find it a bit thin on entertainment.

The nearest town is Oxford itself, which means you're well-positioned for a longer Oxfordshire trip. If you're based at one of the glamping sites or caravan parks dotted around the area - Cedar Hollow Oxford or Valley Farm Campsite are close enough - add this to an afternoon of wandering the Cotswolds edge or exploring Oxford's colleges. Parking is usually straightforward, being a rural location, though you'll want to check opening times and admission fees before making the journey. Best visited on a clear day when the barn's light is actually working for you.