Made in the Marches Gallery

The Made in the Marches Gallery sits in Presteigne, a proper showcase for local craftspeople and artists working across the Welsh borders. It's the sort of place where you'll find everything from ceramics to textiles - actual work made by people who live and create in this corner of Powys, not mass-produced tourist tat.

Walking around, you get a real sense of what's happening creatively in Mid Wales right now. The pieces rotate, so there's always something new to see if you're passing through more than once. It's not a massive undertaking - you can spend an hour browsing properly or dash through in twenty minutes if you're time-pressed. The gallery feels intimate rather than overwhelming.

If you're staying at one of the local holiday parks - Presteigne Holiday Park or Rockbridge Park are both within easy reach - this works well as a rainy afternoon activity or a break from outdoors. It appeals to anyone who cares about craft and local makers: interior designers, people who collect pieces from independent artists, or those just after something genuine to take home as a souvenir.

The gallery is worth a look if you're already in Presteigne town centre. Don't plan a trip solely around it, but if you're spending time in the area, especially based at one of the nearby parks, pop in. You might leave with something you didn't expect to find.