Mercia Fine Art

Contemporary art in a Gloucestershire setting doesn't automatically mean stuffy or impenetrable, and Mercia Fine Art proves that nicely. It's a proper working gallery rather than some grand institution - the sort of place where you can actually talk to people who know what they're on about and why a piece matters. The focus is on established and emerging artists working across various media, though I'd recommend checking ahead as programmes shift seasonally.

This is genuinely worthwhile if you're into visual art or want to escape the standard tourist trail around Tewkesbury for an hour. History buffs might find it less engaging than the town's abbey and medieval streets, but anyone with even a passing interest in what's happening in contemporary British art will get something out of it. It's not a half-day commitment - expect 45 minutes to an hour to browse properly without feeling rushed.

The location works well for a camping holiday in the area. Winchcombe's just under three miles away and rates highly with visitors, while Bourton-on-the-Water's Caravan and Motorhome Club site is only six miles off if you're after something in that direction. If you're based at one of those, popping into the gallery makes for a civilised afternoon combined with exploring Tewkesbury's market square and riverside walks.

Admission details and current opening hours aren't readily available online, so a quick call or email ahead is sensible before you make the trip. Worth doing.