Mouse and Cheese

Finding Mouse and Cheese tucked away in Edinburgh takes a bit of effort, but it's worth the hunt if you're after something genuinely different from the usual gallery circuit. This is contemporary art space that doesn't take itself too seriously - the work here has real personality, and it's the sort of place where you'll actually want to spend time instead of just ticking a box.

The gallery works well for anyone tired of the mainstream museum experience. Artists tend to show experimental pieces alongside more accessible work, so there's something to grab onto whether you're into conceptual pieces or prefer art you can get your head round immediately. It's close enough to Newbridge that you could easily slot it into a broader tour of Edinburgh's creative spaces.

Practically speaking, you'll want to ring ahead to check current opening hours and whether there's an entry fee - details aren't always pinned down online. Give yourself at least an hour, longer if you're genuinely interested in talking to the artists who often hang about. The space feels intimate rather than overwhelming, which makes it ideal if you've got kids old enough to appreciate something beyond the blockbuster galleries.

If you're caravan-based at Linwater Caravan Park, the drive into Edinburgh is straightforward, and this makes a cracking alternative to queuing round the National Gallery. It's the sort of place locals know about and visitors miss entirely.