MP Gallery

The MP Gallery sits just outside Colchester and punches well above its weight as a contemporary art space. It's the sort of place where you'll find everything from photography and painting to installation work - proper rotating exhibitions that actually make you stop and think rather than shuffle through in twenty minutes.

You don't need to be an art bore to get something out of it. The space itself is intimate without feeling cramped, and the staff clearly care about what they're showing. I've seen smaller galleries in major cities phone it in; this one doesn't. It's the kind of venue that works brilliantly if you're already in Colchester for the weekend but can't stomach another hour round the castle. It's also dead handy if you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Ardleigh is only a few miles away - and you want something to do on an afternoon that isn't another country walk.

Head to their website to check what's on before you visit, as exhibitions change regularly and you'll want to know if it's worth the trip. Admission details aren't straightforward online, so ring ahead if you're not sure. Allow a couple of hours maximum; it's quality over scale.

The gallery works best for anyone with genuine interest in contemporary art rather than families after a quick outing. If you're camping nearby and want to break up the days with some indoor culture, it's well worth the detour into town.