Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

The shoe collection alone is worth the trip into Northampton town centre. This museum takes the county's footwear heritage seriously - and it should, given that Northamptonshire supplied boots to Wellington's army and kept Britain shod for centuries. You'll see everything from Georgian court shoes to Victorian workboots, all displayed with the kind of detail that makes even non-shoe enthusiasts stop and stare.

Beyond the leather, there's proper art on the walls too. The gallery space feels generous without being overwhelming, and the curators have mixed local history with contemporary work in a way that actually works. The natural history section keeps children occupied without resorting to gimmicks - there's a real skeleton of a ichthyosaur that tends to draw crowds.

You can comfortably spend two to three hours here, or pop in for an hour if you're just passing through Northampton. It's free to get in, which makes it an easy add-on to a park holiday - most of the nearby sites like Billing Aquadrome are just a couple of miles away. On a rainy day when the caravan or glamping pod feels too cramped, this is exactly the sort of place that breaks up the monotony without demanding a full day's commitment.

The staff are knowledgeable without being pushy. Parking in the town isn't brilliant, mind, so arrive early if you can. Worth the detour if you're staying locally.