NOVA

NOVA sits in Wiltshire's chalk downlands near Pewsey, a contemporary art gallery that punches well above what you'd expect from a rural location. Inside you'll find rotating exhibitions of modern work - paintings, installations, sculpture - displayed across clean white gallery spaces that feel properly thought through. The venue takes itself seriously without being precious about it.

This is genuinely worth the detour if you're staying at one of the excellent nearby campsites like Totteridge Farm or Ridgeway - both just five minutes away. Art types and anyone who enjoys current contemporary practice will spend a solid hour or two here. Families with younger children might find it brief unless there's something particularly engaging on; teenagers with an eye for modern art tend to linger. The Pewsey area itself doesn't scream "culture hub," which makes NOVA feel like a proper discovery rather than a tourist tick-box.

The gallery's strength lies in its setting. You're minutes from the Wiltshire downs, excellent walking country, so it works well as a morning stop before heading out across the chalk grasslands. Check ahead for opening times and what's currently on - exhibitions change, and some slots are deliberately kept quiet for artist residencies.

It's one of those places that rewards planning. Ring ahead, find out what you're seeing, then decide if it slots into your holiday. If contemporary art matters to you, absolutely go. If you're after five minutes of distraction between camp breakfast and a walk, save your time.