Oriel Glyn Davies Gallery

The Oriel Glyn Davies Gallery sits in Caernarfon, a town that's seriously punching above its weight for art in North Wales. It's a proper contemporary space showcasing work by Welsh artists and craftspeople - the kind of place where you might stumble across a painting that actually stops you, rather than one you feel obligated to admire.

What you get depends on what's on at the time, but expect rotating exhibitions that lean towards the thoughtful rather than the commercial. Printmakers, painters, sculptors - the work tends to have substance. You're looking at maybe forty minutes to an hour here unless an exhibition really grabs you, in which case you might settle in for longer over a coffee if they've got one on.

It's worth a visit if you're the kind of traveller who cares about supporting local artists and actually understanding what's happening in Welsh contemporary art. Families with restless kids might find it a bit quiet; it's more for adults who appreciate slow looking. History types will get something out of the regional context - this is where Welsh artistic practice lives, not just preserved in a museum.

Caernarfon itself is worth your time anyway - the castle dominates everything - so slot this in as part of a morning's exploring. If you're based at Coed Helen Holiday Park, it's virtually on your doorstep. The galleries rarely charge admission, though donations are usually welcome. Ring ahead before you go to check what's on and opening hours, because independent spaces sometimes shift their schedules.