Otter 2

Otter 2 is a contemporary art gallery just outside Buckingham, tucked away in the Buckinghamshire countryside. It's the sort of place that catches you off guard - you're not expecting much from a village location, and then you walk in to find proper thoughtful exhibitions that actually make you stop and think. The gallery focuses on contemporary work, rotating shows that range from painting and sculpture to installations. Most visits run to about an hour, though if you're genuinely interested in the work on display, you could easily spend longer.

It's ideal for art enthusiasts and anyone wanting to escape the usual tourist trail. Families with older kids who can appreciate contemporary art will find it worthwhile; younger children might get restless. The admission costs aren't listed online, so ring ahead or check when you visit - many independent galleries like this operate on a donation basis or modest entry fee.

If you're camping nearby at Hedgehog Retreat, just 2.3 miles away, or any of the other sites dotted around the area - Embers Camping at Claydon is about five miles off - Otter 2 makes a solid rainy-day option or a quieter cultural break from park life. Buckingham itself is close enough for supplies and more substantial eating, but the gallery's real appeal is how it slots into a slower pace of countryside time. Worth the detour if you care about seeing new art beyond the mainstream circuit.