Outhgill Pinfold

A converted 19th-century sheep enclosure turned artist's studio and exhibition space - it's one of those places that shouldn't work but somehow does. Outhgill Pinfold sits just outside Kirkby Stephen, a proper working pinfold (that's a holding pen for stray livestock, if you're not familiar) that's been repurposed as a gallery showcasing local and contemporary art.

The building itself is the draw as much as what's inside. Stone walls, intimate scale, the kind of space where you can actually hear yourself think - a relief after the usual gallery shuffle. The work on show tends to lean towards regional artists and crafts, which means you get a genuine sense of what's happening in the Cumbrian art scene rather than whatever's travelling the national circuit.

It's not a half-day destination on its own. Budget 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much the exhibition grabs you. But if you're based at Gillcumber Glamping Pods nearby, it's an easy morning visit before heading into Kirkby Stephen proper for lunch. The town itself has decent cafes and the sort of low-key charm that doesn't rely on being Instagram-famous.

Go if you like art that's connected to place, or if you're after something different from the usual tourist trail. Skip it if you need high production values and famous names. The website suggests it's worth checking opening hours before you visit - it's not a permanent fixture.