PAECC INGA HAM

There's a contemporary gallery tucked away in Swaffham that most people driving through Norfolk completely miss. Paecc Ingham is the sort of place that rewards curiosity - a proper working space where you can actually see artists getting on with their practice, not just finished pieces locked behind glass.

The gallery focuses on visual arts with a rotating programme of exhibitions. It's intimate rather than grand, which means you're never overwhelmed by scale or pretension. You'll get proper engagement with the work here, and the artists are often around if you want to chat about what they're doing. It's the kind of space where a conversation with someone who actually made something beats any audio guide.

If you're staying at Breckland Meadows or any of the caravan parks nearby, it's worth an hour of your time on a wet afternoon or as a break from the standard Norfolk routine. History buffs and families with teenagers who fancy something beyond the usual seaside fare will find it more interesting than you'd expect. Younger kids might tire quickly unless there's something particularly hands-on showing.

Swaffham itself is a solid market town with decent pubs and shops if you want to make an afternoon of it. The gallery fits naturally into a broader wander round the area rather than being a destination in itself. Opening hours and admission charges seem to vary, so check ahead - a quick phone call beats a wasted journey.