Painted Plough

The Painted Plough is a contemporary art gallery just outside Cambridge, housed in a converted agricultural building that still feels properly connected to the fenland landscape around it. What you get is rotating exhibitions of mostly local and regional artists, with work ranging from painting and sculpture to more experimental pieces that wouldn't look out of place in a London gallery but feel fresher out here away from the hype.

It's worth the trip if you're already exploring Cambridge or staying at one of the nearby glamping spots like Lodeside or Fen Meadows - a 20-minute drive from the city centre puts you deep enough into the countryside that you feel properly away. The space itself is intimate rather than grand, which suits the work on display. Most visits run about 90 minutes comfortably, though you could spend less if you're just passing through.

Admission details are a bit vague - their website isn't easily findable - so ring ahead or check locally in Cambridge before you make the journey. It's genuinely interesting rather than Instagram-famous, which means you won't be jostling with crowds. Art enthusiasts will get the most from it, but it's also the sort of place that appeals to anyone wanting a break from stately homes and tea shops. Not a full afternoon's entertainment on its own, but combined with a walk around the fens or a stop in Cambridge proper, it slots into a day quite well. Winter light here is particularly good if you're photographing anything.