Phoenix

Phoenix is Northamptonshire's contemporary art gallery, and it's a proper working studio space rather than some sterile white-walled setup. You get actual artists making work on-site, which means there's always something happening - the whole place feels alive in a way most galleries don't manage.

The exhibition schedule rotates regularly, so it's not like you'll walk into the same show twice running. They tend toward accessible contemporary work: painting, sculpture, mixed media stuff that doesn't require an art history degree to appreciate. There's a decent-sized space without being overwhelming - you can see the main collection in an afternoon without your feet staging a rebellion.

Families with teenagers will get more from it than young kids, to be honest. There's no interactive playroom or anything, so under-tens might find it a bit slow unless they're already interested in art. Adult walkers and actual art types will find it worthwhile, particularly if you're combining it with a longer wander around the area.

It's ideally placed if you're based at Cosgrove Park just down the road - makes for a decent morning activity before heading out for a proper countryside walk elsewhere. Milton Keynes isn't far either, so you could easily tack this onto a wider day out.

Worth checking opening hours and current exhibitions before you go - galleries can be cagey about their schedules - but if contemporary work interests you at all, it's a solid pit stop.