Plaque, Tadcaster

The Plaque gallery in Tadcaster is a straightforward proposition - a modest exhibition space that takes about 45 minutes to an hour to work through properly. It's not the sort of place that'll keep you occupied all afternoon, but it does exactly what it sets out to do: showcase local art and rotating exhibitions with a genuine focus on Yorkshire artists.

You'll find it right in the heart of Tadcaster itself, which is handy given the town's surprising creative buzz. The space feels unpretentious - no stuffiness, no pretence. Just good work on the walls and staff who actually know what they're talking about. Families with teenagers who have any interest in visual art will appreciate it more than younger kids, who might fidget after twenty minutes.

Admission is free, which removes any risk from dropping by. Go on a quiet weekday morning if you can, before the school runs flood in. The gallery works well as part of a broader Tadcaster wander - grab lunch somewhere nearby, maybe have a pint at one of the local breweries that still operate in the town.

If you're glamping at Wighill Park just down the road, it's a perfect low-key cultural pit-stop between outdoor activities. Same applies if you're based at Cawood Park or the York caravan parks - close enough for a 20-minute drive but far enough away that Tadcaster doesn't feel like a tourist trap. Worth your time, though not worth extending a trip for.