Rob Wilson Art

You'll find Rob Wilson's studio tucked away near Macclesfield, and it's one of those galleries that catches you off guard with how serious the work is. Wilson creates large-scale abstract pieces - bold colour, real technical skill, nothing twee about it. The space itself is intimate rather than grand, which means you're viewing art at proper close range. That's either brilliant or a bit intense depending on your mood.

It's genuinely free to visit, and the opening hours are sensible if you're planning around other things: Wednesday to Friday mornings and afternoons work well if you're staying locally, Saturday mornings if the weekend suits better. Allow 45 minutes to an hour - longer if you're the type to stand in front of a painting asking yourself hard questions about what you're looking at.

This isn't a crowd-puller for families with young kids, though teenagers interested in art will find it worthwhile. It works best if you're already into contemporary work or you're prepared to have your assumptions challenged. If you're staying at Buxton Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just down the road, it's easily combined with walking in the High Peak or exploring Macclesfield's textile heritage.

The work shifts and develops, so return visits aren't pointless. Ring ahead if you're making a special trip - it's a working studio as much as a gallery, and Wilson closes for private commissions.