Sharp Edge Gallery

Sharp Edge Gallery sits just outside Keswick, a proper little spot for anyone serious about contemporary art in the Lake District. The gallery itself is modest but the work on display punches above its weight - you'll find painting, sculpture, and mixed media from artists who actually understand the landscape they're surrounded by. It's not a grand institution with marble floors; it's the kind of place where the owner probably knows half the artists personally.

Walkers and outdoor types will find it a useful break from the fells - somewhere to warm up and think about something other than blisters for an hour. If you're staying at Castlerigg Hall or Keswick Camping and Caravanning Club (both within walking distance), it's easy enough to slip into town and visit between days on the hills. Families with teenagers who roll their eyes at "cultural activities" might actually find something to engage them here, though younger kids will likely be bored within twenty minutes.

The gallery works well as part of a Keswick loop - combine it with a browse round the town's independent shops, a walk along the lake, and dinner somewhere decent. I'd call ahead before you visit though, as opening times aren't always predictable for smaller galleries. Admission details are thin on the ground online, so you might need to ring Keswick tourist information first. It's worth the stop if contemporary art matters to you; less essential if you're purely after mountain views and outdoor pursuits.