Solihull Art Gallery

The gallery occupies a converted Victorian building in Solihull town centre, just a short drive south of Coventry. It's a modest operation - don't expect the scale of Birmingham's big museums - but that's rather the point. The space feels intimate, and the rotating exhibitions tend to focus on local artists and contemporary work rather than Old Masters collecting dust behind ropes.

When I visited, they had a strong showing of regional ceramics and some genuinely interesting photography. The ground floor is free to wander, though you'll want a decent hour to see everything properly without rushing. Upstairs hosts larger installations and temporary shows. Staff know their stuff and aren't the standoffish type.

This works best for serious art types and anyone making a cultural jaunt through the Midlands. It's not going to keep young kids entertained for long, if I'm honest - the space is too contained for them to burn energy. But if you're staying at Somers Wood Caravan Park nearby, it's an easy afternoon trip and genuinely worth the stop. No entry fee makes it a proper no-pressure option.

Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 5:30pm. The building itself is rather attractive from the outside - that Victorian architecture does make for decent photographs. Worth combining with a wander round Solihull's decent shopping area if you're making a day of it.