Standing Stones

There's something about walking into Standing Stones that makes you stop and actually look at things. It's a gallery in Barrow upon Soar that takes stone seriously - the kind of place where you won't find mass-produced prints or twee watercolours. The work here tends toward contemporary pieces with real substance, though I'll be honest: opening hours and admission costs aren't readily available online, so ring ahead before you make the trip.

This is genuinely worth a detour if you're into art that makes you think rather than just decorate your wall. Sculptors and stone workers feature heavily, which feels right for the name. You'll likely spend an hour here, maybe longer if you're the type to read every label and sit with the pieces. Children will get bored unless they're already gallery types - there's no interactive nonsense, just proper art.

If you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Proctors Park or High Meadows Farm are both within a few miles - it's an easy run into Barrow upon Soar town centre. Pairs well with a walk along the Soar Valley or the Midshires Way if you want to stretch your legs before or after. On a rainy afternoon when the park's indoor activities aren't cutting it, this beats sitting in the caravan.