Strive

Strive is a contemporary art gallery tucked away in Edinburgh's creative quarters, though getting exact opening hours proved tricky when I last visited - best ring ahead or check their social media. The space itself is unpretentious: white walls, polished concrete, the kind of venue that takes its art seriously without the stuffiness you sometimes get in bigger institutions.

What you'll find depends entirely on what's on. During my last visit, the work ranged from sculpture to mixed media installations - nothing too experimental for comfort, but nothing safe either. The gallery attracts artists working across textiles, painting, and installation, so there's genuine variety between shows.

It's the sort of place that rewards a proper wander rather than a quick look-in. Most people spend forty minutes to an hour here, depending on how deep you want to go with the work on display. If you're interested in contemporary Scottish art and want to see what's happening outside the National Galleries, this is worth the trip from Newbridge.

Families with older kids will appreciate it more than younger ones - there's not much here to occupy a five-year-old. Walkers passing through Edinburgh can combine it with other cultural spots in the city. The admission situation is unclear, so check before you go.

Linwater Caravan Park sits just 3.8 miles out, making this an easy add-on to a park-based holiday in the area. Park the car, spend an hour inside, then head back to the Lowlands for dinner.