Swift Art & Design

Swift Art & Design sits just outside Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, and it's one of those places that sneaks up on you - easy to drive past if you're not paying attention. The space functions as both a working studio and gallery, showcasing contemporary art and design pieces that rotate regularly. Inside you'll find everything from sculpture to printwork, jewellery to furniture design, mostly by emerging and established British makers.

It's worth a visit if you're genuinely interested in modern art rather than looking for a quick tourist tick-box. The work here tends toward the thoughtful end of the spectrum - nothing too gimmicky. Allow an hour if you're serious about it, thirty minutes if you're just browsing. There's no massive gift shop or cafe to linger in, which is refreshing, though it also means you won't be spending half the day here.

The space works brilliantly as a counterpoint to a camping holiday in the area. Winchcombe Camping just 2.8 miles away is excellent if you've got kids and want proper facilities, while Coxhorne Glamping up the road offers something more upmarket. After a morning rambling around the Cotswolds - which frankly can feel a bit chocolate-box - popping into Swift for an hour or so gives you something a bit more contemporary to chew on.

Check ahead before visiting though, as opening hours aren't always obvious online. Worth the detour if you're already in Tewkesbury or heading toward Cheltenham, but don't reroute your entire trip for it.