The Braithwaite Gallery

You'll find The Braithwaite Gallery tucked away in North Yorkshire, a proper art space that rewards a bit of seeking out from York. It's the sort of place that takes itself seriously without being pretentious - contemporary work mixed with pieces that actually make you stop and look twice rather than shuffle past checking your watch.

The gallery works well for art enthusiasts and anyone after a break from the usual attractions, though it's not a full-day kind of stop. You're looking at ninety minutes to two hours maximum, which fits neatly into a broader day exploring York itself. The setting's pleasant enough, and the exhibitions change regularly, so there's a reason to come back if you're staying in the area.

It slots in perfectly if you're basing yourself at Nurseries Caravan Park or Wagtail Park - both within easy driving distance. After an hour or so here, you might grab lunch in York proper and work around the other bits. For families with young kids, honestly, it depends on the exhibition. Some shows will bore them senseless after twenty minutes; others with more interactive or visual work might hold their attention longer. School holidays are hit or miss.

Access details and admission costs aren't entirely clear from the information I've got, so ring ahead before you go. Worth the detour if you're genuinely interested in contemporary art, less so if you're just filling time on a rainy afternoon.