The Flying Angel

You'll find The Flying Angel tucked away in Lisburn and Castlereagh, just a short drive from Belfast - it's a gallery space that's worth a proper look if you're into contemporary art and local work. The space itself has that intimate, unpretentious feel you get in independent galleries; no faffing about with audio guides or overpriced catalogues, just the work on the walls and room to breathe around it.

The gallery leans towards supporting emerging and established artists from Northern Ireland, so expect to see pieces that actually reflect what's happening creatively in the region right now, rather than the usual touring shows. Whether it's painting, sculpture, or mixed media, there's genuine variety across exhibitions. Most people spend between 30 minutes to an hour here - enough time to look properly without it feeling rushed.

It's ideal if you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks - Dundonald Touring Caravan Park is only 4.3 miles away, or if you're after something with more cushion, The Pods at Streamvale glamping site is a touch further at 4.6 miles. Both work well as a home base for exploring the Lisburn area and popping into Belfast for the day.

Getting there from Belfast takes about 20 minutes, so it's not a massive schlep. Fair warning though - check ahead before you visit, as opening hours and admission details aren't always prominently advertised. It's the kind of place that rewards a quick phone call first.