The Gallery

The Gallery in Leek is one of those places you stumble into more by luck than planning, and that's half the charm. It's a working contemporary art space that takes itself seriously without being precious about it - the kind of venue where local artists rub shoulders with touring exhibitions, and you might find anything from sculpture to photography to textile work on the walls.

What you actually do there depends entirely on what's on. There's no permanent collection to work through in an afternoon, so checking what's currently showing before you visit is non-negotiable. The space itself is intimate rather than grand, which means you won't spend hours wandering aimlessly. Most people will spend between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on how much the current exhibition grabs you.

This works best for art enthusiasts and anyone who likes supporting local creative types. Kids might find it dull unless there's a particularly interactive show running. The real value is as a break from walking - Leek sits in proper walking country with the moorlands close by, and The Gallery makes a decent rainy-day alternative or a cultural pause between exploring the countryside.

Being only 2.2 miles from Leek Camping and Caravanning Club Site and similarly close to Glencote and Rudyard Vale means you're well-positioned if you're basing yourself at any of the caravan parks nearby. It's free or low-cost admission typically, though you should ring ahead to check current exhibitions and opening times before making the trip in from your pitch.