The Gate Art Space

The Gate Art Space sits in Gloucester and operates on a refreshingly simple model: walk in, have a look around, don't pay anything. It's a working gallery that takes contemporary art seriously without the pretension you sometimes get in these places. The space itself - housed in what feels like an actual building with a pulse - shows rotating exhibitions from artists who aren't household names yet, which is rather the point.

You'll spend anything from twenty minutes to an hour here depending on what's on and how much time you want to spend reading the wall texts. It's not the sort of place where you stand gobsmacked for two hours, but it's genuinely worth dropping into if you're already in Gloucester or staying nearby. The work changes regularly, so it's worth checking what's current before you visit - though the website details are thin on the ground, which is typical for smaller independent spaces.

For art-minded types staying at one of the nearby parks - Red Lion Inn, The Glamping Orchard, Gables Farm, or Severnside Boat & Caravan - this provides a bit of cultural ballast to what might otherwise be a fairly pastoral weekend. Families with teenagers who actually care about contemporary practice will find it more engaging than a typical seaside resort gallery. Kids under twelve might fidget, though. It's free entry, which removes any pressure to feel like you've got your money's worth. Just turn up, have a wander, and move on. Perfect for a rainy afternoon.