The Hepworth Wakefield

The Hepworth sits right on Wakefield's waterfront in a building that's honestly as striking as what's inside. It's a contemporary gallery dedicated to the work of Barbara Hepworth, the sculptor who shaped modernism in Britain, and it's free to get in - which is rather brilliant if you're touring the area.

You'll spend a good couple of hours wandering through her abstract bronzes and carvings. The pieces are substantial, powerful things - nothing fussy or decorative about them. The gallery also rotates contemporary work, so it's not purely retrospective. Families with older kids will find it engaging enough, though under-tens might flag after forty minutes or so unless they're particularly into sculpture.

The building itself deserves attention. Natural light floods through floor-to-ceiling windows, and the way the gallery sits alongside the River Calder gives the whole visit a proper sense of place. On a decent day, grab a coffee and sit outside - Wakefield's waterfront regeneration means you're not short of spots to linger.

It works well as a half-day stop if you're staying at Broadlands Farm Touring Caravan Site or Nostell Priory Holiday Park. Both are close enough that you won't spend half your morning driving. Worth the detour if you're interested in twentieth-century art, but don't force it if sculpture leaves you cold.