The Navigator

The Navigator sits just outside Ipswich and is a gallery space that pulls you into contemporary art and local creative work. It's the sort of place where you'll find yourself stopping longer than you planned - either because something genuinely grabs you or because the space itself is worth lingering in.

The gallery focuses on rotating exhibitions, so what you see depends entirely on when you visit. There's no pretension about it. It works well if you're the type who likes stumbling into artist studios and smaller galleries rather than the blockbuster museum experience. You won't need more than an hour here, though you might want two if there's an exhibition that catches your eye.

Families with teenagers interested in art will get something out of it. Younger kids might find it a bit slow unless there's something particularly visual on. For a proper art-focused trip, pair it with a wander through Ipswich's town centre - there's enough going on without it being overwhelming.

If you're staying at Priory Park or Suffolk Steel House & Glamping, both within easy reach, The Navigator makes a good rainy-day or mid-morning stop. You're not obliged to spend the day there, but it breaks up a park holiday nicely. Check ahead before you go - opening hours can be variable for smaller galleries, and it's worth confirming whether there's an entry fee and what's currently on display.