The Nolon Stacey Gallery

The Nolon Stacey Gallery sits quietly in the Ripon area, offering a proper retreat for anyone serious about contemporary art. What you'll find inside depends on the current exhibition, but the space itself has that understated appeal you get in smaller regional galleries - no fuss, no corporate polish, just the work on the walls and room to think.

It's the sort of place that rewards a slow browse rather than a quick tick-off. Art enthusiasts will get the most from it, naturally, but so will anyone after a peaceful hour away from the usual tourist trail. The gallery sits within easy reach of Ripon's medieval cathedral and market square, so you can stack it with other attractions if you're planning a proper cultural morning.

If you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Sleningford Watermill is closest at under four miles, with Camp Kátur Glamping and Woodhouse Farm also within striking distance - the gallery makes a solid rainy-day option. It breaks up a park holiday nicely without requiring a major expedition. Head in midweek if you can; these smaller galleries tend to feel less crowded when the weekenders aren't about.

Best call ahead or check online for current opening hours and whether there's an entry fee, as details do shift. North Yorkshire's gallery scene isn't always well signposted online, but that's part of its charm.