The Ryle Gallery LLP

The Ryle Gallery sits quietly in Wiltshire's countryside, a short drive from Chippenham. It's the kind of place that rewards those who actually know where they're going - not one that announces itself loudly from the motorway.

What you get is contemporary art in a proper working gallery space. Think paintings, prints, sculpture, sometimes installations. It's small enough that you won't spend half the day there, which is either brilliant or frustrating depending on your mood. Most people will give it forty minutes to an hour, longer if something really grabs you.

This works best for actual art folk - people who like having a proper look at work without crowds or gift shop nonsense. If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks like Piccadilly or The Moors Campsite, it's a decent wet-afternoon option or a break from field walking. Kids will get bored senseless unless they're already gallery types.

You'll want to check opening hours before heading over - gallery hours are unpredictable and nothing worse than turning up to find doors locked. No clue on admission pricing either, so ring ahead.

The real value? It's genuinely local, free of the polish that makes most galleries feel sterile. If you're canvas-minded and already in North Wiltshire, don't skip it. If you're hoping for something more commercial or family-friendly, save your petrol.