The Sheep

A converted barn gallery just outside Milton Keynes that punches well above its weight. The Sheep is exactly what it says on the tin - a proper small-scale art space housed in actual farm buildings, with work that changes regularly. On my last visit there was a mix of contemporary paintings, textiles, and some rather good sculpture dotted around the main barn space.

It's genuinely relaxed rather than pretentious, which counts for a lot. You'll wander through at your own pace, no one breathing down your neck, and the actual rural setting - fields visible through the windows - makes it feel like you've properly stepped away from Milton Keynes rather than just driven five minutes outside it.

Truth is, you're not going to spend hours here unless you're really into contemporary art. Two visits of 45 minutes max would cover it properly. But if you're staying at Ekeney House Campsite nearby and fancy an afternoon browse rather than another walk round the park, it's worth the short drive. Families with young kids might find it a bit quiet and sparse for their liking, to be honest.

The barn itself is lovely - original features, plenty of natural light - and the fact it's all still connected to working farmland gives the whole thing a bit of character you won't get in a high street gallery. Go midweek if possible. Weekends can feel a touch awkward with the space being small.