The Shield of Honour

The Shield of Honour sits in Lancashire's Pennine country, a short drive from the artsy hub of Hebden Bridge. It's a gallery space that focuses on contemporary art and local work - the kind of place where you'll find actual artists showing their pieces rather than corporate safe choices. The vibe is decidedly unpretentious, which feels right for this part of the world.

You're looking at anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours here, depending on how much you engage with the work on display. It's not vast, so don't expect the British Museum sprawl. What it does offer is a genuine connection to what's happening in the regional art scene right now - rotating exhibitions mean you won't see the same thing twice if you're repeat visitors.

This works brilliantly if you're staying at one of the nearby camping spots like Old Chamber or the Hebden Bridge Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite. Both are highly rated and close enough that you can pop into town for a gallery browse, grab a coffee, then head back without faffing about. Families with older kids who aren't completely art-phobic will find it manageable. Younger children might get restless unless they're encouraged to sketch or talk about the work.

The real draw is pairing it with Hebden Bridge's independent shops, cafes, and nearby walks across the moors. This isn't a destination in itself, but it's the kind of cultural punctuation mark that makes a camping holiday feel less repetitive.