The Watchers

The Watchers is a gallery that demands a bit of detective work to pin down - opening hours and admission fees aren't exactly plastered across the internet. That said, it's worth ringing ahead if you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks like Proctors Park or High Meadows Farm, both within easy striking distance of Barrow upon Soar.

What you're getting here is contemporary art in a setting that's refreshingly unpretentious. The gallery focuses on work that makes you actually think rather than just nod politely and move on. Depending on what's on, you might find anything from painting and sculpture to installation pieces. It's the sort of place where you can spend anywhere from forty minutes to two hours, really depending on how deep you want to go with each piece.

This works best for anyone with a genuine interest in modern art - families with younger kids might find themselves slightly at a loose end, though it depends entirely on what's being shown. The real strength here is that it won't be heaving with crowds. You'll get space to look properly at things.

Barrow upon Soar itself is a decent little town for grabbing lunch before or after, and if you're staying at Meadow Farm Marina or Midshires Way Campsite, you've got a pleasant short drive rather than a trek. The gallery fits nicely into a broader Leicestershire arts-focused break rather than being a standalone day-tripper destination. Phone ahead to check what's on and when they're actually open - it'll save you a wasted journey.