Unit of Life

The Unit of Life gallery sits in Lisburn and Castlereagh, a short drive from the pretty village of Hillsborough, and it's one of those places that rewards curiosity more than hype. This is a working creative space and exhibition venue rather than a polished museum - all the better for it, really. You'll find contemporary art and design pieces that actually make you think instead of just walking past them on autopilot.

What strikes you first is how unpretentious it all feels. The space itself becomes part of the experience - high ceilings, natural light flooding in, the sort of place where you can spend an hour or three without your feet screaming at you. The exhibitions rotate, so what's on depends entirely on when you visit, but the emphasis is firmly on emerging artists and experimental work rather than safe, crowd-pleasing fare.

This works brilliantly if you're the sort who actually engages with art rather than just ticking boxes. Families with older kids interested in creative practice will find it engaging; younger children might lose interest quickly unless something particularly visual is on show. It's worth checking what's currently running before you make the trip.

If you're basing yourself at Lakeside View Caravan Park nearby, this makes a solid afternoon outing, especially on days when outdoor activities aren't quite appealing. Give yourself two to three hours maximum. Best suited to adults and teenagers with genuine interest in contemporary work rather than tourist groups just filling time.