Velorum Gallery

The Velorum Gallery sits just outside Preston, offering a proper alternative to the usual Lancashire attractions. This is contemporary art space, which means you'll find rotating exhibitions of work by established and emerging artists - think paintings, sculpture, installations, and occasionally photography that actually makes you think rather than just look nice on the wall.

It's the sort of place that appeals to adults who want something beyond the theme parks and traditional heritage sites that dominate the region. If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Beacon Fell View is barely a mile away, making this an easy afternoon jaunt - it's worth checking what's on before you book. The gallery tends to draw a quieter crowd than Manchester's major venues, which can be a relief if you're after somewhere to spend an hour or two without the fuss.

How long you'll need here depends entirely on what's showing. Some exhibitions will keep you engaged for a solid hour; others you'll move through in twenty minutes. There's no point pretending otherwise. Given Preston's decent selection of parks within striking distance, you could combine a visit with a walk around Avenham Park or Queen's Park if the weather's decent.

Bring a notebook if you're the type who likes to think through what you've seen. The space itself is usually quiet enough for that sort of thing.