Viewpoints

Art galleries tucked away in Northumberland aren't what you'd expect to stumble across, but Viewpoints near Hexham proves there's real creative ambition out here. It's a contemporary space that takes its job seriously - no twee tourist trap, just proper work that makes you think. The gallery itself showcases rotating exhibitions, so what's on when you visit depends on timing, but the focus tends toward visual art that speaks to the landscape and community around it.

You'll want to allow an hour minimum, longer if something really grabs you. It works best for anyone with a genuine interest in contemporary art rather than families after a quick entertainment fix. That said, the setting matters as much as the walls - you're in proper Kielder country here, where the forests press in and the light changes constantly.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Kielder Waterside and Lodges or Landal Kielder Waterside are both a stone's throw away - it's a logical indoor option when the weather turns. Kielder Campsite sits a bit further out but still connected. The gallery gives you a reason to venture into Hexham's cultural life without abandoning the peace of the forest. Worth a visit if contemporary work appeals to you, but don't expect it to be a day-long destination on its own. Pair it with a walk around Kielder Water itself or a prowl through Hexham's market town.