Abstract

You'll find Abstract tucked away near Newbridge, a gallery that punches well above its weight if you're after contemporary art without the Royal Mile crowds. It's a proper working space - part gallery, part artist studio - where you actually see people making things rather than just looking at finished work behind velvet ropes.

The setup means rotating exhibitions change fairly regularly, so what's on depends entirely on when you visit. Some months you'll get painting, others sculpture or installation work. It's deliberately unpretentious, which appeals to people who find traditional galleries a bit stuffy. The space itself is industrial and unfussy - exposed brick, decent light, none of that hushed-whispers atmosphere.

Couples and solo visitors tend to get more from it than families with young kids, mainly because there's not much interactive stuff and some shows aren't really toddler-friendly. Serious art types and creative types who work themselves appreciate the behind-the-scenes ethos. You won't need more than an hour here unless you're really into the current work.

It works well as a break from the standard park routine if you're staying at Linwater Caravan Park - close enough that you're not losing half a day driving. Worth ringing ahead to check what's on and if opening times have shifted, since smaller galleries can be erratic about hours. Free entry usually, though donations are appreciated.