Adrian Hill Fine Art Stamford

The gallery sits right in Stamford, one of England's finest stone-built towns, and it's a genuine art space rather than a tourist trap flogging prints to coach parties. Adrian Hill's collection focuses on contemporary work - paintings, sculpture, sometimes installations - and the space itself is worth a look even if nothing grabs you. The staff know what they're talking about, which makes a change.

This is really for people who actually care about art rather than those ticking off attractions. You won't spend hours here - reckon on thirty to forty minutes unless something properly stops you in your tracks. The beauty of having it in Stamford is that it slots naturally into a morning wandering the town's Georgian streets and popping into independent shops. Grab lunch at one of the decent restaurants nearby and you've got a proper day sorted.

If you're based at Stamford Meadows Glamping just up the road, it's an easy walk into town and worth combining with the gallery visit. The Nest Glamping is close enough too if you fancy a more cultural angle to your break. It won't blow your mind - some galleries are trying harder - but it's unpretentious and serves the local arts scene genuinely. Stamford itself is the real draw, and this fits the bill as part of that experience rather than a standalone destination.