Buxton Museum & Art Gallery

The museum occupies a Victorian building right in Buxton town centre, and it's one of those places that rewards a quiet hour or two without demanding your entire afternoon. Inside you'll find a solid collection of local geology - which makes sense given the town's position in the Peak District - plus decorative arts and a rotating programme of temporary exhibitions that actually give you a reason to visit more than once.

The ground floor handles the heavy lifting with displays covering Buxton's spa town history and the natural world around it. Upstairs is where the art gallery sits, with work by local and regional artists that changes seasonally. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's genuinely well-curated rather than the dusty, overwhelming affair you sometimes get in smaller museums.

Families with younger kids might find it a bit dry - there's no interactive nonsense, which is either refreshing or frustrating depending on your perspective. Teenagers interested in geology or art will get more from it than a six-year-old. Walking enthusiasts using Lime Tree Holiday Park or Buxton Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite as a base will find it handy on a rainy afternoon, and it slots perfectly into a day exploring the town before heading into the surrounding moors.

Admission is free, which takes the pressure off. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're genuinely interested in the exhibitions. Go on a weekday morning if you want it quiet - weekends can feel a bit cramped.