Green Door

Small galleries often surprise you more than the grand ones, and this intimate space near Kendal certainly fits that bill. Green Door showcases contemporary art in what feels more like visiting someone's thoughtfully curated home than a formal gallery experience. The exhibitions rotate regularly, featuring everything from local Lake District artists to visiting contemporary works that wouldn't look out of place in London's trendier quarters.

Art lovers will appreciate the carefully chosen pieces, though this isn't really one for restless children - it's more of a quiet browsing experience. The space itself has character, with good natural light that makes the artwork sing. You'll want to allow about an hour, maybe longer if something catches your fancy.

Location-wise, it sits well with a holiday in the southern Lakes. After tramping around Windermere or exploring Kendal's other attractions, it makes for a civilised wind-down. The nearby holiday parks like Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club Site put you within easy reach, and it pairs nicely with a day that might include Kendal Castle or the town's famous mint cake shops. Worth checking opening times before making the trip, as smaller galleries can be unpredictable with their hours.