horse and cart

The Horse and Cart gallery sits just outside Towcester, a proper little spot if you're after contemporary art without the fuss of a major institution. It's a working gallery space - the kind where you might actually bump into artists or catch something genuinely interesting rather than the same tired commercial fare you'd find in a chain venue.

What you're looking at depends on what's on, but the space itself has character. The setting near Towcester makes it accessible for a quick cultural break between exploring the broader Northamptonshire countryside. Art types will appreciate the fact it's not trying too hard to be anything other than what it is - a place where local and regional artists show their work.

If you're camping at any of the nearby parks - The Home Farm CL is practically on the doorstep, while Kirkely Meadows and Blisworth Park are both within easy reach - it's the sort of thing worth a look on a rainy afternoon or if the weather's being difficult. Not the kind of destination that'll eat up hours, but if contemporary art matters to you, worth knowing about.

Check ahead for opening hours and what's currently on display before you head over. Towcester itself has decent pubs and cafes if you want to make an afternoon of it, and the Roman heritage around the town adds another layer if you're mixing cultural stops with your park holiday.