Jarva Fine Art

The gallery sits just outside Buxton, a proper arts space that punches above its weight. Walking in, you're immediately struck by how thoughtfully the work is hung - none of that cramped salon-style chaos you get in some smaller galleries. Jarva focuses on contemporary and fine art, with rotating exhibitions that actually make you stop and look rather than drift through on autopilot.

It's the kind of place that works brilliantly if you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Lime Tree Holiday Park or Beech Croft Farm are both within striking distance - and want a cultured afternoon without traipsing into Manchester. The space itself is intimate without feeling claustrophobic, which matters when you're viewing art. Families with teenagers who've got past the "galleries are boring" phase will get something from it. Serious collectors and art students should definitely make the effort.

Admission details aren't confirmed online, so ring ahead before you go - nothing worse than turning up to a closed gallery. Allow an hour minimum, longer if the current exhibition really grabs you. Peak District walking is the main draw in this area, so this makes a perfect rainy-day option or a change of pace between hikes. The Buxton location means you're never far from a cafe or lunch spot either, so you can make a proper afternoon of it rather than rushing through.