Kirkcudbright Galleries

The galleries occupy a converted townhouse in the heart of Kirkcudbright, a proper artistic little town that punches well above its weight. You're looking at contemporary work alongside Scottish painting from the 19th and 20th centuries - the sort of rotating exhibitions that mean regulars find something fresh each visit. The space itself is intimate rather than grand, which actually works in its favour. Three storeys of galleries mean you're not queuing shoulder-to-shoulder, and the scale suits the collection.

It's ideal if you've got a genuine interest in Scottish art rather than just ticking off attractions. Kids under ten will likely get bored quickly unless there's a particularly engaging show on. Give it ninety minutes to two hours - any longer and you're padding it out.

Kirkcudbright itself is the real draw. The town has been a magnet for painters since the 1880s, and you can feel that artistic heritage walking the streets. Check opening hours and admission prices on their website before you visit, as these shift seasonally. If you're camped at Silver Craigs Campsite literally down the road, or staying further out at Brighouse Bay Holiday Park or Solway View Holidays, the galleries make for a decent wet-weather plan or a lazy afternoon between walks. The Dumfries & Galloway coast offers plenty of better reasons to base yourself here though - this is a supplement to your break rather than the main event.