No. 42

Bishop Auckland's contemporary art space is a proper working gallery that punches above its weight for a market town in County Durham. No. 42 occupies a converted period building and hosts rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary work - think paintings, sculpture, mixed media, occasionally video installations. It's the sort of place where you'll stumble across emerging artists alongside more established names, and the shows change regularly enough that repeat visits aren't wasted trips.

You're looking at a hour to ninety minutes maximum unless you're genuinely deep into the current exhibition. The space itself is intimate rather than grand, which means the work gets proper attention without the fatigue of trudging through endless rooms. It's brilliant for art types and creative types, obviously, but honestly it's also fine for anyone after a cultural break on a wet afternoon - no pressure, no crowds, usually something interesting on the walls.

If you're camping at The Gables Pod or Eden Grange Glamping nearby, this is an easy diversion into Bishop Auckland town centre without being a massive detour. Pairs nicely with a wander around the town's other attractions and a decent bite to eat. The gallery tends to be free or very cheap to enter, though opening hours shift with exhibitions, so ring ahead or check their social media before you visit. Worth the five-minute drive from most of the local holiday parks.