The Artists Sanctuary

The Artists Sanctuary sits just outside Northampton and serves as a working creative space where artists actually make things - you're not walking round a gallery in the traditional sense. What you get instead is the chance to see studios in action, watch people working on paintings, sculpture, ceramics, whatever their practice happens to be. It's refreshingly low-key; no velvet ropes or hushed voices, just real makers getting on with it.

This works brilliantly if you're the sort who finds conventional art museums a bit sterile. Kids can wander about without feeling they have to whisper, and the informality means artists often chat to visitors about their work. It's the opposite of pretentious. You'll spend anything from an hour to an afternoon here depending on how deep you want to go with conversations or whether you fancy picking something up.

The location makes it a natural call if you're staying at one of the nearby spots - Magic Mushroom Cabin or Hideaway Wood Farm with their alpacas are literally walking distance away. It slots neatly into a Northamptonshire trip without feeling like you're ticking boxes. Bring cash if you think you might want to buy something direct from the maker; that's half the appeal. Opening hours can be a bit variable for a working space, so check ahead before you make the journey out from Northampton town centre.