The Magpie

Art galleries tucked away in market towns aren't always obvious destinations, but The Magpie in Skipton rewards the effort of tracking it down. This is a contemporary space that takes itself seriously without the stuffiness you might expect - the sort of place where the work actually speaks rather than drowning in pretension.

The gallery showcases rotating exhibitions of painting, sculpture, and mixed media, with a real focus on emerging and established artists working across the north. You'll find everything from abstract pieces to figurative work, and the space itself is intimate enough that you don't feel obliged to make a full afternoon of it unless something really grabs you. Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and two hours here, depending on what's on and how deep you want to go.

It's ideal if you're already in Skipton for the market, the high street, or exploring the Dales. None of the nearby campsites - Draughton Heights is closest at less than three miles - are positioned awkwardly if you fancy a cultural break from hiking and field time. Families with older kids who can manage a quiet space will get something from it; young children might find it a bit dull. Art enthusiasts and anyone interested in what's happening in contemporary Yorkshire practice should absolutely call ahead to check what's hanging and the opening hours, as independent galleries can be frustratingly erratic.

The town itself is worth half a day regardless, and this slots in nicely alongside everything else Skipton offers.