The Pulse

The Pulse sits right in Durham city centre, and it's the sort of contemporary art space that actually makes you want to spend time looking at things rather than rushing through. It's a working gallery - exhibitions rotate, so what you see depends entirely on when you visit. The building itself is modern and airy, which is a pleasant contrast to Durham's medieval core just a short walk away.

This is genuinely good for anyone who takes visual art seriously, whether that's painters, sculptors, photographers or installations. If your idea of a gallery visit involves standing in front of a painting for thirty seconds before moving on, you'll probably find it a bit self-serious. But if you're the type who reads the artist's statement and actually thinks about what you're looking at, you'll likely spend a solid couple of hours here.

The nearest camping option is West Hall Glamping, just 1.2 miles away, which makes it reasonable to base yourself nearby and visit on a whim. Finchale Abbey and Beamish Holiday Park are both within a few miles too, so it's worth checking their websites for current opening hours and admission prices before you visit - details weren't available to confirm here.

Timing-wise, allow at least ninety minutes, longer if the exhibition really grabs you. Go mid-week morning if you want the place relatively quiet. It's one of those places that works better when you're not shoulder-to-shoulder with school groups.