The Sitting Stone

The Sitting Stone in Penrith is a proper gem if you're after contemporary art without the fuss of a big-name institution. It's a working gallery and studio space where you can actually watch artists at it, which beats gawping at work behind velvet ropes. The output changes regularly - painting, sculpture, printmaking, the lot - so there's always something fresh on the walls.

The space itself has character. It's intimate rather than grand, the kind of place where the owner will chat to you about what's on if you show genuine interest. You're looking at local and emerging talent mostly, which means prices won't make your wallet weep and you might discover someone proper talented before they're everywhere.

For artists and creative types, this is worth an hour of your time. Families with older kids who can appreciate visual work will find it worthwhile too, though younger children might lose interest quickly - it's not interactive or playful. If you're the sort who'd rather browse a gallery than queue for attractions, you'll get more from this than the tourist traps.

The lack of firm opening hours suggests it operates by appointment or limited availability, so ring ahead or check locally in Penrith before making the trip. It pairs well with a park holiday at Park Foot or Ullswater - both within a couple of miles - giving you a cultural break between walks around Ullswater and the wider Lakes. Worth fitting in if you're staying nearby, less so if you're passing through.