William Allen Gallery

The William Allen Gallery sits quietly in Durham, a space dedicated to contemporary art that doesn't shout about itself. It's the sort of place you'd stumble upon if you were exploring the city centre properly, rather than rushing between the cathedral and the riverside.

What you'll find inside depends on the current exhibition - the gallery rotates its shows, so there's no permanent collection to speak of. This means it's worth checking ahead before you visit, especially if you're making a specific trip. The space itself is intimate rather than grand, which works either way: if the work on show grabs you, you can spend a proper hour with it; if not, you're not wandering for miles feeling obligated to engage.

It's best suited to anyone who actually likes looking at art rather than ticking boxes. Kids will get bored if you drag them round an abstract exhibition, but teenagers interested in contemporary work might surprise you. There's no café, so don't expect to camp out here for the afternoon.

Free admission is typical for smaller independent galleries, though always wise to ring ahead or check their social media first - contact details weren't readily available when I researched this.

If you're camped at West Hall Glamping or one of the other sites dotted around Durham, the gallery makes a decent rainy-day option. Pair it with a wander through Durham's medieval centre or a riverside walk, and it slots in nicely. On its own, though, it's not the draw that brings you to the region.