The Victoria Art Gallery is Bath & North East Somerset Council’s art gallery, right beside Pulteney Bridge in the centre of Bath. Its Upper Gallery holds the permanent collection of British paintings, sculpture and decorative art from the 15th century to today, including Gainsborough, Sickert and Turner.

The permanent collection is free to view for everyone – just turn up, or book a free space in advance on the gallery’s website if you prefer. The gallery is run by the council, so it is a proper free day out rather than a members-only perk.

Temporary exhibitions in the ground-floor galleries may be ticketed, so check the website for what is on and the current opening times before you travel.