The bucolic banks of the Thames, dotted with fine pubs and historic locations, make a picturesque setting for exploring the life and times of one of England’s greatest artists

With Europe’s largest sculpture park and galleries showcasing modern and contemporary British art, this former industrial powerhouse has a lot to feast your eyes on

It’s the last week to catch the annual summer arts trail, but there are year-round attractions in this medieval market town

The three big names and dozens more artists will be taking the reins in the home of horse racing for the largest contemporary art exhibition in the UK this year

Follow in Turner’s footsteps and enjoy the architecture, museums and great outdoors in and around this jewel of the north

The centenary of the trailblazing Towner gallery is a big lure, but the resort’s independent shops, restaurants and coastal walking will be an enjoyable bonus

Discover Rachel Whiteread in a PM’s parkland, Emin and Freud in the pub, and a picture-postcard beach

The seaside town hosts a street-art festival and the world’s first digital art park, while nearby Leigh is packed with galleries

The former mining town is home to Velázquez, Murillo and El Greco, the art of pitmen, and its own artist-designed tweed

A haven for artists since the 19th century, the harbour town of Kirkcudbright offers art walks, trails and a resident Rembrandt

Lee Miller, Frank Auerbach and Picasso have all starred recently at this pretty market town’s eyecatching new gallery

In the first of a new series of art-inspired field trips, we explore the tiny city that is home to Wales’s first contemporary art hotel, Graham Sutherland exhibitions, and an epic coastline to sketch