Birnam Arts

Staggering feats of mod-con-peppered architecture they may be, but it's rare that one could accuse a conference centre of being picturesque. However, Birnam Arts (fka The Birnam Institute) succeeds both at looking prettily part of its rural setting. As well as the meeting and exhibition areas, Birnam's boasts an in-house eaterie and available-for-use artists' studio: The Foyer Cafe uses locally-sourced ingredients in its blend of hearty home-baking and substantial main dishes, whilst the Art Studio to allow free use of its materials and facilities.

Also worth a mention is the Beatrix Potter exhibition and garden,  a year-round feature inspired by the author's annual childhood holidays in Birnam and the surrounding region.