Artbylouisewilson

Louise Wilson's studio gallery sits just outside Alfreton, and it's the sort of place you stumble across rather than deliberately hunt down. The work on display is contemporary art with a distinctly personal touch - paintings and mixed media pieces that actually show evidence of a real hand at work, which makes a refreshing change from the usual gallery circuit.

What you're looking at is contemporary portraiture and figurative work, mostly. Wilson's approach is loose and expressive rather than photorealistic, which means the pieces have genuine character. If you're into modern British art without the London price tags, this warrants an afternoon. It's intimate enough that you won't feel like you're trudging through endless rooms, but substantial enough to hold your attention for a proper look.

The gallery works best for adult art enthusiasts and anyone bored stiff by traditional museums. Kids might lose interest quickly unless they're the type who appreciate contemporary work. Admission details aren't widely published online, so ring ahead or check the social media before making the drive from Alfreton.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Riddings Wood or Golden Valley are both close by - this makes a decent wet-weather option or a cultural break from the usual holiday park routine. Allow an hour at most. It's not a full-day destination, but paired with a walk through Derbyshire's countryside or a spot of lunch back in Alfreton, it rounds out a decent day.