Bohuk Institute

The Bohuk Institute sits just outside Nottingham and is one of those rare arts spaces where you actually feel like something's happening. It's a working studio and exhibition venue rolled into one, so you're not just looking at finished pieces behind glass - you can watch artists in their element, which changes the whole experience.

What you get depends on what's on when you visit. There are rotating exhibitions, artist studios you can peek into, and workshops if you fancy having a go yourself. It's intimate rather than grand, which means it never feels overwhelming. The kind of place where staff actually know what they're talking about and will chat properly if you show interest.

This works best for anyone with a genuine curiosity about contemporary art and craft - not the type of venue for a quick tick-box visit. Art students and practising makers will find it genuinely stimulating. Families with older kids who aren't completely allergic to galleries might enjoy the interactive side of things, though younger children could get restless once the novelty of watching someone work wears off.

If you're camped at either Nottingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Shelford Nurseries Caravan Park, it's a straightforward drive into the city. Pair it with a walk around Nottingham's city centre or a proper gallery afternoon at the Castle Museum if you want a fuller day. Worth checking their website first to see what's on - the quality really does shift with each show.