Bonington Gallery

The Bonington Gallery sits within Nottingham Trent University's campus, showcasing contemporary art across a rotating programme of exhibitions. It's a proper working gallery, not a museum piece - you'll find emerging artists rubbing shoulders with established names, and the space itself feels alive rather than sterile.

What you actually see depends entirely on when you visit. There's no permanent collection to speak of, so this isn't somewhere you tick off and move on. Instead, you're catching a snapshot of what the university's curators reckon matters right now - installations, paintings, photography, the lot. The gallery spaces are clean and well-lit, though don't expect the grandeur of a major institution.

It's genuinely worth an hour if you're already in Nottingham proper, especially if you've got an interest in contemporary work. Students and art types will get the most from it; casual visitors might find themselves hurrying through depending on what's on. Kids will likely get bored unless there's something particularly interactive happening.

Admission's free, which is the decent thing. Check their website before you go - exhibitions change regularly, and there's no point making the trip if what's showing doesn't appeal. If you're camping nearby at Holme Pierrepont or one of the other sites within a couple of miles, it's an easy rainy-day diversion. Pair it with a wander through Nottingham's city centre rather than treating it as a standalone day out.