Cambridge Contemporary Art

Cambridge Contemporary Art sits right in the heart of the city, a proper gallery space that takes contemporary work seriously without the stuffiness you might expect. The shows rotate regularly - think installations, photography, painting, sculpture, whatever's on the roster - and they're not afraid to take risks with the programming. It's the kind of place where you'll walk in curious and leave actually thinking about what you've seen.

You'll want to allow a good hour minimum, maybe ninety minutes if there's a substantial exhibition on. It works particularly well for anyone who finds the weight of Cambridge's college architecture a bit much - a contemporary gallery is a nice counterbalance to all that ancient stone. Art lovers will get the most from it, obviously, but it's also worth a stop if you're doing the city crawl and want something other than the Fitzbilliam Museum.

Based in Cambridge itself, it's excellently positioned if you're staying at Cherry Hinton or the Camping and Caravanning Club site just outside town - both are walkable distance if you fancy the stroll, or a quick ride in. Gayton Farm and Highfield Farm are a touch further out but still manageable for a morning or afternoon visit. The gallery slots nicely into a day of exploring the city's college courtyards and punting on the Cam. Do check their website for current exhibitions and opening times before you head over - they're worth timing your visit around.