City Gallery

Leicester's City Gallery sits right in the heart of the city centre, and it's the sort of place that rewards a proper afternoon's browsing rather than a quick tick-off-the-list visit. The collection spans contemporary work through to historical pieces, with rotating exhibitions that actually make you think. On my last visit, the lighting was decent enough to properly see what you're looking at - not always guaranteed in smaller galleries.

It works brilliantly for art-interested adults and older teenagers, though younger kids might lose focus after an hour unless there's something particularly visual on. The staff know their stuff without being annoying about it, and the space itself doesn't feel cramped or overwhelming. Free entry is a genuine bonus when you're planning a rainy-day outing with the family.

If you're based at Green Acres Caravan Park just up the road, it's an easy drive in for a couple of hours. Same goes for Cossiwild Camping - close enough that you won't resent the journey. Worth combining with a proper look around the rest of Leicester's city centre - the High Street and Highcross aren't far, so you can make an actual day of it rather than treating the gallery as a standalone stop.

Go on a weekday morning if you can stomach an early start. Weekends get a bit busier, and parking near the city centre can be a minor headache. Allow two hours comfortably, unless you're genuinely into every piece.