Contemporary Fine Art

The contemporary art scene in Derbyshire isn't what you'd expect from a county better known for stately homes and limestone. This gallery space near Sutton-in-Ashfield presents rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary work - the kind of place that rewards a couple of hours of your time if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Silverhill Woodland Retreats or Riddings Wood.

What strikes you first is how seriously they take the work on display. No twee watercolours or chocolate-box prints. You'll find paintings, sculpture, installations and mixed media from both established and emerging artists, usually with a thematic thread running through each show. The scale varies wildly - sometimes the gallery feels intimate and focused, other times a single piece dominates the space.

It's genuinely worth visiting if you care about contemporary art or you're keen to support regional galleries. Families with restless kids under ten might struggle - there's limited interactive content and you can't really speed through it. Artists and designers will get the most from it, but so will anyone who appreciates work beyond the commercial mainstream.

Visit their website or ring ahead to check current exhibitions and admission fees before you plan your trip. Opening hours aren't always standard gallery hours, so don't just show up. If you're based at one of the caravan parks nearby, it's an easy enough drive in, and a decent complement to the walking and outdoor stuff the area's better known for. Go on a weekday afternoon if you want the place nearly to yourself.