Erewash Museum and Gardens

The old Erewash building sits just outside Nottingham, a proper Victorian structure that's been given a new lease of life as a local museum. Inside you'll find the usual regional fare - local history, photographs of how things used to look, bits and pieces that tell the story of the area and the river that gave the place its name.

It's the kind of place that works best if you're already interested in East Midlands industrial heritage or have a genuine connection to the district. History enthusiasts will spend a good hour here; families with young kids might find it a bit of a slog unless they're keen on museums generally. The gardens are the real draw for most visitors - they're decent enough for a wander, especially on a decent day, though don't expect anything spectacular.

The free admission (it is free, though opening hours can be patchy so check ahead) makes it worth a stop if you're staying at Meadow View Glamping or Bleinheim Farm Campsite nearby. Neither site is far away, so it slots in nicely as a rainy-day option or a half-hour filler between other activities. If you're doing a proper park holiday in the area, it's worth knowing about, but it shouldn't be the reason you book your trip. Go in if you're passing; don't detour especially for it.