GALLERIE V

Gallerie V sits just outside Cambridge, a contemporary art space that punches above its weight for a place this size. It's the sort of gallery that takes itself seriously without the stuffiness you'd expect - they show emerging and established artists, and the work shifts regularly enough that repeat visits actually make sense.

The space itself is modest but well-lit, which matters more than people realise when you're looking at art. You're looking at maybe an hour here if you browse properly, longer if something really grabs you. It's free to wander in, which is refreshing. The crowd tends toward actual art types rather than duty-visitors, so the energy feels genuine rather than obligatory.

Who'll get the most from it? Anyone serious about contemporary work, certainly. Families with older kids interested in art might find it worthwhile, though very young children will be bored within minutes. It's not a destination in itself - you don't drive from London to see Gallerie V. But if you're based at one of the caravan parks around Cambridge (Cherry Hinton and the Camping and Caravanning Club Site are both minutes away), it's a cracking afternoon addition to exploring the city proper.

Pair it with Cambridge's colleges and the Fitzwilliam Museum if you're into visual culture. The gallery's close enough to town that you can easily combine it with college walks and riverside time. Check their website for current shows before you go - timing matters here more than with the permanent museum collections.