Gateway

Gateway is Swadlincote's contemporary art space, housed in a converted building that somehow manages to feel both industrial and welcoming. Inside you'll find rotating exhibitions of visual art - painting, sculpture, photography, installations - the sort of thing that keeps changing so there's a genuine reason to visit more than once.

It's the kind of gallery that doesn't take itself too seriously. Work here tends toward the accessible rather than bewilderingly conceptual, which means you won't spend your time squinting at a blank wall wondering if you're missing something. Local artists get decent space alongside touring shows, so there's always a connection to the community.

The space works best for anyone who actually enjoys looking at art rather than ticking off a tourist box. Families with older kids who don't groan at galleries will find it fine - it's not massive so nobody gets gallery fatigue after twenty minutes. Give yourself an hour, tops, unless you've arrived during a particularly gripping exhibition.

If you're based at Conkers Camping and Caravanning Club Site just down the road or the five-star Broadleaves Glamping, Gateway makes for a decent rainy-day detour or a cultural breather between outdoor activities. Swadlincote itself has enough local charm to justify a couple of hours exploring the town centre before heading back to camp. Not essential to your holiday, but worth knowing about.