Helmet

Helmet is Derby's contemporary art gallery, housed in a converted Victorian building that's had a proper going-over to become a crisp, modern exhibition space. You'll find rotating shows of contemporary work here - painting, sculpture, installation, photography, the lot. It's the kind of place where you might stumble across something that makes you think differently, or you might find yourself baffled by abstract nonsense depending on your taste.

The gallery works best for art enthusiasts and anyone who fancies a cultural break from the Peak District outdoor circuit. If you're camping nearby at Hill Farm, it's an easy trip into Derby town centre for a couple of hours - combine it with a wander along the riverfront or a look at Derby's other museums. Don't expect blockbuster exhibitions; this is proper small-town gallery programming, which means it's genuine and refreshingly un-touristy.

I'd give it an hour or so maximum, unless there's a particular show that grabs you. It's free to get in, which keeps things unpretentious. The space itself is worth seeing - that conversion from Victorian bones to clean white walls has been done well. Time your visit midweek if you can; weekends draw the arty Derby crowd and it can feel a touch busy in the smaller rooms. On a grey English day, it's a proper warm-up before heading back to the hills.