Lakeside Arts - theatre, gallery & Pavilion Café

You'll find Lakeside Arts just outside Nottingham, a proper cultural hub that punches above its weight. The complex sits right on the water and houses a theatre, gallery spaces, and the Pavilion Café - so you can actually spend half a day here rather than rushing through in an hour.

The gallery side showcases contemporary work and touring exhibitions. It's the sort of place where you might catch something genuinely interesting without the crowds you'd fight through in a city centre gallery. The theatre programmes theatre and dance, mostly mid-scale touring productions and local talent. If you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - Meadow View or Holme Pierrepont are closest at under four miles away - it's worth checking what's on before you book.

The café is decent enough for a coffee and a bite, with views out to the water. On a decent day you can sit outside and watch the lake. It's not fancy, but it's comfortable.

Who gets the most out of it? Honestly, theatre-goers and gallery types will appreciate the programme more than families with young kids. Unless there's something specifically programmed for them, there's not much to occupy under-tens. Adults who want a bit of culture without the fuss of driving into Nottingham proper will rate it. Allow two to three hours if you're combining the café with a look round the galleries. Check the website for what's on - the appeal depends entirely on the current exhibitions and performances.