Lauren Paige Art Gallery & Writing Bureau

The Lauren Paige Art Gallery and Writing Bureau sits quietly in Nottinghamshire, a dual-purpose space that bridges visual art and the written word. It's the sort of place that doesn't shout about itself, which means you'll need to do a bit of detective work to find opening times and admission details before you go - the website isn't immediately obvious online.

What you're getting here is contemporary art on the walls alongside a working writing bureau, so it's genuinely useful if you're a working artist or writer needing a proper studio space. The gallery itself shows rotating exhibitions - the exact programme depends on what's on during your visit, so calling ahead makes sense. It's intimate rather than vast, which suits the creative vibe.

This works best for artists and serious art types rather than casual browsers looking for a quick cultural hit. If you're dragging reluctant teenagers round, you might burn through it in 45 minutes. But if you actually engage with the work, it's worth a couple of hours.

Coupled with a base at Nottingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site (4.6 miles away) or the highly-rated Shelford Nurseries (5.7 miles), you could make an art-focused trip of it, mixing this with Nottingham's proper museums and galleries in town. Close enough for a morning visit before heading to bigger attractions, but special enough that art-minded folk will find it worthwhile.