Nottingham Society Of Artists

The Nottingham Society of Artists gallery sits right in the heart of the city, showcasing work from local and regional artists across a range of media. It's a proper working gallery space rather than a stuffy museum - you'll find paintings, sculptures, prints and installations that actually reflect what's happening in the East Midlands art scene right now, not what happened a century ago.

The space itself is compact enough that you won't spend hours wandering aimlessly, but there's enough on the walls to make the visit worthwhile if you've got even a passing interest in contemporary art. The staff are genuinely knowledgeable rather than the kind who hover annoyed when you ask questions. It's free to get in, which counts for something.

For art enthusiasts staying at any of the campsites nearby - Holme Pierrepont or Caravan Park are just a couple of miles away - it's worth combining with a walk around Nottingham's city centre or a visit to the castle. You could easily slot it into a morning before heading to one of the larger parks in the area. Kids might lose interest after twenty minutes unless they're genuinely into visual art, so don't expect them to be entertained for long. Walkers will appreciate it as a quick cultural pit stop between other attractions rather than a destination in itself.