Polar Bear

The Polar Bear gallery sits just outside Leicester and is worth a quick detour if you're passing through the area, though don't expect a full afternoon's entertainment. It's a compact contemporary art space that punches above its weight, featuring rotating exhibitions of painting, sculpture and mixed media work from established and emerging artists. The space itself is intimate rather than grand - you'll get through the main galleries in 45 minutes to an hour, which suits it fine.

This is really one for art types rather than families with restless kids. If you're into British contemporary work and want something more personal than the major city museums, it delivers. The location isn't dramatic - it's a straightforward converted building rather than a destination venue - but that's part of its appeal. There's a genuine sense that the artists and curators actually care about what's on the walls rather than chasing footfall.

Admission details aren't entirely clear from what I could find, so ring ahead before visiting. It works best as a stop-off during a wider Leicestershire trip rather than a destination in itself. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Village Farm Getaway or Meadow Farm Marina, it's close enough to visit on a leisure day without burning petrol. Pair it with a walk around Leicester's city centre or a visit to Abbey Pumping Station if you want to make a proper outing of it.