Quartet

Quartet is a contemporary art gallery just outside Nottingham that punches well above its weight. You're looking at a proper artist-led space that takes itself seriously without the stuffiness you sometimes get in bigger institutions. The work tends toward painting, sculpture, and mixed media - the kind of thing that makes you actually stop and think rather than just shuffle through.

It's ideal if you're the sort who gets restless in shopping centres and craves something with a bit more edge. Families with teenagers interested in art will find it worthwhile; younger kids might struggle with the pace. Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour here, which is about right. There's proper engagement with the artists and their practice, but it's not the kind of place that demands three hours of your day.

Being so close to Nottingham means you're perfectly placed if you're camping at one of the nearby sites - Holme Pierrepont Campsite and Caravan Park are both within a couple of miles. You could easily visit Quartet as a morning jaunt, grab lunch in the city, then head back to the campsite. The gallery complements a trip to Nottingham's more established attractions rather than standing alone as a draw.

Best to ring ahead or check their website before visiting - opening hours for smaller independent galleries can be a bit fluid. Worth the detour if you're already in the area and you care about seeing work from artists actually pushing boundaries rather than safe, committee-approved content.