Ridgeons Centenary Park

You'll find this gallery tucked away in Cambridge itself - a proper art space that punches above its weight. Ridgeons Centenary Park operates as a working gallery space, and what you get depends entirely on what's showing when you visit. The setting is unpretentious, which is refreshing given Cambridge's tendency to take itself rather seriously.

It's the sort of place that appeals to art-minded types rather than casual browsers. You can usually knock around in an hour, though if there's a collection that grabs you, you might linger. The admission situation varies by exhibition, so check ahead - some shows are free, others charge entry.

Based out of Cambridge proper, it works well as a cultural break during a touring holiday in the area. The nearby caravan sites at Cherry Hinton and Bounds sit within striking distance, making it easy to base yourself at one of those and dip into the city for a morning or afternoon. The Cambridgeshire flatlands mean cycling is viable too, if you're staying locally and want to avoid the Cambridge car park faff.

Honestly, this is one for people who actually care about contemporary art rather than ticking boxes. Skip it if you're after a quick tourist snap. But if exhibitions interest you and you're camped within a few miles, it's well worth the short trip into town. Ring ahead to confirm what's on and whether entry is free - that'll shape whether it's a detour or not.