Robin Hood

The Robin Hood Gallery in Nottingham is exactly what you'd expect from a place dedicated to England's most famous outlaw - a bit tongue-in-cheek, genuinely engaging, and surprisingly well done. You'll find yourself surrounded by paintings, sculptures, and installations that explore the legend rather than pretend it's all historical fact, which is refreshing. The gallery doesn't take itself too seriously, but it doesn't shortchange you either.

It works brilliantly if you've got kids old enough to appreciate the storytelling side of things - say, eight and up. Adults who grew up with the Robin Hood films will find themselves grinning at references they recognise. History buffs might feel a bit frustrated by the mythmaking, but that's rather the point. You're looking at roughly an hour here, maybe ninety minutes if you linger and read everything.

The location's a proper bonus. Nottingham itself is minutes away, and if you're camping nearby - Holme Pierrepont or the Caravan Park are just a couple of miles down the road - this fits neatly into a day that might also include Nottingham Castle or a walk along the Trent. Free or paid entry, honestly, it's good value either way. Go mid-week if you can; weekends get rammed with school groups, and the magic gets a bit lost in the noise.