Saint Modwen

Saint Modwen gallery sits in Leicestershire, just over the border from Burton-on-Trent, and it's one of those contemporary art spaces that doesn't announce itself loudly. The building itself is worth the visit - clean lines, good light, the sort of place that makes you slow down without meaning to.

Inside you'll find rotating exhibitions of contemporary work, often with a regional focus. It's not massive, which means you won't spend hours wandering aimlessly. Most visits clock in around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how closely you read the wall text. Admission details are thin on the ground, so ring ahead or check their website before heading over.

This works well if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Peake's Retreats or Broadleaves Glamping are both cracking spots within a few miles - and you want something cultural that breaks up a week of outdoor pursuits. It's ideal for art types rather than kids, though teenagers with an actual interest in contemporary practice might get something from it. Families after a full day out would probably find it a bit short and sweet.

The surrounding area has proper countryside walks if you fancy combining it with something more active. Burton-on-Trent itself is worth a potter round for the canal-side pubs and brewery history, so you could bundle this in as part of a broader afternoon.