Shield Man

You'll find Shield Man tucked away in Sheffield, and it's exactly the sort of place that rewards a bit of wandering off the main drag. This gallery focuses on contemporary art with a particularly strong line in figurative work - the kind that makes you actually stop and think rather than shuffle past. The centrepiece is a striking series of shield-shaped pieces that give the space its name, but the broader collection spans painting, sculpture, and installation work from emerging and established artists alike.

It's brilliant for anyone who takes their art seriously without needing it to be all marble halls and velvet ropes. You're looking at a couple of hours maximum to see everything properly, maybe longer if there's a special exhibition on. The space itself is intimate - refreshingly ungrand, which somehow makes the work hit harder.

Sheffield's well positioned for a park holiday, with Fox Hagg Farm Campsite just four miles out and Wyming Brook Farm a touch further - both proper bases for exploring the Peak District fringes. If you're camping in the area and want to break up a day of walking with some culture, Shield Man fits the bill without demanding a huge chunk of your time. Check opening hours before you visit, as independent galleries can be a bit unpredictable. Free admission would be lovely, but best ring ahead to confirm.