Smart Art Gallery

The Smart Art Gallery sits quietly in Nottinghamshire, a contemporary space that takes itself seriously without the stuffiness you'd find in bigger institutions. It's the sort of place where you can actually have a conversation with artists about their work - if they happen to be around - rather than shuffling past velvet ropes and audioguides.

What you get depends entirely on the current exhibition, which is both its strength and its gamble. One visit might mean abstract installations that make you squint and think; another could be figurative work that lands immediately. The space itself is intimate enough that you won't spend three hours wandering, so don't expect the scale of something in central Nottingham. This is lean and focused.

It works best for people who actually care about looking at art rather than ticking boxes. If your kids are under twelve and you're hoping for interactive installations, you might be disappointed. Adults with any genuine interest in contemporary work will find it worth an afternoon, especially if you're based at Shelford Nurseries Caravan Park - it's close enough for a casual outing without feeling like a pilgrimage.

Best approached with low expectations and an open mind. You're not paying tourist prices for something aimed at the local art crowd, which is refreshing. Check opening hours before you go - independent galleries can be unpredictable - and ring ahead if you're making a special trip. Worth stopping by if you're in the area, but not a reason to plan your whole holiday around it.