Southern Shade I

Southern Shade I sits just outside Cambridge, a gallery space that punches above its weight for anyone keen on contemporary art without the stuffiness of the bigger institutions. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think - and where the work gets proper breathing room on the walls.

The gallery focuses on modern and contemporary pieces, with a rotating programme that tends toward the thoughtful rather than the headline-grabbing. You'll find painting, sculpture, and mixed media, often from artists who haven't yet made it onto the Turner Prize shortlist but really should be on your radar. It's not a marathon - reckon on ninety minutes if you're taking your time, less if you're just browsing.

Who'll get the most from it? Art students, yes, but also anyone who's bored stiff by the National Gallery's usual suspects. If you're camping at Highfield Farm Touring Park or one of the Cambridge cluster sites nearby - they're all within easy reach - this makes a solid afternoon break from the touring circuit. It's free to wander round during opening hours, though check ahead as gallery schedules can be unpredictable.

Cambridge itself is packed with colleges and museums, so Southern Shade I works well as a quieter counterpoint to the crowds. You get proper art without the queues, and the staff know their stuff. Worth the detour if you're in the area and want something a shade different from the usual tourist trail.