Squirrels

Art galleries tucked into the East Midlands don't come much more unexpected than Squirrels. It's an intimate space near Swadlincote where contemporary work gets taken seriously without any of the pretension you'd find in major city institutions. The gallery itself is small - you won't spend hours here, and that's actually part of its appeal. The changing exhibitions mean there's a genuine reason to visit more than once rather than tick a box and move on.

Walkers and art types will get the most from it. It's not the sort of place that holds children's attention for long, unless they're older and already interested in contemporary art. The real value here is as a cultural break if you're spending time at one of the nearby caravan parks - Conkers or Peake's Retreats are both close enough for a morning or afternoon trip out.

As a standalone destination, Squirrels doesn't justify a special journey from Leicester or beyond. But if you're based at Conkers or Peake's and want to escape the camping vibe for a couple of hours, it's worth knowing about. The gallery feels genuinely local - the kind of place that punches above its weight because it cares about what goes on the walls rather than shifting branded merchandise. Pop in when you're in Swadlincote for other reasons, and you might stumble on something worth your time.