Sundial

Art galleries don't usually sit at the heart of a working pottery, but Sundial does exactly that near Swadlincote. You're looking at a proper creative space where contemporary art shares breathing room with ceramic pieces and rotating exhibitions - it's not some dusty back-room operation, but a genuine attempt to make art accessible to people who've wandered in for the coffee.

The space itself is intimate rather than sprawling. You can work through the whole thing in an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're reading every label and chatting to staff. The real draw here is the conversation between craft and fine art - potters' work sits alongside painting and sculpture, which sounds a bit conceptual until you're actually standing there watching how a thrown pot and a canvas actually speak to each other.

It's worth the trip if you're the sort who gets excited by emerging artists and experimental work, but less essential if you're after big-name names or blockbuster exhibitions. Families with restless kids might find it a bit quiet and contemplative for their needs.

If you're basing yourself at either Conkers Camping nearby or the five-star setup at Peake's Retreats, Sundial makes a reasonable afternoon detour - pair it with a proper look around Swadlincote's market town centre and you've got a solid few hours sorted. Ring ahead or check their website for current shows before you go - exhibitions rotate regularly, so timing matters.