Surface Gallery Limited

Surface Gallery Limited is a contemporary art space in Nottingham that punches well above its weight. The gallery focuses on emerging and established artists, with rotating exhibitions that range from painting and sculpture to installation work and photography. You're looking at work that actually makes you think rather than just hang on a wall and look pleasant.

The space itself is intimate - you won't need three hours here, more like 45 minutes to an hour depending on what's on. It's the sort of place that appeals to serious art types and anyone who fancies a proper cultural pit-stop while exploring Nottingham. If you've got teenagers who think galleries are boring, this one's a better bet than some of the more formal institutions around town.

Frankly, it works best as part of a broader Nottingham day out rather than a destination in itself. The city's got plenty within walking distance - the castle, the Lace Market, decent cafes - so you won't feel like you've made a wasted trip if the current exhibition doesn't grab you. If you're camped at Holme Pierrepont or Caravan Park and Campsite, you're only a short drive away.

Check ahead before you go - opening hours and admission details aren't always clearly advertised online, and exhibitions rotate. Nothing worse than turning up to find it closed or the work you wanted to see has already moved on.