The Hand

Right on Newark's doorstep sits The Hand, a contemporary art gallery that punches well above its weight for a small Nottinghamshire venue. It's the kind of place that creeps up on you - you're not expecting much, then you find yourself standing in front of something genuinely thought-provoking.

The gallery focuses on modern and contemporary work, with rotating exhibitions that keep things fresh. The space itself is intimate rather than sprawling, which works in its favour - you can have a proper look at each piece without feeling like you're trudging through some vast warehouse of art. Most visits run between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on how deep you want to go.

This is definitely for art enthusiasts and anyone keen to support independent galleries. Kids might get restless unless they're already into contemporary work - it's not a hands-on, interactive sort of place. Families staying at Center Parcs or the other holiday parks nearby could easily slot a visit in on a rainy afternoon, but don't expect it to be the highlight of the trip.

Admission details are a bit thin on the ground, so ring ahead before you go - that's just sensible. Opening hours vary seasonally too. The location works well if you're basing yourself in the Sherwood Forest area for a longer break. Newark itself has enough going on to make it worth a day trip, and The Hand fits nicely into that puzzle. Not life-changing, but worth an hour of your time if you're passing through.