The Rutland Gallery

The Rutland Gallery sits in Market Harborough, a proper market town that doesn't shout about itself but rewards a wander. It's a contemporary art space - the kind of place where you'll find local and regional artists alongside work that travels in from further afield. Think paintings, sculpture, prints, sometimes installation pieces. Nothing too intimidating, actually. The space itself is intimate without feeling cramped, and the staff know what they're talking about without making you feel like you need an art degree to be there.

This is best for anyone who actually likes looking at art rather than ticking boxes. If you're dragging reluctant teenagers through, you'll lose them after twenty minutes. But if you've got a genuine interest in contemporary work - or you're just curious what's on - it's worth an hour of your time. Market Harborough has decent cafes nearby, so you can make an afternoon of it.

There's a decent walking loop if you base yourself at Rural Relaxing, the holiday park about six miles out - the town centre is straightforward to reach, and you can combine it with exploring the High Street itself, which has proper independent shops rather than chain-store tedium. The gallery changes its exhibitions, so check before you go - there's no point making the journey if the current show doesn't appeal. Free entry, as far as I can establish, though donations probably help keep the lights on.