Virgin Crucible

The Virgin Crucible sits quietly in Dronfield, a contemporary art space that punches above its weight for a town of this size. It's a working gallery and studio complex where you can actually watch artists at it rather than just gaze at finished work behind velvet ropes. The converted industrial space has proper character - exposed brick, high ceilings, the lot - and the exhibitions rotate regularly enough that locals don't get bored with the permanent fixtures.

This place appeals to anyone who fancies themselves a bit artsy without needing the intimidation factor of a major city gallery. Young kids might find it a bit dry unless there's a hands-on workshop on, but teenagers and actual art enthusiasts will get something from it. The proximity to Riverside Valley Camping, just down the road, makes it a sensible half-day stop if you're based in the area for a longer break.

I'd recommend ringing ahead about current exhibitions and opening hours before you trek over - information's thin on the ground online. Admission is usually reasonable for independent galleries, sometimes free depending on what's showing. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're the sort who reads every label. On a wet Tuesday afternoon it's genuinely worth the detour; on a sunny Saturday when you could be walking the Peak District instead, it's less critical. Still, if you're camping nearby and the weather's ropey, it beats sitting in the caravan drinking tea.