Wallner Gallery

The Wallner Gallery sits within spitting distance of Nottingham, offering a proper dose of contemporary art without the pretension you'd find in bigger city venues. It's a working gallery space that takes itself seriously but doesn't make you feel like an outsider if you've never read a manifesto in your life.

What you're looking at is rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary work - paintings, installations, occasionally sculpture. The scale is intimate rather than overwhelming, which means you can actually spend proper time with pieces instead of power-walking through eighteen rooms. The staff know what they're talking about and won't quiz you on your artistic credentials.

It works best for anyone with a genuine interest in art rather than families looking for a rainy-day activity (kids will get restless after twenty minutes, honestly). If you're into contemporary practice or want to spot emerging talent before it gets picked up by the London galleries, this is worth the journey.

Based in Nottingham itself, it's handily positioned if you're staying at any of the nearby campsites - Holme Pierrepont is closest at 3.7 miles, and Meadow View Glamping is roughly the same distance. You could easily pair a gallery visit with a stroll around the city centre or along the Trent. Entry details aren't readily available online, so ring ahead or check their website before you go. Allow an hour, ninety minutes max unless there's something that truly grabs you.