Dotty Gallery

The Dotty Gallery sits just outside Leicester and is the kind of place you'll either love immediately or walk straight past without realising what you've found. It's a contemporary art space that takes itself seriously without the stuffiness you'd expect - the sort of venue that actually encourages you to spend time with the work rather than speed through it.

Inside, you'll find rotating exhibitions featuring everything from painting and sculpture to installation and mixed media. The scale is intimate, which means crowds never feel overwhelming, and you can genuinely absorb what's on display. It's the type of gallery that rewards a proper look rather than a quick weekend tick-box.

Art enthusiasts and serious collectors will get the most from a visit here, though anyone with a genuine interest in contemporary work will find something worth their time. It's not the place to drag reluctant teenagers through, but kids with even a passing interest in making things will likely engage.

The location makes it a solid addition to a park holiday based around Leicester - Reas Glamping Retreat at Zillahs Spinney and Emily's Cut Camping are both within striking distance if you're basing yourselves nearby. You can knock this out in an hour or so, leaving time to explore Leicester's city centre or venture further afield to Eye Kettleby Lakes for something completely different.

Best bet is to check online for current exhibitions and opening hours before you visit, as independent galleries can be a bit inconsistent with their schedules.