EMI GORDON

The EMI Gordon gallery sits within Cambridge's art scene, offering a focused look at contemporary work in one of England's most intellectually charged cities. It's a proper working gallery rather than a grand institution - the kind of place where you might catch artists in their element or stumble into an exhibition that genuinely makes you think.

What you'll find depends entirely on what's showing when you visit. The gallery rotates exhibitions, so there's no single "must-see" piece to chase down. That's actually the appeal. You're not herding around a fixed collection; you're responding to what's live on the walls right now. Most visits take between 45 minutes and an hour, unless you're the type to sit with the work properly.

It works best for people who actually enjoy galleries - folk who don't need hand-holding or gift shops to justify the trip. Visual artists, design types, and anyone serious about contemporary practice will get the most from it. If you're dragging reluctant teenagers along, this won't fix that problem.

If you're based at one of the caravan sites ringing Cambridge - the Camping and Caravanning Club site is barely over a mile away - the gallery makes a cracking afternoon slot between other city attractions. It's close enough to the centre that you're not burning petrol, but far enough that it doesn't feel like fighting crowds. Check opening hours and current exhibitions before heading over; galleries do shift their schedules without warning.