The Sentinel

The Sentinel is a contemporary art gallery tucked just outside Peterborough, right on the doorstep of Ferry Meadows Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite if you're camping in the area. It's a working studio and exhibition space that punches well above its weight - the kind of place you stumble upon and think, "How did I not know about this?"

What you get is rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, sculpture, and mixed media work. It's small enough to feel intimate but serious about the work it shows. The space itself has character - proper raw edges, high ceilings, good light. You can usually chat with artists while they're working, which beats the sterile gallery experience you get in bigger cities.

This is squarely for people who actually like looking at art rather than ticking a box. If you're the type who reads the notes and wants to understand what you're looking at, you'll get more from it. Kids under ten will probably be bored within twenty minutes, but teenagers with any artistic interest might genuinely enjoy it.

Practical stuff: opening hours and admission fees aren't publicly listed online, so ring ahead before you visit - it operates on a slightly informal basis, which is either refreshing or frustrating depending on your mood. Budget an hour maximum if you're just passing through, longer if you get talking to anyone.

It works nicely as a half-day activity when based at one of the nearby campsites, paired with a walk along the Nene Valley.