does anyone have a venu near them which hosts public art exhibitions? It doesnt matter where it is in the UK.....I am trying to get some ideas of just how many of these sort of places there are

There are several places in Oxford and around us in the Cotswolds :)

We've got an exhibition room where I work.  Visiting artist exhibit there each week or so.

http://www.comptonverney.org.uk/?page=home

This sort of thing?

Compton Verney's a fantastic venue if you can get it.

http://www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk/default.html

Daisy

Local art gallery/museum does though tis only small.