visiting UK post year-long academic visitors visa

My 1-year academic visitors visa expires in early October.

I'd like to be able to come back to the UK within a reasonable time frame.

I understand that I cannot return to the UK on another visitors visa for one year of the termination date, nor can the extend the visa I currently have.

I am not a student, so I would not apply for student visa.

In the past I have been granted a Tier 5 temporary visa for selective duties at academic institutions, but believe that another year must transpire before I can make use of this offering as well.

Is it at all possible to simply return on a 3-to-6 month tourist visa, just to visit friends or attend conferences (but not engage in any work or studies)?

Thank you for any assistance you can offer.
Glenna