Ashleigh Bishop Fine Art

Ashleigh Bishop Fine Art sits in Minehead, a working gallery where you can actually watch the artist at practice rather than just gawp at finished pieces behind rope. The space showcases contemporary work - mostly paintings and mixed media - with that pleasant feel of somewhere run by someone who genuinely cares about what hangs on the walls rather than squeezing maximum footfall through the door.

It's the sort of place that appeals to serious art types and anyone after a quiet hour away from the seafront buzz. You won't need more than 45 minutes here unless you strike up a conversation with Ashleigh, which plenty of visitors do. Admission details weren't confirmed when we checked, so ring ahead or drop in during your holiday to find out current opening hours and whether there's a charge.

Minehead itself is holiday-park central - Butlins is your mass-market shout just 1.5 miles away, while Hoburne Blue Anchor (2.2 miles) pulls in higher ratings if you're after something a touch more upmarket. The gallery works well as a rainy-day option during a caravan break, or as a breather from the amusement arcades if you're staying at one of the bigger complexes. Worth a look if art matters to you; skip it otherwise.