Beaminster Gallery

The gallery sits in Beaminster itself, a proper working market town that doesn't feel like it's been sanitised for visitors. You'll find contemporary art and often local work on rotation - the kind of place where the staff actually know what they're talking about rather than just standing behind a till. It's compact, so don't expect to lose hours here, but that's rather the point. You can walk round in thirty minutes or so, depending on how long you linger over pieces.

It works best for art types and anyone wanting to understand what's happening in Dorset's creative scene right now. Families with older kids might enjoy it if they're already in town, though younger ones will get restless. The real benefit is using it as a stopping point when you're in the Bridport area anyway - grab a coffee afterwards, have a wander through the independent shops, then head back to base.

If you're staying at one of the glamping sites nearby - Dorset Forest Garden is less than two miles away, or Cider Farm Orchard if you want something with a bit more character - it's worth a rainy afternoon visit. The town itself pulls its weight though, so don't skip the other bits just to tick the gallery off. Check opening hours before you go, as smaller galleries sometimes close between exhibitions or take odd days off.