Claire Cameron Designs - Pawtraits In Clay

Clay dogs and cats stare back at you from the gallery walls - each one a proper likeness of someone's actual pet, captured in ceramic form. Claire Cameron Designs specialises in custom pawtraits, and this is where you can see the finished pieces on display near Wareham.

It's a niche attraction, no question about that. If you're the sort who thinks a portrait of your spaniel is worth a trip out, you'll find something here. The work shows real craft - the detail in the glazing, the personality caught in each animal's expression. It won't take you long to walk through, maybe thirty minutes tops, but if you're genuinely interested in pet portraiture or ceramic art, it's worth a detour.

The setup is small and intimate rather than grand. This isn't somewhere that'll occupy an afternoon, but paired with exploring Wareham itself - the Saxon walls are worth a proper look - it fits as part of a morning's wander. Dog owners especially might get a kick out of it, though your actual dog won't care much either way.

With Norden Farm Campsite just two miles away and several other campsites within easy reach around Wareham Forest, it's simple to slot in during a holiday in the area. The town's got decent pubs and the River Frome runs right through it. Check ahead though - opening hours aren't always consistent for smaller galleries like this, so ring first or you might find the door locked.