Clarendon Fine Art Lymington

Art galleries in seaside towns can be hit or miss, but Clarendon Fine Art in Lymington is worth a proper look if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Shorefield or Lytton Lawn. It's a working gallery rather than a museum, so you'll find contemporary pieces and work by established artists - the kind of place where staff actually know what they're talking about rather than just minding the till.

You're looking at a fairly intimate space, which means you won't need more than an hour unless you're genuinely deep into art. That said, if you're in Lymington for the day anyhow - and it's a lovely spot with the river and all the nautical bits - it's worth ducking in while you're about town. The waterfront location helps; you can browse some paintings, grab a coffee nearby, and not feel like you've wasted the journey.

It's less of a draw for young kids who'd rather be on the beach, and you'll want to check opening hours before you head over - galleries can be a bit funny about their schedules, especially outside summer season. But for a rainy afternoon or if someone in your party actually enjoys looking at art, it beats sitting in the caravan. Admission is usually free or modest; ring ahead to be sure. Fits well into a wider Isle of Wight coastal potter rather than being a reason to base your entire holiday there.