Compass

Just south of Bristol, Compass is a contemporary art gallery that punches well above its weight. The space itself - clean lines, good natural light - doesn't distract from the work on display, which is exactly as it should be.

The gallery focuses on emerging and established artists, with exhibitions that rotate regularly. I saw pieces that made me stop and actually look, rather than the sort of art you photograph and move on from. It's not massive - you can see everything properly in under an hour - but that's rather the point. The curation is tight.

Who'll get the most from it? Art types, obviously, but also anyone who wants something a bit different from the usual tourist circuit. If you're staying at Somerset Glamping nearby, this is a proper reason to venture toward Bristol for a morning without feeling like you've wasted the journey.

The gallery is free to enter, which is fair enough given the quality. Opening hours and specific exhibition dates worth checking their website before you go - galleries do shift things around seasonally. The location means you can combine it with Bristol's other galleries and the city centre without too much faff.

It's not a day-long thing, but it's exactly the sort of stop that separates a decent holiday from one where you've actually engaged with something real. Well worth the short drive from the Somerset coast.