Durlston Head Art Gallery

The clifftop location alone makes this worth the trip from Swanage. Durlston Head Art Gallery sits right on the edge, with views that stretch across the Dorset coast - the kind of prospect that makes you forget you're meant to be looking at the art on the walls.

It's a modest space, not one of those sprawling contemporary museums that takes half a day to get through. What's actually on show varies depending on the season, but you'll find work from local and regional artists - paintings mostly, some sculpture. The real draw is how the gallery uses its position. Natural light floods in, and on a clear day you can see right along the coast towards Purbeck.

Free admission is a genuine bonus. You're not forking out cash for the privilege of a quick look around, which means popping in between coastal walks feels less of a commitment.

Walkers get the most out of this. You're likely already up here exploring the coastal paths, and the gallery becomes a natural stopping point rather than a planned destination. Families with older kids (under-eights might fidget) will find it manageable - probably forty minutes to an hour if you're not in a rush.

It pairs well with a Swanage Bay View or Ulwell holiday - both within a couple of miles. After time in the gallery, the South West Coast Path is right on your doorstep. Don't expect a major cultural event, but for a quiet afternoon with a proper view, it does the job.