Earl of Bedlam

The Earl of Bedlam is a gallery operation somewhere in the Wiltshire countryside near Ashurst, though it's the sort of place that keeps itself deliberately quiet. There's precious little information publicly available - no website to speak of, opening hours that remain a mystery, and admission charges left to chance. That said, if you're camping at Ashurst Campsite or any of the nearby grounds like Green Hill Farm or Matley Wood, it's worth ringing ahead to find out what's actually on offer.

What you're looking at is an art space, and from what locals will tell you, it tends to showcase contemporary work and installations. The appeal is highly specific - if you're into galleries, experimental art, or independent exhibition spaces, this might scratch that itch. Families with young kids who aren't yet enthusiastic about standing quietly in front of paintings? Probably not a long-stay proposition.

The real draw here is its proximity to the New Forest National Park, just 5.6 miles away. You could string together a decent day - morning in the gallery if it's open, afternoon wandering the forest. That said, it's not the sort of destination you'd build a whole trip around. Better to think of it as a rainy-day option when you're based at one of the local campsites. Ring Ashurst tourist information first - you'll save yourself a wasted journey.