First-View

A contemporary art gallery tucked away near Wincanton that punches well above its weight. First-View is the sort of place that rewards the effort of finding it - the kind of gallery where you actually want to linger rather than rush through in forty minutes.

The space itself is modern and intimate, showing rotating exhibitions that lean toward emerging artists and experimental work. You won't find the blockbuster names here, which is rather the point. It's the sort of venue where you might stumble on something genuinely interesting, a piece that actually makes you stop and think instead of just taking a photo for Instagram.

For art types and anyone interested in what's happening in contemporary practice beyond London, it's worth the drive. Families with young children might find it a bit of a stretch - there's not really anything here to occupy fidgety hands. Walkers passing through the area could easily tack it on before or after exploring the nearby parks.

Both Sunnyhill Campsite and Longleat Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite are close by, so you could make an afternoon of it if you're camping in the region. That said, do check opening hours and whether there's an admission charge before making the journey - galleries like this operate on variable schedules, and you'd be frustrated to find it shut when you arrive.