Gary Cook's artist studio

Gary Cook's studio sits just outside Shaftesbury, and it's the sort of place you stumble into half-expecting to leave after five minutes. You don't. Cook's work fills the space with real character - paintings and pieces that actually have something to say rather than the polished-but-soulless gallery fare you get in bigger towns. The studio feels lived-in, genuinely creative rather than curated for Instagram. You get a proper sense of how the work comes together, not just the finished article behind velvet ropes.

It's ideal if you're into contemporary art or painting specifically - less so if you're after twee local crafts or chocolate boxes. The intimacy of the space means you're not herded through in crowds, which is refreshing. Shaftesbury itself is worth an afternoon anyway, with Gold Hill Glamping just half a mile away if you're staying locally and want a creative break from the glamping field. The narrow streets and views across Dorset justify the visit on their own.

Opening hours can be variable for independent studios like this one, so do ring ahead or check before making the trip. You'll not need more than an hour unless you're genuinely keen on talking art with Cook himself, which he's usually up for. It's the kind of stop that works best as part of a wider exploration of the area rather than a destination in itself - but that's precisely why it's worth including on your itinerary.