Golden Lion Bridge

The Golden Lion Bridge gallery sits just outside Swindon, housed in what was once a proper coaching inn. It's a small, independent space - the kind of place you stumble upon rather than plan for - showcasing contemporary art and craft work from regional artists. The building itself, all exposed beams and wonky ceilings, is half the appeal. You'll find paintings, sculpture, jewellery and ceramics rotated through the shows, which change regularly enough that repeat visits feel worthwhile.

This is really for people who actually care about art. If you're the type to wander through galleries for hours, you'll appreciate the personal touch here - it's run by artists who know their stuff and can talk properly about the work. Kids will likely lose interest after twenty minutes, and if your idea of culture is a gift shop with overpriced postcards, look elsewhere.

The admission fees and opening hours vary depending on what exhibition's on, so check ahead before making the trip. It's a quick stop - maybe an hour if you're thorough - but worth combining with a walk along the nearby country lanes rather than making it your main event. If you're staying at Nordic Glamping at Botswicky five miles away, it's an easy detour before or after exploring the Wiltshire countryside properly. The real draw here is supporting local artists, not ticking off a major attraction.