Gordon and Mary

You'll find this gallery tucked away near Wincanton, in the heart of Somerset's countryside. Gordon and Mary is a small, independent art space that punches above its weight - the kind of place locals actually visit rather than tour coaches rolling through.

The gallery focuses on contemporary work, and the selection changes regularly enough that repeat visits don't feel stale. It's intimate without being cramped, and the staff know what they're talking about rather than just standing around looking decorative. Plan on 45 minutes to an hour unless you get properly absorbed in a particular piece.

This works best for anyone who actually enjoys art rather than ticking boxes. If you're the type to walk past a gallery without breaking stride, you'll find nothing here to convert you. But if you appreciate painting, sculpture, or whatever's on rotation, it's worth the detour from the main tourist drag.

Camping nearby at Sunnyhill - just under a mile and a half away - gives you a proper base for exploring this quieter corner of Somerset. Hadspen Glamping, further out at four miles, works too if you want something a touch more comfortable between gallery visits.

Check ahead before you go, as opening hours can be sporadic for smaller galleries like this. It's the kind of place that might close for a private event or during quieter months, so a quick call saves a wasted journey.