GREENWAYS STUDIOS

A working studio gallery near Taunton where you can actually watch artists in their element - no velvet ropes or pretentious vibes here. Greenways Studios gives you a proper glimpse of how creative types operate day-to-day, with paintings, prints, and sculptures displayed right alongside the mess of making them.

You'll wander through spaces where the work is genuinely unfolding. Some visitors spend twenty minutes browsing, others get chatting with whoever's there and end up staying over an hour. It's that kind of place - low-key, genuine, with none of the gallery circuit theatre. The artists are often around to talk about their work, which beats reading a placard every time.

This works brilliantly if you're basing yourself at somewhere like Waterrow Touring Park, a short drive away. Perfect for a rainy Somerset afternoon or a morning before heading elsewhere. Kids won't get bored if they're interested in art-making rather than just looking, and the informal atmosphere means nobody's shooting you daggers for lingering.

Check ahead on opening hours and admission costs before you go - best to ring ahead or check online first. The advantage of smaller studios is flexibility, but also that they can close unexpectedly. Worth the detour if you're already exploring the Taunton area, less so if you're just passing through.