John Groves & Sons

Finding John Groves & Sons feels like stumbling upon a proper local secret. This small gallery in Dorset showcases work that's rooted in the county's artistic traditions, though you'll need to check ahead as opening times seem to vary. The space itself is intimate - don't expect vast halls or crowds of tourists.

Art lovers and those with a genuine interest in regional creativity will find this more rewarding than casual browsers. The gallery tends to feature local artists and craftspeople, giving you a real sense of Dorset's contemporary creative scene rather than the usual tourist fare. It's the sort of place where you might actually chat with the person behind the counter about the work on display.

Weymouth is your nearest proper town, making this an easy addition to a coastal break. If you're staying at one of the holiday parks along Chesil Beach - particularly Chesil Beach Lodge Park which gets decent reviews - it's well worth the short drive inland. Allow an hour at most, unless something really catches your eye.

Best to ring ahead or check locally for current opening hours, as smaller galleries like this often operate on their own schedule. It works well as a rainy day option when the beach loses its appeal, or as a quiet cultural pit-stop between Weymouth's busier attractions.