Merlin Gallery

The Merlin Gallery sits in the Wiltshire countryside near Botswicky Copse, a modest art space that punches above its weight. Inside you'll find rotating exhibitions - mostly contemporary work from regional artists, with the odd national name thrown in. The space itself is intimate rather than grand, which means you're never fighting crowds to see anything properly.

It's worth an hour or so if you're into painting and sculpture, but don't expect the gravitas of a major institution. The real draw is how it fits into a proper country escape. If you're staying at Nordic Glamping at Botswicky just down the road, the gallery makes for a pleasant Wednesday afternoon when the weather's dodgy. The staff are genuinely knowledgeable - chat to them and you'll learn far more than any wall text tells you.

Admission details aren't widely published online, so ring ahead before making the trip. Opening hours can be patchy outside summer, which is typical for independent galleries in rural areas. Families with very young kids might find it a bit of a squeeze - there's not heaps of space to wander, and little ones often get restless indoors.

Combine it with a walk around the surrounding countryside or time in one of the parks nearby, and it becomes part of something larger rather than a destination in itself. Proper nice if you're the type who likes to support local artists, but not a reason alone to plan a holiday around.