Paul Slavin Fine Art

The converted barn housing Paul Slavin's studio and gallery sits just outside Mells, and it's the kind of place you stumble upon rather than plan for. Slavin's work - mostly large-scale paintings and sculptures - fills the space with real intensity. You're looking at proper contemporary art here, the sort that demands you stand and actually think about what you're seeing rather than drift past it.

The setup is intimate. This isn't a sprawling institution with gift shops and crowds; it's a working studio where you might catch the artist himself moving around. That immediacy matters. If you're into painting and sculpture, you'll find it worthwhile. Casual browsers might feel a touch out of their depth, but that's not really a criticism - it's just what it is.

It's free to visit, though opening times aren't advertised online, so ring ahead before making the trip. Allow an hour maximum - you're not talking about a vast collection, but what's here rewards proper looking rather than speed. The barn itself has character, all exposed stone and high ceilings.

If you're staying at Glamping on the Hill nearby, this fits well into a quiet day exploring the Mells area. Pair it with a walk around the village itself and lunch at one of the local spots. It works best for art-focused visitors and those wanting something different from the usual holiday trail. Not everyone's cup of tea, but exactly right if contemporary visual art is your thing.