Peacock butterfly

The Peacock Butterfly gallery sits in Christchurch, a market town that punches above its weight for art and culture. It's a proper independent space, the sort of place you stumble upon and end up spending far longer than expected. The gallery focuses on contemporary work - think paintings, sculpture, sometimes installation pieces - with a rotating programme that keeps locals coming back.

You'll get the most from this if you're into modern art without the stuffiness of bigger institutions. There's something refreshing about galleries this size - no queues, no crowds, just you and the work. The staff actually know what they're talking about, which makes a difference. Allow a good hour, longer if something really catches your eye.

Timing-wise, it's worth calling ahead to confirm opening hours, as independent galleries sometimes shift their schedule seasonally. Christchurch itself is worth half a day - the high street has decent independent shops and cafes, and you're minutes from the Avon Valley countryside.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Meadowbank Holidays is closest at two miles - the gallery makes an excellent rainy afternoon plan. It's also walking distance from Christchurch Priory if you want to combine some history with your art fix. The town centre location means parking is straightforward, which is always a bonus when you're on a park holiday.