Porlock Art Den

The Art Den sits in Porlock, a proper little village tucked between Minehead and the coastal cliffs of Exmoor. It's a gallery space where local and visiting artists show their work - paintings, sculpture, textiles, the sort of thing you'd expect in a serious creative community. Nothing flashy, nothing trying too hard. Just good work on the walls and people who actually know what they're talking about behind the counter.

You're looking at maybe an hour here, depending on what's on. Walk around, have a chat with whoever's minding the place, maybe buy something small if it speaks to you. It's the kind of stop that works brilliantly when you're staying at one of the caravan parks in Minehead - far enough away to feel like a proper outing, close enough that you're not losing the whole afternoon to the drive.

The village itself is worth an explore too. Porlock High Street has character, proper independent shops, and you can walk down to the seafront if the tide's right. Families won't get bored if the kids are vaguely interested in art or just happy wandering round a village. History buffs and anyone who actually cares about what local artists are doing will find it worthwhile.

Check ahead for opening times and what's currently on - exhibitions rotate and you don't want a wasted trip. It's free to have a look round, though they do expect you to buy something if you're staying more than five minutes. Fair enough, really.