Proud Peacock, Bahar Floeers

The Proud Peacock at Bahar Flowers sits just outside Ashford, and it's one of those places that catches you off guard. You'll find it tucked among the nursery grounds - part gallery, part flower shop, entirely unpretentious. The space itself is modest but genuine, with an art collection that rotates seasonally and local artists getting a decent platform. It's the sort of spot where you can spend twenty minutes or two hours depending on what's on and how much you fancy lingering over a cup of tea.

Who should bother? Anyone keen on supporting independent galleries rather than the usual high street fare. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the rotating exhibitions, though don't expect blockbuster shows - this is grassroots stuff. Families with older kids who aren't gallery-phobic will find it manageable, though younger children might lose interest quickly. The real appeal is the combination: you get art without the stuffiness, flowers without the supermarket feel, and genuine conversation with people who actually know what they're talking about.

If you're based at one of the nearby campsites - Broadhembury or Dunn Street Farm are closest - it makes a decent afternoon detour on a slower day. Pop in, browse, grab something for the caravan. Admission details aren't widely publicised online, so ring ahead to check opening hours and what's currently showing. It's the kind of place that rewards a bit of curiosity rather than rigid planning.