Roger Jones

You'll find Roger Jones's work in Mells, a proper jewel of a Somerset village that doesn't get nearly the foot traffic it deserves. The gallery itself is a working creative space where the artist still produces - that's the real draw rather than standing in silence looking at framed pieces behind glass.

Jones works primarily in painting and sculpture, with a sensibility that feels rooted in the landscape around him. There's nothing overly conceptual about it; these are pieces that make sense when you're standing in rolling Somerset countryside. The space has that lived-in feel of somewhere genuine - you're visiting a studio, not a corporate gallery.

Families with older kids who can appreciate actual craft will get something out of it; small children might fidget after twenty minutes. Walkers exploring the village itself should definitely pop in. Art history enthusiasts will probably find it worthwhile, though this isn't cutting-edge contemporary work - it's solid, considered work that rewards looking properly.

Getting the practical details sorted beforehand is worth doing - contact the gallery directly about opening times and admission, as information online is patchy. Allow an hour if you're combining it with a proper wander round Mells itself, which has stone cottages, a church, and enough character to justify the visit regardless.

Glamping on the Hill, just down the road, makes a natural base. It's close enough that you could stay put for a few days and explore Mells and surrounding villages without rushing.