The Bell Tower Gallery

Climbing the narrow stone steps up to The Bell Tower Gallery in Shaftesbury feels like stepping into someone's private art collection. The gallery itself occupies this historic tower space - all tight corners and creaky wooden floors - which honestly adds to the appeal rather than detracting from it. You're looking at contemporary art, mostly, displayed in a space that wasn't exactly designed for the job but somehow works brilliantly because of it.

The views from the top are the real draw. Shaftesbury's Gold Hill drops away beneath you, and on a clear day you can see proper distances across the Blackmore Vale. It's the sort of view that makes you understand why people keep paintings of this particular hill on their walls.

This isn't a place for a two-hour gallery crawl. You'll likely spend 45 minutes here, maybe an hour if you're reading the artist statements properly. Art types will get the most from it - the rotating exhibitions lean contemporary rather than traditional, and the setting itself is part of the work. Families with young children might find it a bit cramped and precious, though older kids who actually care about art will find it interesting.

If you're staying at Gold Hill Glamping nearby, it's practically on your doorstep and worth a morning visit before heading elsewhere in Dorset. Ring ahead though - opening hours aren't straightforward, and you'll want to confirm admission costs before making the trip up those stairs.