The Happy Crab Gallery

The Happy Crab Gallery sits in Rodwell, a stone's throw from Weymouth's seafront, and it's exactly what the name suggests - a proper little art space with personality. The gallery showcases local artists and crafts, with a focus on work that captures something of the Dorset coast and its character. You'll find paintings, prints, jewellery, and the kind of handmade pieces you don't see in chain shops.

It's the sort of place you'll either love or walk straight past, depending on what you're after. Art enthusiasts and anyone keen to support local makers will find it worth a browse. Kids will get bored within five minutes unless they're genuinely interested in coastal art. Realistically, allow thirty minutes to an hour - enough time to look round without feeling rushed, but not somewhere you'd spend an afternoon.

Being within walking distance of Haven Littlesea Holiday Park, Waterside Chesil Beach Holiday Park, and Haven Weymouth Bay makes it a decent rainy-day option if you're based nearby. Weymouth itself has plenty more going on - the beach, the sea wall, decent fish and chips - so you'd slot this in rather than making it your sole destination.

Frequent the place in the quieter months if you can. Summer holidays bring the crowds to everything round here, and a small gallery loses its appeal when it's rammed. No parking hassles in Rodwell either, which is a bonus.