Towards The Sky

The moment you walk into Towards The Sky, you're confronted with scale. This Bristol-area gallery punches well above what you'd expect from its modest footprint, focusing on contemporary art that actually makes you stop and think rather than shuffle past politely.

It's a working studio space as much as a gallery, so you get that rare thing - artists who are actually there. You can ask questions, watch work in progress, get a sense of the creative process that usually stays hidden behind gallery walls. The exhibitions rotate regularly and lean towards abstract, conceptual pieces, which means it's not the sort of place for a quick five-minute wander. Give it at least an hour if you want to engage properly.

This works brilliantly if you're basing yourself at Somerset Glamping nearby - the site punches above its weight for a rural getaway, and Towards The Sky breaks up the countryside routine nicely without requiring a full day trip into Bristol proper. It's genuinely worth the detour if you're into contemporary art or simply want somewhere that feels lived-in and unpretentious.

Families with young kids might find it a bit abstract for their patience levels, but teenagers who've started thinking about art seriously will get far more from it than the usual gallery experience. Phone ahead to check current exhibitions and opening hours - they're not always standard gallery times.