West Bay Gallery

The gallery sits right in West Bay, that famous spot where the cliffs drop dramatically into the sea just outside Bridport. Local and contemporary work fills the space - painting, sculpture, photography, the usual gallery mix - but what makes it worth an hour of your time is that it's genuinely reflective of the area's creative community rather than tourist tat masquerading as art.

You're looking at pieces from artists who actually live and work in Dorset, not mass-produced prints of the Jurassic Coast. The exhibition changes regularly enough that repeat visits make sense if you're staying at one of the holiday parks nearby - Parkdean Resorts West Bay is practically on your doorstep, or Highlands End if you want something slightly quieter.

The space itself is unpretentious. No pretentious hushed tones or white-glove treatment. Walk in, have a browse, chat to staff if they're about, move on. It works best if you've got a genuine interest in what local artists are producing rather than ticking off attractions. Parents with bored teenagers might find twenty minutes enough; serious art types could easily spend longer.

Free entry, which is always welcome. Come on a quieter weekday morning if you can - the summer crowds heading for the cliff-top views make afternoons feel unnecessarily packed. Pair it with a walk along the beach or a proper look at those red and yellow cliffs from the promenade. On a decent day, you've got a proper morning sorted.