Westover Gallery Ringwood

The Westover Gallery sits right in the heart of Ringwood, a proper little market town that doesn't shout about itself but rewards a proper look around. It's a contemporary art space that punches above its weight - the kind of place you stumble into expecting ten minutes and end up lingering for an hour because the work actually stops you in your tracks.

What you'll find here depends on the exhibition, but it's always local and regional artists getting a platform, alongside occasional touring shows. The space itself is intimate without feeling cramped, and the staff actually know what they're talking about rather than just standing about. Free admission, thankfully, so there's no excuse not to pop in.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Fernwood Glamping or Ashley Heath are closest - it's an easy morning diversion before heading into the New Forest proper. Ringwood itself has enough independent shops and decent cafes to make it worth combining with a gallery visit rather than treating it as a quick stop.

Historically minded visitors will get more from Ringwood's market square and Georgian high street than they will from the gallery, but anyone who actually cares about contemporary work in the region should make the effort. It's not a destination in itself, but as part of a wider Dorset loop including the Forest Edge or Oakdene Forest parks, it fits in naturally. Check ahead for opening times and current exhibitions before you visit - the programming isn't constant.