Bridport Arts Centre

Right in the heart of Bridport, this converted Victorian brewery now hosts a proper little arts space that punches above its weight. You'll find contemporary exhibitions, live performance programmes, and workshops spread across intimate galleries - the sort of place where you can actually read the artist statements without feeling rushed. The building itself is worth a look, all exposed brick and industrial charm.

It's best suited to anyone who'd rather spend an afternoon looking at actual art than queuing for the Jurassic Coast's busier attractions. If your kids are past the fidgeting stage, they might engage with whatever's on. Parents who need a couple of hours away from theme parks and tacky seafront arcades will appreciate the calm here.

Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm - plan for 90 minutes to two hours depending on what's exhibiting. Admission charges vary by event, so ring ahead. The real draw is that it's free to browse the ground-floor gallery most of the time, which makes it a decent rainy-day option without breaking the bank.

Stay at any of the holiday parks within a few miles - Highlands End or Parkdean West Bay are closest if you're after caravan pitches - and you've got easy access to Bridport's independent shops and this venue without the West Bay car park nightmare. It's a grounding moment in what can otherwise be a very touristy stretch of coast.