Denewood

Denewood is a museum tucked away near Christchurch in Dorset, and it's the sort of place that rewards a bit of curiosity. The collection centres on local history and heritage - exactly the kind of material that makes sense when you're staying in the area for a week rather than passing through. You'll find artefacts and displays that tell you something genuine about how people lived here, rather than the sort of generic visitor-centre stuff you find everywhere.

Walking through takes maybe an hour, possibly longer if you're the type to read everything. It's quiet, which is either a bonus or a drawback depending on your mood. Families with young kids might find it a touch dull - there's not much interactive nonsense - but anyone with a genuine interest in Dorset's past will find it worthwhile. Local history enthusiasts should definitely make the trip.

The practical details are a bit vague (opening hours and admission aren't widely advertised), so it's worth ringing ahead or checking locally when you arrive. If you're based at Meadowbank Holidays or Haven Rockley Park, both within striking distance, Denewood makes a decent wet-weather option or a quiet morning before heading to the coast. Christchurch itself is pleasant enough for a wander, with the river adding a bit of appeal.