Lucy's Farm

Lucy's Farm near Swanage is a working gallery that sits somewhere between a proper art space and a working farm - the kind of place where you might stumble across sculpture among the fields and find yourself talking to the artist over a cup of tea. The setup is refreshingly unpretentious. You wander around at your own pace, seeing what's on display in the converted farm buildings and across the land itself.

It works best for people who appreciate contemporary art but don't want the sterile gallery experience. If you're staying at Swanage Bay View Holiday Park or Ulwell Holiday Park - both just up the road - it's an easy afternoon detour rather than a full day mission. The proximity to Swanage means you're close enough to combine it with a beach visit if the mood takes you, or use it as a break from the seaside.

Walkers might appreciate the rural setting, and families with older kids who can handle a slower pace will find it gentle rather than exhausting. Younger children could get restless quickly unless they're the type to engage with art installations.

Because information about opening hours and admission fees isn't readily available, you'll want to ring ahead or check their website before visiting - nothing worse than driving out expecting to get in and finding the gates shut. It's the sort of place that rewards a bit of planning but rewards you for making the effort.