Mangerton Mill Museum

The old mill sitting just outside Bridport is one of those places that stops you in your tracks if you're wandering the Dorset lanes. Mangerton Mill Museum occupies a working watermill where the wheel still turns, and you can actually see how grain was ground centuries ago. It's genuinely fascinating - the machinery is intact, the building smells of damp stone and wood, and there's something rather meditative about watching water power at work.

This is really for the curious types rather than thrill-seekers. History enthusiasts and anyone interested in how things actually functioned before electricity will find themselves spending a good hour here, poking about the different rooms and watching demonstrations if you time it right. Kids can be entertained by the water wheel, though the appeal does depend on age - youngsters under seven might find it all a bit slow.

The museum sits handily for anyone staying at the nearby glamping spots like Walnut Farm or Hidden Valley, or the larger parks such as Parkdean Resorts West Bay further afield. It makes for a solid half-day activity to break up a week of beach trips and countryside walks. The Bridport connection also means you can tie it in with the town's Thursday market or a wander around the high street without much effort.

Opening arrangements can be a bit variable, so ring ahead before setting out. Admission is modest when it's open. Well worth the detour if you're into rural heritage, but don't expect theme park theatrics - this is the real thing, quiet and unhurried.