Somerset Space Walk - Mercury

The Somerset Space Walk is a bit of an oddity - a gallery dedicated to Mercury, the smallest planet in our solar system, stuck somewhere near Taunton. It's the sort of place that makes you wonder how it came about, and honestly, that mystery is half the appeal.

What you're looking at is a collection of artwork, displays, and installations all centred on Mercury. Whether it's paintings, sculptures, or interactive bits, the idea is to get visitors thinking about this scorched little world closest to the sun. It's not your typical museum experience - this feels more like someone's passion project that's found a physical home.

Families with older kids who've got an interest in space will probably get something out of it, though younger children might find it a bit dry after twenty minutes or so. Adults who appreciate quirky, off-the-beaten-track galleries will absolutely love it. History types and science enthusiasts should factor it in if they're in the area.

The practical side: I'd ring ahead about opening hours and admission fees before making the trip, as details are thin on the ground. Allow an hour maximum, depending on how deep you want to go with each piece. It's a standalone sort of visit rather than a full day's activity.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Secret Valley or Thornhills are both reasonably close - it's the sort of rainy-afternoon distraction worth knowing about. Taunton's just down the road, so you can easily combine it with town shopping or other attractions.