The Good Life
Arts & Culture
From world-class galleries and open-air theatres to literary festivals and ancient heritage sites — a guide to the West Country's rich cultural life.
Art & Galleries
Somerset & Bath
Bruton, Somerset
Hauser & Wirth Somerset
A world-renowned contemporary art gallery set in historic farm buildings, featuring large-scale indoor exhibitions, a landscaped perennial meadow designed by Piet Oudolf, and an on-site restaurant.
Visit website →Tisbury, Somerset
Messums West
Housed in historic 13th-century barns, this multi-purpose space showcases contemporary works and features an excellent on-site cafe.
Visit website →Bath, Somerset
Beaux Arts Bath
The longest-established independent commercial gallery in Bath, located in a listed Georgian building near the Roman Baths, focusing on modern paintings, sculpture, and ceramics.
Visit website →Bristol
Clifton, Bristol
Royal West of England Academy (RWA)
Bristol's first dedicated art gallery hosts world-class exhibitions, interactive workshops, and the highly anticipated Annual Open Exhibition.
Visit website →Clifton Village, Bristol
Clifton Contemporary Art
Situated in Clifton Village, this gallery specialises in works by West Country painters, ceramicists, and printmakers with a personal, non-salesy approach.
Visit website →Dorset & Devon
Chideock, Dorset
Artwave West
Located near Charmouth, this highly regarded gallery represents both British and international contemporary artists across various mediums.
Visit website →Hatherleigh, Devon
Salar Gallery
A warm, welcoming space near Dartmoor showcasing rural landscapes, traditional craftsmanship, and local artists.
Visit website →Cornwall
St Ives, Cornwall
Tate St Ives
Overlooking Porthmeor Beach, this iconic gallery showcases the very best of 20th-century Cornish modern art alongside leading international contemporary artists.
Visit website →St Just, Cornwall
The Jackson Foundation
A multi-award winning, carbon-negative gallery space dedicated to the powerful environmental paintings of renowned West Country artist Kurt Jackson.
Visit website →Art Fairs
Somerset · Bruton
Hauser & Wirth Bruton
One of the world's leading contemporary art galleries, set on a working farm in Bruton, Somerset. A year-round programme of exhibitions, art fairs, talks, workshops and cultural events at Stockwell House on the High Street and the gallery farm estate.
View events →Somerset · Bath
Bath Art Fair
An award-winning annual fair at Bath Pavilion showcasing affordable original art direct from artists across the country. Now in its eleventh year, next fair is 26th–28th February 2027.
Visit website →Music
From intimate folk sessions in ancient pubs to open-air festivals on the clifftops — the West Country has a rich and vibrant music scene.
Art & Galleries
Independent galleries showcasing local and national talent, from the famous St Ives School to contemporary spaces in Dartmouth and Bristol.
Pottery & Crafts
From seaside studio potters to celebrated ceramic artists and artisan makers — the West Country has a thriving craft tradition.
Theatre & Performance
World-class open-air theatres, touring companies and intimate village halls bringing drama and performance to life across the region.
Books & Literature
Independent bookshops, literary festivals and the writers, poets and storytellers inspired by West Country landscapes.
Film & TV
From Poldark's clifftops to Doc Martin's Port Isaac — discover the locations, stories and productions that put the West Country on screen.
Heritage & History
Ancient stone circles, Norman castles, grand country houses and the deep layers of history woven into the West Country's landscape.
Art Fairs
From the award-winning Bath Art Fair to Discover Bruton and beyond — the West Country hosts some of the UK's most exciting and accessible art fairs, showcasing original works direct from artists.