Anita Nowinska Art

A working artist's studio and gallery space rather than a formal museum - that's what makes Anita Nowinska Art worth the trip down to Totnes. You're looking at contemporary work in an intimate setting where the artist actually uses the space, which changes everything about how the pieces land. The studio itself becomes part of the experience; there's none of that sterile white-wall gallery feel.

The work varies, but expect painting and mixed media that takes up residence in your head after you've left. It's the sort of place where you can actually have a conversation with someone who knows what they're talking about, rather than reading laminated cards. That matters more than people think.

Art enthusiasts will obviously get the most from a visit, but it's also good for anyone after something a bit different from the usual tourist trail. Parents of bored teenagers might find their kids unexpectedly engaged - the informality helps. Allow forty minutes to an hour, depending on how talkative you're feeling.

Totnes itself is a proper draw - independent shops, good cafes, and the castle if the weather's grim. If you're based at Ashbourne Woods just down the road, this makes a straightforward morning sortie without committing to a major road trip. Check ahead for opening times before you go; artist studios keep their own schedules.