Arts & Crafts In The Chapel

A working chapel converted into a creative space where you can actually watch artists and craftspeople at their benches. It's the sort of place that catches you off guard - you turn up expecting a quiet heritage site and instead find someone hand-binding books or throwing pottery in what used to be the nave.

The appeal here is witnessing the real thing rather than viewing finished work behind velvet ropes. Artists rotate through the space, so what you see depends entirely on when you visit. Some days you'll find jewellers, other times printmakers or textile workers. It's genuinely interactive - most of them chat openly about their process if you're interested.

This works brilliantly for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship but quickly bores children unless they're the hands-on type. History enthusiasts get an extra kick from seeing contemporary creativity in a sacred space. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you get talking to the artists.

Exeter sits just down the road, so you can slot this into a broader day trip. The nearby touring parks - Barley Meadow is rated exceptionally well, and Sunsets & Marshmallows glamping offers something different if you're after a bit of comfort - make it easy to base yourself locally. Woodland Springs is also nearby if you want conventional caravan facilities.

Park your expectations appropriately: this isn't a polished museum. It's a working space that happens to welcome visitors. That's precisely what makes it worth the stop.