Arts University Plymouth

Arts University Plymouth sits right in the city centre, a working creative space rather than a stuffy traditional gallery. You'll find student work alongside professional exhibitions - paintings, sculpture, digital pieces, the lot - constantly rotating through their spaces. It's genuinely interesting because it feels alive and current, not like you're trudging through a museum of dead artists.

The university itself occupies converted Victorian buildings, which gives the whole place character. Walking through you bump into actual art students at work, which adds an energy you don't get in commercial galleries. Some exhibitions are proper thought-provoking; others are a bit indulgent student work - that's the deal when you're visiting a working art school.

It suits curious types who want to see what contemporary artists are actually making, rather than people wanting a quick tourist tick-off. Kids might find it hit or miss depending on the current shows. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're really into it. Admission appears to be free, though it's worth checking ahead.

If you're staying at Dartmoor Domes five miles out - lovely spot by the way - this makes a solid rainy-day or evening detour into Plymouth proper. Combine it with a wander around the Barbican, grab dinner in the city, and you've got a proper evening sorted. Not a reason to visit Devon on its own, but worth knowing about if you're in the area.