Echo Beach Gallery

The gallery sits in Ilfracombe, a proper working harbour town where the art scene has quietly grown alongside the fish trade. Echo Beach Gallery is a contemporary space that punches above its weight - the kind of place you'd walk past on the high street and think nothing of, then end up spending an hour inside because the work on the walls actually stops you. Local artists dominate the programme, which means you get a real sense of what's happening in North Devon's creative circles rather than a rehashed travelling exhibition.

It's not vast, which suits it. You can cover everything in 30 to 45 minutes without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The space works well for those who like to linger over individual pieces - photographers, painters, sculptors rotating through depending on the season. Kids might find it a bit cerebral unless there's an interactive show on, but teenagers with an actual interest in art will appreciate the no-nonsense approach.

If you're staying at Hele Valley Holiday Park just down the road, or any of the coastal parks within a few miles - Sandaway Beach, Golden Coast, Newberry Valley - it's worth popping into town for an afternoon. Combine it with a walk along Ilfracombe's seafront or a proper lunch at one of the harbourside cafes. Don't expect a blockbuster gallery experience; expect something genuine that reflects where you actually are.