Estover Library

A proper working library on the outskirts of Plymouth, Estover serves the local community without any tourist fanfare whatsoever. It's not the sort of place you'd plan a day trip around, but if you're staying nearby - say at Dartmoor Domes just down the road - and you've forgotten a book or need to settle the kids somewhere quiet for an hour, it does the job.

The building itself is functional rather than fancy. Modern enough, bright enough, with a decent selection of paperbacks and the usual library kit: computers, study spaces, children's section. The staff are helpful. It's the kind of place that reflects how real people in Devon actually spend their time, which has a certain charm if you're after authenticity over Instagram moments.

Worth knowing: opening hours and admission details aren't widely advertised online, so ring ahead if you're planning to visit. Allow 30 minutes to an hour maximum unless you're genuinely after something specific. The real draw for holiday makers staying at nearby parks would be the rainy-day option factor - somewhere warm and dry when the weather turns on you, which in Devon it will. Don't expect exhibitions or events. Just a library. Sometimes that's exactly what you need.