Falmouth Art Gallery

The gallery sits right in Falmouth town centre, a converted Victorian building that doesn't announce itself loudly but rewards a proper look around. Inside, you'll find rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, craft, and design - the kind of space that takes itself seriously without being intimidating. On my last visit, the work ranged from paintings and sculpture to textile pieces and installations, with a decent showing of work by Cornish artists alongside touring exhibitions.

It's free to get in, which makes it an easy call on a drizzly afternoon or when you've had enough of the beach. You could spend forty minutes here or two hours depending on what's on and how slowly you like to move through galleries. The space is compact enough that it doesn't feel overwhelming, but substantial enough that it's not a five-minute job.

Families with older kids will find it worthwhile. Younger children might get restless, but there's usually something engaging in the programme. If you're basing yourselves at one of the nearby parks - Trethem Mill Touring Park is only four miles away - it makes a sensible rainy-day option or a cultural break from Cornish cream teas.

Trip planning note: opening hours aren't listed online, so ring ahead or check when you arrive. The gallery is walkable from Truro town centre if you're exploring the wider area. Worth half a day easily if you're interested in contemporary art, less so if galleries feel like an obligation.