Floella Benjamin

Floella Benjamin's gallery in Exeter celebrates the life and work of the beloved children's television presenter and author. Walking in, you're immediately transported by personal memorabilia, photographs from her decades in broadcasting, and items connected to her most iconic shows. The space feels intimate rather than grand - this is someone's story told properly, not a corporate retrospective.

Benjamin's career spanned from Rainbow through Play School to presenting for the BBC, and the gallery doesn't shy away from how genuinely significant she's been in British children's media. There are original scripts, costume pieces, and candid behind-the-scenes shots that give real insight into what it took to build that legacy. It's surprisingly moving if you grew up watching her, though younger visitors might need context from parents or grandparents to fully appreciate the impact.

The gallery works best for adults with a nostalgic connection - anyone who remembers Benjamin's warmth on screen will find it worthwhile. Family groups with older children asking questions about television history will get something from it too. Allow an hour maximum, unless you're planning to linger and read everything thoroughly.

Exeter itself offers plenty to fill a longer day, and if you're staying at Devon Heaven Hideaways just outside the city, the gallery makes an easy morning visit before returning to relax in your hot tub. It's a personal tribute rather than a sprawling museum, which somehow feels more honest given Benjamin's own measured, genuine approach to her work.