Frames & Boxes with Gallery FAB

You'll find this gallery tucked away in Newton Abbot, a working artist's space where the owner actually makes frames and boxes on site. It's a proper hands-on sort of place - more workshop than white-walled showroom. The FAB gallery side displays contemporary work in a refreshingly unpretentious way, and because it's small, you're not trudging through endless rooms.

What makes it worth stopping for is the chance to see genuine craftsmanship. There's something satisfying about watching how a frame gets made, understanding the joints and finishes. The gallery side rotates regularly, so if you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Dornafield or The Smithy are closest - it's a solid rainy afternoon option without being a major undertaking.

You won't need more than an hour here unless you're keen to commission something bespoke or chat with the makers. This appeals most to people who actually care about materials and process rather than those after Instagram backdrops. Families with restless kids might find it a bit quiet.

Bit of a heads-up though - details on admission and opening hours are thin on the ground, so ring ahead or check their website before you trek over from your caravan. Located conveniently close to Newton Abbot itself, it works well as part of a broader Dartmoor exploration rather than a destination visit. The nearby parks give you a proper base for exploring the area properly.