Gem Stoned

Walk into Gem Stoned and you're surrounded by stones that actually sparkle. It's a gallery dedicated to gemstones and minerals - the kind of place where you can spend twenty minutes or two hours depending on how deep your curiosity runs. The collection includes everything from raw chunks of quartz to polished specimens that catch the light properly, plus jewellery and carved pieces. You'll find it near Ilfracombe, which makes it a solid rainy-day option when the North Devon coast turns grey.

Who gets the most from it? Geology enthusiasts, absolutely. Kids with an interest in rocks and fossils will find it engaging rather than tedious. Adults after something low-key and different from the usual seaside attractions. It's the sort of place families staying at Hele Valley Holiday Park or Watermouth Valley Camping Park might duck into mid-holiday without planning ahead.

The specifics are tricky - admission details aren't widely published online, so ring ahead before you visit. Allow an hour maximum unless you're genuinely into mineralogy. It's free of the crowds and noise you'll get at Ilfracombe's main draws, which counts for something. If you're based at one of the camping sites dotted around the area - Cheglinch Farm Glamping is close by - it's worth a quick look between beach days. Not essential to your trip, but the sort of independent spot worth finding if you like stepping away from the formulaic seaside routine.