Lemon Street Gallery

You'll find this tucked away in Truro's heart, a proper independent gallery that takes itself seriously without the stuffiness. Lemon Street itself is lined with local businesses and independent shops, so it's worth an hour's wander even if the current exhibition doesn't grab you. The gallery rotates shows regularly - mostly contemporary work from Cornish artists and emerging talent. Some months it's painting, others installation or mixed media. It's small, which means you either feel like you've discovered something intimate or you're done in twenty minutes flat, depending on what's on.

This is somewhere for the art-minded, really. Not a kids' destination unless yours are genuinely interested in what's on the walls. The staff know their stuff and will chat about the work if you ask, which is refreshing. Admission is free most of the time, though special exhibitions sometimes charge - worth checking their website before you go. If you're camped at Carnon Downs, Trevarth, or Trethem Mill, Truro's just a short drive, and the gallery makes a sensible stop when the weather's too much for outdoor exploring. Pair it with lunch on Lemon Street itself - proper proper coffee places and decent lunch spots around.

Not a must-do if you're holiday-maxing your days, but if you're staying put for a few days and the rain comes in, it's the sort of place that reminds you why independent galleries matter.