New Craftsman Gallery

The New Craftsman Gallery sits in St Ives, that proper creative hotspot on Cornwall's north coast, and it's a refreshing break from the usual seaside gift shop circuit. Inside you'll find work from actual makers - ceramics, textiles, jewellery, paintings - the kind of stuff where you can see the thought behind each piece rather than mass-produced tat. The space itself feels intimate without being cramped, and the staff actually know what they're talking about, which makes a difference when you're trying to work out if something's worth the money.

It's best suited to people who care about craft and design. If you're after Instagram backdrops and novelty fudge, you'll be disappointed. Families with older kids who aren't permanently glued to screens might find it interesting for half an hour or so, but little ones will likely get bored fast. The real appeal is for anyone with a working holiday in the area who wants to see what local makers are producing - it's far better than another chain boutique.

There's no admission charge as far as I can tell, which is generous. The gallery works brilliantly as part of a St Ives afternoon: wander in from the beach, grab a coffee, have a proper look at the pieces. If you're staying at Polmanter Touring Park or Haven Riviere Sands just outside town, it's barely a detour. Even from Higher Trevaskis or Foxglove Field, you're only twenty minutes away. Worth the walk up from the harbour, honestly.