South Gate Gallery

The South Gate Gallery sits tucked away in Exeter's city centre, occupying a space that feels genuinely removed from the usual retail buzz. Inside you'll find contemporary art and craft work - the kind of place where local artists actually show their pieces, not endless prints of seaside piers. The gallery rotates exhibitions regularly, so what's on depends entirely on when you visit. Walls are clean, light floods in properly, and there's none of that pretentious gallery atmosphere that puts people off.

It's worth a stop if you're already in Exeter's historic quarter, but don't kid yourself it's a destination in itself. Most visitors spend forty minutes to an hour here, depending on how engaged you are with the work on display. The space works well for art types and anyone genuinely interested in contemporary work - kids will either love it or want to leg it straight back outside. If you're staying at Devon Heaven Hideaways' glamping spots near Exeter, it's a sensible rainy-day option before heading back for the hot tub.

Exeter itself rewards a proper wander. The Cathedral is adjacent, the Quay's a pleasant walk away, and you can spend a morning drifting between galleries, cafes and half-timbered streets without feeling rushed. The South Gate Gallery fits into that pattern rather than standing alone. Check ahead on what's showing - that'll determine whether it's worth your time or whether you'd be better off exploring the city's museums and independent shops instead.