Sparkwell Village Sign

The village sign at Sparkwell is one of those proper local touches that makes you realise you've wandered off the main drag. It's a gallery space tucked into the village itself, about four miles outside Plymouth, where you can expect to find rotating exhibitions from local and regional artists. Nothing massive - it's the kind of intimate spot where you might spend twenty minutes or forty minutes depending on what's up when you visit.

The real appeal here is that it feels genuinely lived-in rather than curated for tourists. You get actual work from people who know the area, and there's usually someone around who can talk you through what's on display. It's the sort of place that works well if you're staying at Hidden Hill Devon nearby - the glamping site's only a short drive away - and you fancy something cultural that doesn't demand half your afternoon.

Families with older kids might appreciate it more than younger ones; there's not much to hold the under-tens's attention for long. But if you're into regional art or just fancy seeing what local creatives are doing, it's worth the detour while you're in the area. The village itself is quiet and rural, which makes a nice contrast to being near Plymouth.

Best move? Ring ahead to check what's on - exhibitions change, and opening hours aren't always fixed. That way you don't drive over and find the doors shut. Five minutes from the car to the gallery, essentially.