Spymass

Spymass is a contemporary art gallery tucked away in Devon that punches well above its weight. The space itself feels refreshingly unpretentious - think white walls and good light rather than cathedral ceilings and velvet ropes. What you get depends entirely on what's hanging when you visit, but the gallery has a track record of showing work that actually makes you stop and think rather than drift past politely.

It's the kind of place that appeals to people who care about art without needing it spelled out for them. If you're the type who'd rather spend an hour properly looking at three pieces than rushing through two dozen, you'll find something here. Families with older kids might enjoy it too, depending on the exhibition - though younger children could get restless quickly if the show doesn't grab them.

The gallery's close enough to Dawlish that you could easily combine it with time on the seafront or exploring the coastal path. It's also well-positioned if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Lady's Mile or Golden Sands - less than four miles from either. Pop in between a beach day and dinner rather than making it a standalone trip. Admission and opening hours vary by exhibition, so check ahead before you go. Worth knowing: this is proper local art territory, so you might discover something you won't see elsewhere.