St Mary

A stone's throw from Brixham's harbour, St Mary stands as one of those galleries you stumble upon and wonder how you've never heard of it before. It's a proper working art space rather than a sterile white-cube affair - the kind of place where you might catch artists actually in the studio, which changes everything about how you experience the work.

The gallery itself occupies a characterful building with decent natural light and a refreshingly unpretentious vibe. You'll find contemporary work from emerging and established artists, with exhibitions that rotate regularly enough that repeat visits actually make sense. It's not vast, so don't block out half a day, but allow a good hour if you're genuinely interested in what's on. The staff know their stuff without being precious about it.

This works brilliantly if you're based at South Bay Holiday Park just down the road - you can nip in during the afternoon when the light's best, then head back to the caravan for a cuppa. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the thoughtful curation; families with older kids who can concentrate for more than five minutes will find it manageable without becoming a chore. The real win is that it feels connected to the local creative community rather than existing solely for tourists.

Check ahead for opening hours and whether there's an admission charge - details can be sparse online. Pair it with a walk around Brixham's working harbour and you've got a decent half-day sorted.