Swift Hotel

The Swift Hotel in Exeter is a working gallery housed inside an actual hotel - which means you can wander through art exhibitions without needing a room key. It's an unusual setup, frankly. The building itself carries proper character, and the rotating shows tend towards contemporary work with a regional lean. On my visit, the space felt intimate rather than grand, which suits the scale well enough.

You'll want between 45 minutes and an hour here, depending on what's on. It's the sort of place that rewards a slow walk-through rather than a rushed scan. The crowd tends to be other gallery types rather than coach-loads, so it stays quiet. Art students and serious collectors get the most from it; families with young children will probably find it a bit thin for entertainment.

Exeter itself is compact and walkable, so you can combine this with the High Street shops, the Cathedral, and the Quay without feeling like you've wasted petrol. If you're based at Devon Heaven Hideaways - the glamping spot just outside town - it's an easy morning trip before heading back for a hot tub session. That particular angle (gallery in the morning, glamping comfort by evening) works rather well.

Admission details weren't locked down at print, so ring ahead before dragging yourself into town on spec. Worth doing though, especially if the current show aligns with your taste.