The Big Apple

The Big Apple is a gallery space just outside Ilfracombe, tucked into Devon's north coast where the landscape rolls toward the sea. It's the kind of place that rewards curiosity - a working art venue rather than a grand institution, which means you'll find actual artists and makers, not just polished exhibitions behind velvet ropes.

What you get depends on what's showing when you visit. The space pivots between contemporary art, craft, and the sort of work that catches you off-guard because it's genuinely made by people who live here. There's real Devon character in that - this coast draws artists properly, not just retirees dabbling in watercolours.

For families, it works best with older kids who can spend more than twenty minutes looking at things. If you're hoping to tire out a five-year-old, aim elsewhere. But if you've got teenagers or you're a keen art follower, it's well worth an hour of your time, especially on a damp afternoon when the beaches aren't appealing.

Ilfracombe itself is worth a proper poke around - the harbour is proper lovely, and there's decent fish and chips if you're peckish after. The holiday parks within spitting distance (Hele Valley is barely a mile away, Watermouth Valley closer to two) make it an easy half-day slot between beach time and evening drinks. It's free or donation-based on most days, though I'd ring ahead to check what's actually on - no point driving over if the space is dark.