The Cove

You'll find The Cove tucked away in Ilfracombe, a proper working gallery space that takes its job seriously without any of the pretension. It's the kind of place where local artists actually show their stuff - paintings, sculptures, sometimes installations - and the work rotates regularly so there's a reason to pop back if you're staying in the area.

The gallery itself is intimate. You're not wandering through endless white-walled rooms; it feels more like stepping into someone's living room who happens to have excellent taste in art. The staff know what they're talking about and won't patronise you if you're just killing an hour between beach visits.

It works best for anyone with a genuine interest in contemporary work rather than coach parties after a quick cultural tick-box. If you're into art at all, twenty minutes to an hour is realistic depending on what's on. The real draw is that it's free to browse, though they do appreciate purchases and donations.

Geographically, it slots well into a North Devon seaside holiday. Both Hidden Valley Touring and Camping Park and Stowford Farm Meadows are within easy reach of Ilfracombe, so you could easily combine a morning here with an afternoon on the beach or exploring the coastal paths. It's the sort of thing to do on a drizzly day when the sea's too rough for swimming.