The Market Arch

Three Victorian arches span the entrance to Ilfracombe's old market square, and one of them houses a proper little art gallery that most visitors walk straight past. The Market Arch gallery showcases local artists alongside touring exhibitions, cramming a surprising amount into what was once just a passageway.

Art enthusiasts will find contemporary paintings, ceramics and photography that actually reflect North Devon's coastal character rather than generic seaside tat. The space feels intimate - you're literally standing inside a 19th-century archway - which makes viewing the work quite special. Kids might last fifteen minutes unless there's something interactive on, but adults who appreciate local creativity could easily spend an hour here.

Location-wise, it's right in Ilfracombe's heart, so you can pop in while exploring the harbour or grabbing lunch. The gallery sits well with a North Devon coast holiday - you're only minutes from the famous Tunnels Beaches and Damien Hirst's controversial Verity sculpture.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Hele Valley or Watermouth Valley, it makes a decent rainy day option or a cultural pause between beach days. The gallery adds a bit of substance to what can otherwise be a purely bucket-and-spade break along this stretch of coast.