The New Gallery

The New Gallery in Truro is a proper working art space - the sort of place where you'll stumble upon actual artists in the studio rather than just polished pieces on white walls. It's contemporary work mostly, with rotating exhibitions that change regularly, so there's always something fresh when you visit. The building itself has character, and the vibe is refreshingly unpretentious compared to some galleries that take themselves far too seriously.

You're looking at anything from painting and sculpture to installations and mixed media. On a good day you'll find the artists around, which makes it worth lingering for a proper chat rather than just walking through. Most people spend 45 minutes to an hour here, though if you're genuinely into contemporary art you could stretch that longer. It's free to get in, which is brilliant.

This works well as part of a broader Truro morning - grab a coffee, browse the gallery, potter round the cathedral and nearby shops. If you're staying at Veryan Camping and Caravanning Club Site, it's under five miles away, so easily doable as a half-day trip when you fancy something off the beach. Families with older kids who have some patience for contemporary work will get something out of it. Young children might find it a bit quiet and abstract for their tastes, if I'm honest.

Timing-wise, go midweek if you can. Weekends get busier and lose some of that intimate studio feeling. Worth the detour if you're in the area and like work that actually challenges you a bit.