The Old Bank

The Old Bank sits in Polruan, a proper working gallery housed in what was once the village's actual bank building. It's a small operation - the sort of place you might walk past twice before noticing - but once inside, you're looking at work from local and regional artists across painting, sculpture, and mixed media. The space itself is part of the appeal: exposed stone walls, high ceilings, that particular light you only get in old converted buildings near the coast.

You're looking at maybe 45 minutes to an hour here, depending on how much time you spend with individual pieces. It's not massive, and that's the point. If you're the type who actually reads about artwork rather than just scrolling past it, you'll find plenty to engage with. Parents with young kids might find them restless - there's not much interactive about it - but teenagers interested in contemporary art will get something out of it.

Gallery admission details aren't well documented, so ring ahead or check in person when you're in Polruan itself. The village is compact and walkable, so you can combine this with a wander along the riverside and a decent lunch somewhere local.

For a holiday based at one of the nearby parks - Tremeer Farm's only 2.2 miles away if you're doing the yurt glamping thing, or Par Sands if you prefer traditional caravan facilities - The Old Bank works as a rainy-day option or a proper cultural stop rather than a headline attraction. It's part of a wider Polruan experience rather than a reason to visit on its own.