The Old Forge Gallery

The Old Forge Gallery sits just outside Bude, converted from what was once an actual working forge - you can still feel the history in the stone walls. It's a proper local spot, the kind of place that shows what happens when someone gives a damn about supporting actual artists rather than churning out tourist tat.

Inside you'll find paintings, ceramics, jewellery and sculpture from regional makers, all rotating seasonally so there's a reason to pop back if you're staying in the area. The space itself is intimate - you can see everything in twenty minutes or linger over a coffee if something catches you. No pretension, no velvet ropes, just work that's worth looking at.

History buffs will get a kick out of the building itself, but honestly this isn't a museum visit. It's more for people who actually want to engage with art rather than tick a box. Families with restless kids might find it a bit quiet, though the intimate scale means younger ones won't feel lost.

If you're based at Pencuke Farm Holiday Cottages or the Bude Camping and Caravanning Club Site - both within easy reach - it's worth squeezing in between beach days. Free entry as far as I can tell, though opening hours can be variable so ring ahead. The nearby clifftop walks around Bude proper are the real draw for a full day out, but this gallery makes a solid rainy-afternoon alternative when the coast gets too windy.