The Pedestrians

The Pedestrians is a contemporary art gallery tucked into Exeter's creative heart, and it's the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for - which half the fun. Inside, you'll find rotating exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media work, mostly by emerging and established artists with strong local connections. The space itself is intimate rather than sprawling, so you're not trudging through endless rooms; a proper browse takes forty minutes to an hour, depending on what's on and whether you get chatting to someone about a piece.

This one appeals most to anyone who actually cares about contemporary art rather than ticking off famous names. Students do well here. So do serious collectors scouting for work they might not see in bigger galleries. If you're dragging reluctant teenagers or very young kids, they'll get bored quickly - it's not interactive or showy.

Free entry is a genuine bonus, and Exeter itself is worth half a day: the cathedral, the quayside, decent cafes and restaurants within walking distance. If you're staying at Devon Heaven Hideaways - the glamping spot just outside town - it's an easy evening visit after exploring the parks and countryside. Time it right and you could catch an artist talk or opening reception, which lifts it beyond a quiet gallery wander. Check their schedule online before you go; exhibitions change regularly and some weeks are quieter than others.