The Sanctuary Cornwall

The Sanctuary sits on a quiet stretch of Cornish countryside near St Veep, and it's one of those places that catches you off guard. What you're looking at is a spiritual site - part gallery, part contemplative space - that's deliberately low-key about what it does. There's art dotted around, spaces designed for reflection, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to sit down rather than rush through.

It's genuinely worth stopping for if you're into contemporary art or just fancy somewhere different from the usual tourist trail. You won't find crowds here, which is either brilliant or boring depending on your mood. History enthusiasts might find it interesting as a space that sits between old and new - the grounds have a story, even if it's not loudly advertised.

Staying at Par Sands or Tremeer Farm puts you within easy striking distance - both are under three miles away. If you're basing yourself at Eden Valley or East Crinnis, it's still a short drive. Honestly, allow an hour or so unless you're someone who sits with art for ages. The site isn't massive, and there's no shop or cafe to linger in, so it's more of a focused visit than an all-afternoon job.

Check ahead before you go - details about opening hours and admission aren't straightforward, which is typical of places that don't do the corporate visitor experience thing. But if you're staying in the area and want something genuinely different from theme parks and seafront arcades, this delivers.