Three Hares Gallery

Three Hares Gallery sits in Exeter's creative quarter, a proper working art space rather than the usual sterile white-cube experience. You'll find contemporary work from regional artists - painting, sculpture, printmaking - the sort of stuff that actually makes you stop and think instead of scroll past on Instagram.

What strikes you immediately is how unpretentious it all feels. No velvet ropes or bewildering artist statements written in jargon. Just decent art and people who genuinely care about it. The space itself has character - high ceilings, natural light, the kind of gallery that doesn't make you feel rushed through in twenty minutes.

It's worth an hour or two if you're the sort who enjoys contemporary work, though families with young children might find it a bit thin on entertainment unless they're already into art. The gallery regularly rotates exhibitions, so there's a reason to return if you're staying locally for a week.

Perfectly placed for a gallery-and-countryside combo. Pop in while exploring Exeter's centre, then head out to Woodland Springs Touring Park or Barley Meadow just outside the city - both are proper bases for the Devon coast and moorland. Barley Meadow especially if you want a five-star site with fewer crowds.

Check their website or ring ahead before visiting - hours can shift seasonally and admission details aren't always prominently posted.