Velarde Art Gallery

You'll find this gallery tucked away near Kingsbridge, a proper working art space rather than some stuffed-shirt institution. The Velarde Art Gallery showcases contemporary work in a setting that feels genuinely lived-in - the kind of place where you might actually bump into the artists themselves. It's not enormous, which means you won't spend hours wandering through endless rooms, but that's rather the point. The work rotates regularly, so there's always something fresh to see if you're returning.

This is ideal for anyone who gets a genuine kick out of local art without the pretension. Families with older kids will appreciate it far more than those with toddlers - there's not much here to occupy young ones for long. Walkers passing through the South Devon area might duck in for an hour between countryside rambles, though it's not a destination you'd plan an entire day around.

If you're based at one of the excellent campsites nearby - South Devon Camping at Lower Terawhiti Farm or Wilton Farm Camping are both outstanding - the gallery makes for a pleasant rainy-day alternative or a browsing session on an afternoon when you fancy something beyond the usual park activities. Kingsbridge itself is worth poking around, and the gallery fits naturally into a wider exploration of the town's quieter corners. Check ahead for opening times before making the trip, as smaller galleries can keep irregular hours, but it's worth the detour if contemporary art's your thing.