Whistlefish Padstow

You'll find Whistlefish tucked into Padstow's winding streets, a gallery that takes its name seriously - it's all about fish, and it does the subject matter with proper enthusiasm. The space showcases contemporary art centred on marine life, which sounds niche until you realise how inventive artists can be when given a subject and a coastal town to inspire them.

It's the sort of place where you pop in for twenty minutes and end up staying longer than expected. The work ranges from photography to sculpture to mixed media pieces, most of it thoughtful rather than twee. Families with older kids who aren't already bored by galleries will find it accessible enough - there's something visually engaging about art that isn't entirely abstract.

Admission details aren't widely advertised, so ring ahead or check their social media before you go. If you're staying at Padstow Holiday Village or Dennis Cove Campsite nearby, it's an easy detour on a rainy afternoon or when you want to break up beach time. Padstow itself is worth a proper afternoon - the harbour is lovely, the restaurants are solid, and if Whistlefish fits your mood, great. If not, you haven't lost much time.

This isn't a blockbuster attraction that justifies a trip on its own, but it's exactly what a small Cornish coastal town should have - something unexpected that rewards curiosity. Go in without high expectations and you might be pleasantly surprised.