Wildwood Arts

You'll find Wildwood Arts tucked away on Dartmoor near Tavistock, and it's one of those places that catches you off guard with how good it actually is. The gallery showcases contemporary work from local and regional artists - paintings, sculpture, ceramics, the lot - all set within a proper creative space that doesn't feel pretentious or stuffy. It's free to wander round, which means you can pop in for twenty minutes or stay for an hour without feeling obligated to buy anything at the end.

The vibe here appeals most to actual art lovers rather than casual holiday browsers, though that's not to say families won't enjoy it. Kids might get through it in half an hour if you're lucky, so it works best as part of a wider Dartmoor morning rather than a destination in itself. The rotating exhibitions mean it's worth checking what's on before you visit - you might catch something brilliant or arrive to find work that doesn't speak to you at all.

If you're staying at Langstone Manor or Woodovis - both are within easy reach - Wildwood Arts makes a sensible wet-weather detour or a quieter alternative to the busier Tavistock attractions. The drive from either park takes barely ten minutes. Go when you've got decent light if you can, and don't expect gift shop tourism here. It's a genuine artist-run space, which is precisely why it's worth your time.