Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art sits just inland from Budleigh Salterton, a working space that takes modern art seriously without the pretension you'd expect from the title. It's small enough that you won't need half a day, but substantial enough that you won't feel short-changed either. The collection rotates, so what's on changes regularly - worth checking ahead before you make the trip.

This is genuinely for people who care about contemporary work. If your idea of museum fun is gift shop browsing and a café stop, you'll be bored within twenty minutes. But if you're someone who engages with what's being made now - installations, sculpture, paintings from artists who are still at it - you'll find it rewarding. The Devon location means it's not overrun with school trips, which keeps the atmosphere focused and quiet.

Parking near Budleigh Salterton is manageable if you time it right. The town itself has proper independent shops and a decent seafront, so you can easily make an afternoon of it. From Ladram Bay Holiday Park, it's only about twenty minutes' drive, or roughly the same from Oakdown - meaning it works well as a half-day outing when the weather turns dodgy. Summer heat brings crowds to the beaches; the museum stays cool and undisturbed. Admission details and current exhibitions will be worth confirming online before you visit - opening hours can be restricted in winter months.